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Course Outline

SWK777 Children, Youth and Families: Challenges, Critique and Change

Course Coordinator:Zalia Powell (zpowell@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This is a direct skills course which covers key knowledge and skills for social workers and human services workers engaged in child, youth and family practice. This course will explore knowledge and skills necessary for working with children, youth and families from diverse backgrounds in a range of complex practice contexts such as child protection, domestic and family violence, and mental health.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online Learning Materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Tutorial x 2 hours 2hrs Week 2 10 times

Course Topics

- Working with children, youth and families

- Theories for social work with children, youth and families

- Skills based and evidence informed knowledge for practice

- Assessment and documentation skills

Please note that due to the nature of social work practice, this course provides students with an overview of a number of practice areas which are considered mature content and could be found to be confronting. The course will deliver content, and require completion of assessment tasks, that consider client circumstances across a range of practice contexts eg, domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol use, child abuse and neglect, mental illness and suicidality, trauma, medical complexity, and disability.

Mature Content

Drug Use, Sex/Sexual references, Violence, Coarse Language, Adult themes

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Association of Social Workers
1 Apply a professional knowledge framework informed by critical understanding of contemporary social work theory and research Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical 
5, 9
2 Assess the nature, implications and level of risk to clients and incorporate this into the overall clinical assessment Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker 
1, 6
3 Keep accurate and comprehensive records and communicate in written and oral modes in a style consistent with an emerging social work professional Knowledgeable
Ethical 
1, 7
4 Apply knowledge of social work ethics in practice with children, youth and families, including an understanding and integration of the values, principles and guidelines described in the AASW Code of Ethics. Knowledgeable
Ethical 
1
5 Transfer, adapt and apply knowledge in diverse contexts Knowledgeable
Ethical
Information literacy 
1, 4, 5, 6
6 Accurately gather pertinent information and analyse key factors to form a comprehensive, professional assessment. Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged 
1, 6
7 Demonstrate active learning and openness to new and emerging knowledge, research and evidence informing social work practice Knowledgeable
Empowered
Engaged
Collaboration 
9
8 Apply initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving, and decision making Knowledgeable
Problem solving 
6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Association of Social Workers
1 Practice Standard 1: AASW Code of Ethics
4 Practice Standard 4: Culture, identity and intersectionality
5 Practice Standard 5: Critical thinking in practice
6 Practice Standard 6: Exercising professional judgement
7 Practice Standard 7: Professional identity
9 Practice Standard 9: Professional growth

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

You will have an advanced understanding of the integration of critical postmodern theory to social work practice, and to critically analyse the ideological underpinnings of dominant discourses and power and respond in creative ways to challenges posed by the socio-political contexts in which families and social workers reside.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback will be provided based on class participation, reflective tasks and quiz results.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Activity Participation Individual 10% 
10 weeks
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Discussion Board
All 2 Quiz/zes Individual 25% 
1 hour
 Refer to Format Online Test (Quiz)
All 3 Artefact - Creative, and Oral Individual 25% 
10-15 minutes recorded powerpoint presentation
 Week 8 Online Submission
All 4 Written Piece Individual 40% 
2500 words
 Week 13 Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Tutorial Attendance and Participation
Goal: 
AASW external accreditation requires
mandatory attendance for skills based
courses. Students must attend weekly
tutorials and actively participate in all
tutorial activities and Canvas learning materials.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
Tutorial attendance will be recorded to meet external AASW accreditation requirements. Student participation and engagement assessed based upon attendance and participation across tutorials and completion of set tasks and learning content on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Tutorial attendance and demonstration of working with others in a group environment
 5
2 
Demonstrate application of active learning and openness to new and emerging knowledge, research and evidence informing social work practice
 7
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Quizzes
Goal: 
To demonstrate an understanding of
various approaches, theories, models and
frameworks in children, youth and families social work.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
Students will complete multiple choice quizzes in weeks 4 and 7. The quizzes are open book and cover content from online materials, tutorials, mini lectures and set readings.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Transfer, adapt and apply knowledge in diverse contexts
 5
2 
Demonstrate an understanding of social work theory and research
 1
Generic Skills: 
Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Genogram and Ecomap Presentation
Goal: 
Demonstrate the ability to create an accurate genogram and ecomap for the chosen case study. Using a narrated Powerpoint, present your genogram and ecomap and identify your evidence based plan for social work intervention.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Oral
Format: 
Students are to prepare a 10 to 15 minute recorded oral PowerPoint presentation that explains the genogram and ecomap for a case study they have chosen. Students are required to consider the audience as social worker colleagues who are meeting to discuss client cases. Oral presentations are to be recorded in Powerpoint and submitted via Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Ability to accurately generate a genogram which illustrates all relevant family members, psychosocial factors and relationships with correct use of genogram symbols and an accurate legend.
 5 6
2 
Ability to accurately generate an ecomap and apply it accurately to define and explain the relationships presented within the case study
 5
3 
Ability to adequately summarise and apply an appropriate Social Work approach consistent with AASW COE
 4 6
4 
Ability to present a clear, comprehensive, and professional written and verbal communication reflective of an emerging social work professional. Includes a reference list with consistent and accurate referencing style.
 3
5 
Correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Logically and coherently presented. Genogram and Ecomap include a legend of symbols.
 3
6 
Presentation is a professional, coherent and logical explanation of the genogram, ecomap and AASW standards.
 3 4 5 6
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 4:Case Study - Social Work Risk Assessment
Goal: 
Apply social work skills to develop a risk assessment based on a case study. To demonstrate an understanding of a relevant social work theory as it relates to the case study.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Students are required to complete a social work risk assessment using the template and case study provided. 
Students will analyse the role of a chosen theory in relation to the case study. Students will form an evidence based social work assessment and a plan for intervention that demonstrates family centred practice principles.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Ability to discuss and critically analyse the chosen theory in relation to the case study
 1
2 
Ability to identify and analyse key risk and protective factors.
 2 5 6
3 
Ability to apply a family centred approach to the case study which is evidence based and consistent with best practice.
 1 4 5
4 
Ability to develop and describe a clear, evidence based assessment/clinical impression of the case study.
 5 6
5 
Ability to develop and describe appropriate recommendations and plans for the case study which are influenced by best practice and a clear evidence base.
 3 5 8
6 
Correct use of grammar, spelling and sentence structure to produce a professional document consistent with social work documentation standards.
 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies

Assessment to competency mapping

Programme Delivery Mode Assessment Type Title Competency Teaching Methods
Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS)
All delivery modes Activity Participation Tutorial Attendance and Participation 7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
9 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Artefact - Creative, and Oral Genogram and Ecomap Presentation 1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Quiz/zes Quizzes 1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Written Piece Case Study - Social Work Risk Assessment 4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation requires mandatory attendance at all tutorials/workshops for this course in order to meet a minimum number of on-campus delivered hours. Attendance will be recorded to ensure that students are meeting the requirements set out by the AASW. Not attending face-to-face tutorials/workshops could impact the ability to go on field placement and graduate from the MSWQ.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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