Course Resources Archive

The module focuses on the key principles of the Children Act 1989 and subsequent legislation, and their application for practice. Legal and professional roles and responsibilities will be critically explored in relation to upholding the rights of the child and safeguarding and promoting their welfare.

The module will have a clear framework of anti-discriminatory practice and collaborative working across the child care sector, and will emphasise the importance of child-centred practice and partnership with parents and carers. It is suitable for anyone working within, or with experience of services for children.

This module provides an introduction to, and overview of, recent child welfare policy and practice and considers their impact on the developing child.  The module will explore theimpact of the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004, and the Children and Young Persons Act 2008 and other legislation relevant to the student's role and responsibilities.

Using case examples, students will develop confidence in using and applying the law for their practice including preparing evidence for care proceedings.

The law in relation to children in need and children at risk of significant harm, the looked after child and leaving care; youth offending and children with complex health care and learning needs, asylum seeking children and refugees, will all be explored, critically reflecting on practice dilemmas and the law in relation to competing rights and responsibilities.

The principles of collaborative and partnership working will be explored in depth.

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

1. Analyse and critique current UK child welfare policy and contrast it with European and international models
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the importance of partnership, collaborative practice and the advocacy of children’s rights and the ability to actively promote develop and implement service user and carers rights and participation
3. Be able to use policy and legislation including case law and legal concepts to develop an argument for a plan, service or intervention which serves to promote the child's rights within the context of the student's occupational standards and Code of Practice
4. Work effectively as a practitioner in a context of risk, uncertainty, conflict and contradiction where there are complex challenges and a need to make informed and balanced judgments

Staff / student contact: 20% (workshops, telephone  tutorials, on-line support) Student directed learning: 80% This will include study of on-line materials, and directed study from these materials, assembling portfolio and other assessed work, and relevant staff supervision

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.