Undergraduate Module Descriptors 2012/13
SWU206: Social Work , Criminal Justice and Youth Offending
| Module Title |
Social Work , Criminal Justice and Youth Offending |
| Module Code |
SWU206 |
| Module Tutor |
Andrea Collins |
| School |
Institute of Education and Public Services |
| CAT Points |
15 |
| Level of Study |
5 |
| Pre-requisites |
Before taking this module you must pass SWU103 |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| Restrictions |
None |
| Brief Description |
The module introduces social workers to a broad theoretical understanding of crime and deviance, with a particular focus on the development of offending behaviour in young people.
Students will explore the criminal justice system and its legal basis in detail and review the role of social work in the system. Particular attention will be paid to changing approaches to probation and the development of the youth offending team.
Students will have the opportunity to develop and explore the skills necessary for effectiveness in the court setting and with other CJS professionals. There will be an emphasis on effective assessment, including risk assessment, report writing and giving of evidence in court. |
| Indicative Syllabus |
The module will begin with an exploration of theories of crime and deviance with a particular emphasis on exploring the development of offending behaviour in children and young people.
Students will then explore the structure of the criminal justice system; will revisit and extend their understanding of the development of contemporary criminal justice policy with a particular emphasis on youth offending policy; will discuss the roles and responsibilities of key players in the CJ system.
The module will then review the legal basis and current framework of interventions and punishments in the CJS from ASBOs to imprisonment and will consider evidence for effectiveness.
Students will then explore the different ways in which social workers might become involved in the CJS and will consider the specific responsibilities of probation officers and Youth Offending Team members.
Finally, the module will enable students to develop key skills in the courtroom setting including assessment of risk and seriousness (including that represented by mentally disordered offenders) effective report writing, advocacy and representation and evidence giving.
Links with USW317 Substance Use and Misuse and USW216 Mental Health (in respect of mentally disordered offenders). |
| Learning Outcomes |
i. Knowledge and understanding
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
a) Evaluate key theories of crime and deviance and discuss the development of offending behaviour in young people
b) Analyse the structure and key elements of the criminal justice system
c) Evaluate the development of contemporary criminal justice policy and review the particular implications for young people
d) Review the legislative basis and current framework of interventions and punishments within the criminal justice system and evaluate their effectiveness
e) Review the roles of social workers in the criminal justice system and understand the specific responsibilities of probation officers and YOT members
f) Identify critical skills in assessment, risk management, and courtroom practice
ii. Skills
a) Assessment and risk management
b) Report writing
c) Representation of self and others in the courtroom
d) Giving evidence |
| Learning and Teaching Activities |
Staff/student contact circa 20% (to include, lectures, seminars, small group work, on line tuition)
Student independent study circa 80% (to include reading and assignment preparation, personal research and visits) |
| Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) |
001: 50% Coursework: Standard: 2000 words or equivalent
002: 50% Coursework: Standard: 1000 words or equivalent
|
| Special Assessment Requirements |
None |
| Indicative Resources |
The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide. |
