Child and Family Welfare (SCWK90039)

Child and family welfare is a long established major field of practice for professional social workers. This subject, delivered predominantly online, offers flexibility and opportunities for self-directed learning. The subject gives students a foundation for social work practice in the field of services to children at risk of harm, and their families and carers. It uses a framework for understanding and responding to the child in the family, network and community. The subject pays particular attention to the theoretical and practical aspects of understanding and responding to risk and serious harm to children. It considers state-level, national and international approaches to protecting children and working with families. The subject outlines key legislation and practice approaches in the area of family services, child protection and out-of-home care. It covers previous and current efforts to reform the child protection systems. Students will learn about the particular functions and skills required of social workers practicing in this field.