Unit information: Family Support in 2013/14

Unit name	Family Support
Unit code	SOWK20002
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Turney
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is concerned with the difficulties and stresses that families can experience and the kinds of support available for parents, carers and children which promote children’s development. The legal and policy framework for family support is examined. Examples of targeted provisions for children and families are considered and the impact of Government initiatives such as Sure Start and children’s centres explored in depth. Issues that impact on children’s wellbeing and development, such as child abuse, experience of domestic violence, poverty, disability and discrimination are studied. A visit to a chosen Family Support Agency is an important part of the unit.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of studying this unit students should be able to:

• Understand family support services
• Link knowledge and research and practice in agencies
• Develop group study and presentation skills
• Have experience of one family support agency

Teaching Information

Lectures, seminar classes, agency visit.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment is through a group presentation based on an agency visit;

Summative assessment is based on an unseen 3-hour exam.

Reading and References

• Canavan, J., Dolan, P. and Pinkerton, J. (2000) Family Support: Direction from diversity. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

• Children Act 1989 Part 3 Local Authority Support for Children and Families (available in reference section of Law Library)

• Dolan, P., Canavan, J. & Pinkerton, J. (2006) Family Support as Reflective Practice. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

• Foley, P., Roche, J. and Tucker, S. (eds) (2000), Children in Society: Contemporary Theory, Policy and Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

• Miller, S. (2010) Supporting Parents: Improving outcomes for children, families and communities. .Maidenhead: Open University Press