Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101768

Coordinator Samia Michail Opens in new window

Description This subject examines the way in which child abuse has become a public issue. It considers the assumptions, values and interests which underlie definitions of abuse as well as intervention and prevention strategies promoted to protect children from abuse. The subject examines cultural constructions of childhood, the positioning of children within society, relations of power between children and adults within communities and families, gender relations, and social discourses about children and families. The subject emphasises the importance of children being active participants in decisions made for their protection; and intervention and prevention strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Social Work

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYB 5808 - Child Abuse as a Social Issue
WELF 3001- Child Abuse as a Social Issue

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in program 1689 Bachelor of Community and Social Development and must have successfully completed 60 credit points.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse state and community responses to child abuse
2. Identify the ideologies and theories underpinning different definitions of child abuse
3. Recognise the impact of social and cultural factors in shaping social discourses about children and their families, including gender relations, power relationships between children and adults and the position of children within families
4. Demonstrate critical understanding of intervention and prevention strategies within Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities
5. Examine the impact on children of child abuse interventions and prevention programs
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the skills required for working directly with children in abusive situations

Subject Content

1. Theoretical and ideological frameworks for understanding Child Abuse
2. The construction of Childhood
3. Competing cultural and social definitions of childhood
4. Power relationships between adults and children and between children and the state
5. Construction of child abuse as a social problem
6. The position of children particularly in relation to child protection
7. Roles of key stakeholders including agencies, families, communities, the state and children
8. Skills in working with children
9. Role of the legal system in child protection
10. Intervention strategies including out-of-home care
11. Prevention and early intervention with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities