Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400511

Coordinator Robyn North Opens in new window

Description This subject examines the context and challenges for social policy in Australia and the relationship between social policy and social work practice. Topics covered include: fundamental debates in welfare policy; comparative and historical contexts in how welfare policy is developed; the impacts of remedial welfare policy and policy solutions to disadvantage; and strategies to influence policy development related to social work practice.

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

Pre-requisite(s) WELF 1002

Equivalent Subjects WELF 3010 - Political Economy of the Welfare State

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in program 1666/4598 Bachelor of Social Work, 1713 Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice/Bachelor of Social Work or 1874 Postgraduate Bridging Program (Social Work).

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Identify fundamental debates in social policy about the aims and achievements of Australia�fs welfare system.
2. Critically assess the relationships between policy making, policy analysis, policy research and social work practice.
3. Consider the implications of policy values for alternative forms of social welfare practice.
4. Analyse current policy issues from a standpoint directed toward developing alternative policy and practice pathways to the future.
5. Reflect on personal values and attitudes in relation to significant social policy in practice issues.

Subject Content

What is social policy?
Fundamental debates in social policy.
History of social welfare provision in Australia and social policy.
Policy making process.
Social policy in practice and current reforms.
Case studies in policy making, policy analysis and policy advocacy.