Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102394

Coordinator Sam Lane Opens in new window

Description Social work practice is informed by, and negotiated through, policy, legislative and ethical frameworks. This subject focuses on how these frameworks influence and shape social work practice in Australia and provides an opportunity for students to critically reflect upon their power, responsibilities and obligations In this subject, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to advocate for marginalised and disadvantaged individuals and groups through activism and advocacy and, work for social justice change through reform of legislation and policy.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Social Work

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 1792 Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Critically analyse legislative and policy practices that both enhance and inhibit wellbeing at individual, family and community levels.
2. Analyse aspects of state mental health, domestic violence and child protection legislation relevant to social work practice, including confidentiality, involuntary interventions and guardianship.
3. Critically analyse different models of social policy making in Australia
4. Analyse and integrate knowledge of and commitment to social work values and ethics to guide professional practice.
5. Critically evaluate the application of advocacy skills in relation to legislative and policy frameworks and processes.

Subject Content

- legal frameworks for social work practice in Australia
- The policy process
- political institutions and policy making
- Legislative and policy practices that both enhance and inhibit wellbeing at individual, family and community levels.
Case studies:
child wellbeing and protection
mental health
family violence
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- ethics and social work practice
- Advocacy strategies using knowledge of Legislative and policy frameworks and processes