SWK-7013A Child and Adolescent Development and Mental Health (Essex)
Key Details
- Module leader
- Dr Carlene Cornish
- Credit value
- 20 MA credits, autumn semester
- Module fee
- £560
- Submission of summative assessed work
- 3pm, TBA January 2025, to be confirmed
Welcome to Norwich
According to the Sunday Times the city is one of the best places to live in the UK.
Introduction
What are the specific markers of difference between children and adolescents that shape their prospects in life and the social welfare context? How does race, culture, social class, disability, and sexuality impact the developmental growth and mental health experiences of children and adolescents in contemporary society? What role does parenting play and what specific challenges do non-UK mothers face that result in children and adolescents becoming looked after? How are children’s mental health problems viewed in families and by professionals, and what are the implications? How do we instigate hope, resilience and belonging?
This module will cover relevant child development theories to enhance practitioners’ and managers’ understanding and appreciation of child and adolescent development and mental health as a basis for effective professional practice with children and families. It is important to consider the significant influences of intersectional factors such as race, ethnicity, disability, social class and sexuality in social work with children e.g., family support; work with children with disabilities; child protection; children in care; kinship, fostering, adoption or residential care; CAMHs; Cafcass; IRO; youth offending. Westernised theorisation such as Attachment Theory and the Secure Base Model are considered, alongside Afrocentric theories such as the SAWUBONA model too, emphasising the need for a working knowledge of the socio-cultural and ancestral contexts of social work with ethnic minoritised families.
This module can be taken on a stand-alone basis or be put towards the MA in Advanced Social Work (180 credits). It is possible to exit from the MA with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits). Applications are open to social workers with at least one year’s post-qualified experience.
Teaching and Assessment
MODULE STRUCTURE
The module includes two taught days, a workshop focussed on case discussion for the assignment, private study, and the submission of a case-based assignment. Resources, including guidance and reading material will also be provided.
MODULE OUTCOMES
The module will provide:
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A critical understanding of the main dimensions and stages of child development including the developmental milestones which children and young people need to reach in order to achieve optimal development and mental health.
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A critical understanding of the constellation of factors which ensure safe and effective care for children in birth, foster and adoptive families, including attachment and the impact of a history of abuse and neglect, separation and loss on the development and mental health of children of different ages.
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Knowledge of the links between developmental psychology, psychopathology and the significant social and ecological factors in caregiving and wider environments that impact on child and adolescent development and mental health.
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An understanding of how to apply this knowledge in contributing to multi-professional assessments of children, care planning and direct work, including for children with disabilities, in relation to their current and future developmental and mental health needs.
The knowledge, understanding and skills involved in this module therefore link to both the PCF and the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Child and Family Practitioners. The teaching days will include the opportunity to discuss the application of theory and research to different areas of practice. There are 2 taught days plus a workshop.
ASSESSMENT
The title of the assignment is: Child and Adolescent Development and Mental Health Case Study.
Due for electronic submission: by 3pm TBA January 2025, to be confirmed
The task is:
Describe and analyse the development of a child you are working with or have recently worked with (e.g., direct work, assessment, care planning or supporting caregivers). Show how you have used child development knowledge and theory to inform your thinking and your practice with the child or young person, their family and other professionals involved, paying particular attention to the child’s mental health.
The word limit is 4,000 words.
Expected time spent by students
For 20 credits: 200 effort hours.
TEACHING DATES
We are expecting these to take place in person at UEA. This will be confirmed nearer the time.
- 10th Oct 2024: 10am -4.30pm
- 7th November 2024: 10am -4.30pm
- 5th December 2024: 10am -1pm (workshop to support the assessment)
How to apply
Please contact your agency Workforce Development Department about the application process. If this is your first CPD module at UEA you will need to register with UEA Admissions.
If this is a second or further CPD module you will need to enrol through the Postgraduate Learning and Teaching Service.
Please ensure you have approval from your agency before you enrol.
Applications for 2024-2025 open in mid-June and you must apply before September 2024 (date TBC).
Please be aware that this module will need a minimum of 15 students to run and teaching, assessment dates and venues, are subject to change. All up to date information will be available via your UEA Evision account once you are enrolled onto the module.