196-311 Social Work Practice with Families

Formerly available as 196-016/411. Students who have completed 196-016/411 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.

196-006 Psychosocial Theory and Practice and 196-008 Supervised Professional Practice 1#.

Family problems are the daily concern of social workers in direct practice across a wide range of settings. This subject extends the assessment frameworks and intervention repertoire from the first year Social Work Theory and Practice sequence to better accommodate the needs of families and the complexity of family work. Students will be introduced to a range of theoretical frameworks and practice tools relevant to family intervention, chiefly derived from family therapy as it has evolved over several decades, but viewed through the lens of contemporary social work practice challenges. Emphasis will be placed upon students' capacity to critically evaluate these theoretical approaches and to examine their relevance for varied organisational contexts and diverse presenting issues in family social work.

• be able to critically analyse texts and practices;

• be able to understand social, cultural, organisational and ethical contexts of practice;

• be able to link theory to practice in creative ways;

• be able to competently communicate in speech and writing in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;

• be able to undertake independent research;

• be able to work effectively with colleagues.

Class presentation and submission of syndicated class material totalling 1000 words 40% (due during semester) and an assignment of 3000 words 60% (due end of semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum of 80% attendance of seminars required.

A subject reader will be available.

• M Nichols & R Schwartz, The Essentials of Family Therapy. Allyn & Bacon 2005, 2nd Edition.