Child Welfare Methods

The subject is about the complex academic and ethical assessments a child welfare worker meets in services. It is also about the use of specific methods in support and interventions in the framework of the child welfare services legislation. Students learn to make professional assessments of care measures and how these can help reduce the risks and support children and young people's everyday life. Communication with vulnerable children and young people, their families, networks and other public service providers is central. It focuses on how different interventions can help create good relationships. The course integrates theoretical and research-based knowledge with practical knowledge and knowledge from children and parents.

Knowledge:
- Has a broad knowledge of child welfare assessments and decisions that underlie the choice of support and intervention.
- Has knowledge of resource-focused and solution-oriented communication and collaboration with children and parents during the initiation phase.
- Have knowledge of various support and intervention methods and approaches that can improve the situation of children and young people.
-Has knowledge of recruitment, training, matching and follow-up of foster homes.
- Has knowledge of how art, culture, activities and social pedagogic approach can contribute to vulnerable children and young people's learning, coping and development.

Skills:
-Can apply the child welfare law's rules in order to identify when actions from services should take place.
-can reflect on vulnerable children and parents' involvement and legal protection related to child welfare support and interventions.
-Can use theoretical knowledge and relevant research knowledge in assessing measures that will improve the situation of children and adolescents exposed to gross neglect and abuse.
- Can develop a plan for and reflect on how the design, follow-up and evaluation of an action plan are done in cooperation with children and parents.
-Identify and reflect on ethical dilemmas associated with support and interventions for vulnerable children and families.

General competence:
- Has insight into academic, legal and ethical considerations related to the implementation and follow-up of support and interventions based on the needs of the child and family.
- Can plan a child welfare process in line with legal and ethical principles.
-Give reasons for and communicate written choices and decisions related to child welfare measures.
-Knowing innovation processes within child welfare support and interventions.

Lectures, field studies, skills training and activities, group work, self-study, written assignments and oral presentations,