Singapore University of Social Sciences

Social work with children occupies a key part of the field. This is because (a) children have potential vulnerabilities that give rise to support and protection needs and (b) childhood is the principal time of growth and development requiring good parenting and multidisciplinary developmental input. This module provides a grounding in social work skills for working with children. It approaches the task in three dimensions: (a) Principles, Law & Practice; (b) Protecting Vulnerable Children; and (c) Disruption and Distress. Within these three dimensions, it aims to equip students with the following: • Knowledge and skills to appraise the needs and developmental tasks of children; Develop, implement and review planned interventions to safeguard children; • Be aware of issues around protecting vulnerable children alongside the duty to safeguard balanced against privacy; and • Apply the strengths and empowerment perspective to practice with children. Recent demographic changes in Singaporean family life which give rise to specific childhood needs are explored. Through an examination of statutory protections available to children in special circumstances, the course will equip students to carry out effective interventions with children. The emphasis is on the Strengths-based Approach and empowerment in the context of daily life, with the aim of improving relationships and helping children and youth to deal with crises. This course extends basic knowledge about working with children and youth introduced in SWK291 Social Work Practice and Skills Lab 1: Working with Individuals and Families.