This module can be taken as a stand-alone module, or the credits can be put towards the MA in Advanced Social Work. It is possible to exit from the MA in Advance Social Work with a Post Graduate Certificate (60 credits) or Post Graduate Diploma (120 credits).
This module aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of social workers to encourage them to work more confidently and effectively with men in families. Research indicates that men are rarely fully engaged and can easily slip from view in work with children and families. If professionals do not engage and involve men, assessments may not accurately reflect the balance of risks or resources presented by men in relation to children they care for. The lack of a full assessment of this kind potentially endangers children and excludes men. Research findings will be used in the module to understand the perspectives and experiences of men and their encounters with the wider world of child welfare and child protection specifically. The value of understanding men’s life narratives, including of separation and loss, aids safer, more inclusive relationship-based practice.
The module is suitable for experienced practitioners working in any children and families setting (for example child in need, edge of care and child protection teams, as well as residential and foster care, children with disabilities teams etc.)
The module will engage with relationship and strengths-based approaches.
The knowledge base will include:
- Sociological research about gender and contemporary family life.
- Research about social and child welfare inequalities
- Policy and research about men as parents and carers in different contexts
This module will address requirements for the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and the Knowledge and Skills Statements - specifically 1) Relationships and Effective Direct Work, 2) Communication 6) Child and Family Assessment and 7) Analysis, Decision Making and Review.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
2 days of teaching followed by a half-day workshop facilitated by the module leader. Relevant guidance and required readings and some learning activities will be provided via the UEA online platform Blackboard. It is essential that students register for and make regular use of this.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the module you will be able to:
- Critically reflect on the significance of gender difference in working with parents
- Have applicable knowledge for building working relationships with fathers or father figures
- Critically reflect on the barriers and opportunities for engaging fully with fathers.
- Plan more effective support for men’s parenting, to provide better outcomes for children
- Understand the challenges and opportunities for working with fathers not living with their children.
- Understand the value for practice of current research on fatherhood and father engagement.
