Fostering and Adoption Studies (ref. M25)
This new multidisciplinary programme has been developed in response to an increasing concern over the care of looked-after children (LAC) and developments in adoption and post-adoption services, and has been established within the context of the 'Care Matters' agenda.
Who the course is for?
Candidates must be either in full-time or part-time posts in which they are working with adopted or fostered children and their families, or assessing, matching or supporting foster carers or adopters (this may include managing, teaching or supervising staff).
Candidates need an appropriate professional qualification relevant to their chosen career.
Social workers should have a C.Q.S.W. or Dip.SW or equivalent to undertake the AASW.
Nurses should have an active registered nursing qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Candidates need at least three years practice experience since qualification.
A relevant First degree, degree equivalent or evidence of other post-registration education/experience is also required.
Aims
This inter-professional course has been designed in response to current policy and practice developments in working with looked-after and adopted children.
It builds on a long established tradition of specialist short courses offered at the Tavistock Centre (D25: Children in Transition).
The course aims to integrate systemic and psychodynamic ideas and skills, and relevant research evidence, in the context of current and evolving legislation and policy.
It draws on students' experience and encourages the development of critical analysis and an awareness of self in relation to this complex field.
A clinical internship in one of the Tavistock Centre's multidisciplinary teams or services working with looked-after and adopted children offers participants a direct opportunity to integrate theory with practice.
Content/Teaching components
Teaching and learning takes place in a multidisciplinary and small group context.
In the first year the candidates' professional experience is the basis for much of the learning.
In the second year candidates have an opportunity for a clinical internship in one of the Tavistock Centre's multidisciplinary teams or services working with LAC and adopted children, as well as participate in specialist teaching seminars.
In the third year candidates undertake a small-scale research project related to their practice interests.
Assessment
• Year one - three written assignments, linked to three distinct curriculum areas and a practice/clinical assessment.
• Year two - three written assignments, linked to specific curriculum areas and a practice/clinical assessment.
• Year three - students undertake a dissertation of between 10,000 - 12,000 words.
• For students undertaking the Higher Specialist or Advanced Award in Social Work qualification, an added portfolio demonstrating the achievement of appropriate competencies will be required.
Validated by the GSCC for the Higher Specialist and Advanced Award in Social Work (Children, Young People and Families)
Closing date
1 September 2010 (late applications may be considered).
Time commitment
The course is 1 day per week for 2 years.
Students should be available to attend from 9.00am - 5.00pm during term time.
Year 3 dissertation students attend monthly seminars and supervision.
The course normally needs to be completed within five years of initial registration.
