SBV4400 Interventions, preventative measures and innovations Course description

The course deals with measures and methods used by the child welfare service. The link between one’s understanding of a problem and the choice of measures and methods, as well as the theoretical basis for individual measures, will be discussed. This may for example involve taking a closer look at the empirical and theoretical basis for concrete measures. How they relate to the child welfare service’s remit, the measure’s target group and the rights of children and families is also discussed. The relationship between standardisation and discretionary judgement is addressed, as well as how measures can be adapted to each individual situation in cooperation with children and parents. Taking this as a starting point, the course will also elucidate how to further develop measures and what theoretical and ethical considerations need to be taken into account when implementing measures.  

The language of instruction is Norwegian.  

None.  

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:  

Knowledge 

The student has 

• advanced knowledge of the theoretical basis for measures and methods in child welfare work 

• in-depth knowledge of the relationship between one’s understanding of a problem and the development and implementation of measures 

• in-depth knowledge of conditions for further development and adaptation of measures and methods in the child welfare service 

• in-depth knowledge of standardisation, reasoning processes and use of simplified rules for decision-making 

Skills 

The student can 

• analyse the theoretical basis for child welfare measures and methods and the consequences for children and families 

• involve children and parents in obtaining knowledge of their situation and in considering the child’s best interests in various phases of a child welfare case 

• use advanced knowledge of measures and methods in relation to different target groups and in different arenas 

• assess whether the development of methods and measures is professionally and ethically sound and apply this in practice 

• critically analyse standardised mapping tools and practices 

General competence  

The student can 

• apply knowledge of how to understand problems, measures and methods in innovation and development processes 

• communicate adapted knowledge of measures and methods to user groups and partners 

• compile advanced knowledge of methods and measures, contextual considerations, children and families’ experience, discretionary judgement and ethical considerations in documenting the choice of measures  

Teaching methods vary between lectures and student-active learning methods.  

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:  

• Coursework 1: an individual written assignment with a scope of 4-5 pages.  

The purpose of the coursework requirement is to develop the students’ academic writing skills and their ability to express themselves clearly and accurately in writing.  

The required coursework must be completed and approved by the stipulated deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If the coursework is not approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version once by a given deadline. 

The exam in the course is an individual home exam over 72 hours. The exam paper must be 10 pages long (+/- 10 %). Font and font size: Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5. 

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.  

Grade scale A-F 

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner. At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.