SOS2150 Social work in the child welfare service Course description

In this course, students will acquire knowledge about the child welfare service’s tasks, framework conditions and key theoretical perspectives and knowledge traditions, with an emphasis on social workers’ vocational practice in the child welfare service. Students will gain insight into the professional methods, professional procedures and ethical problems in the various phases of a child welfare case. They will gain insight into various forms of exercise of power, as well as an understanding of the child welfare service’s unique position as a support and supervisory authority. 

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

Students must have completed and passed the first year of the Bachelor’s Programme in Social Work.

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

• is familiar with key elements in the history of child welfare and its development 
• has knowledge of the organisation of the child welfare service
• has knowledge of case processing and the design of measures pursuant to the Child Welfare Act 
• has broad knowledge of the child welfare service’s decision-making processes and follow-up of measures 
• has knowledge of important theoretical perspectives and knowledge traditions in the child welfare service. 
• has knowledge of how the child welfare service conducts work in a methodical manner using investigations and measures. 
• has broad knowledge of competence to provide care, various forms of child neglect, violence and abuse 
• has knowledge of how to contribute to participation, non-discrimination and equitable services for vulnerable children and families 

 Skills 

The student 

• can apply professional knowledge and interact with children and young people about topics that concern their everyday lives 
• can apply professional knowledge about neglect, violence and abuse in a manner that secures the child’s best interests, participation and rights
• can apply professional knowledge to assess and clarify notifications and investigate children and young people’s care situations 
• can apply professional knowledge to implement and follow up measures under the auspices of the child welfare service 
• can demonstrate flexibility in questions relating to approaches, decisions and measures during the different phases of a child welfare case
• can acquire new knowledge and research in line with evidence-based practice

General competence 

The student

• can apply discretion and judgement in child welfare cases 
• has insight into various forms of exercise of power and the child welfare service’s unique position as a support and supervisory authority.
• has insight into ethical problems and dilemmas in interactions between children, parents and the child welfare service 
• can reflect on their own role and understanding partners’ positions 

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus, and the working methods vary between lectures and student-active learning methods.

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

• Coursework requirement 1: Group presentation with peer assessment

The groups submit the presentation digitally by the specified deadline prior to the presentation. Peer assessment is conducted during a seminar in connection with the presentation. Students are required to participate with equal contributions in both the presentation and the peer assessment. The purpose of the assignment is to give students practice in applying professional knowledge through reflection, discussion, and oral presentation. Participation in both components is a requirement for the mandatory assignment to be approved.

The mandatory assignment must be completed and approved by the specified deadline in order for the student to be eligible to sit the examination. If the mandatory assignment is not approved, one new attempt is permitted within the given deadline.

The exam is an individual written home exam over 5 hours.

The point of departure for the exam is a case study, which will be published one week before the first day of the exam.

The following aids are permitted:

• Lovdata Pro.

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.

Tina Gerdts-Andresen og Thale Eriksdatter Oberprieler