Theoretical Models for Practice: Assessment and Intervention

Analyse and reflect on a range of advanced theoretical frameworks and practice models including Indigenous standpoint theory, inter-sectional feminist theory, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice, trauma-informed approaches, systems and ecological theory, and post-modernism. Use relevant theories and practice models when working with complexity. Using theory to clarify, understand and address social issues including the prevalence of family violence in the community.

Understand intersections, tensions and complementarity of theoretical and practice frameworks operative in community and social services, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ self-determination, the MARAM framework and the SAFER (Child Protection) framework.

Analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories on individual, family and community safety and wellbeing as an intersection of multiple social concerns and develop in-depth understanding of assessment and practice guidance, including risk assessment and risk management, in the social and community services sector.

Gain an in-depth understanding of the history and impacts of colonisation, including ongoing trauma and child removals, together with person-centered practice that fosters self-determination, genuine self-empowerment and informed decision making.  Contribute to ongoing individual and collective work to dismantle colonial ways of thinking and doing. 

Develop an in-depth understanding of micro-mezzo and macro domains of practice, and how they inform practice to support clients, including victim/survivors of family violence and hold those who use family violence to account, and to align practice with relevant frameworks and theories.

Reflect on and critically analyse personal and professional values, and potential biases, that inform practice. 

Understand the purpose of information sharing, including the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS) and Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS), and how to use relevant information to build a detailed and accurate understanding of risk, need, patterns of behaviours and histories of family violence behaviours.

Apply relevant theories and practice frameworks in case study scenarios to individuals and families in diverse practice contexts and experiencing complex social issues, including the MARAM framework and SAFER (Child Protection) framework. 

Demonstrate the development of skills for community and social services practice through written and oral assessments, in line with the MARAM framework and the SAFER (Child Protection) framework.

Develop self-knowledge through reflecting and analysing personal and professional values, and theories that focus on intersectionality and diversity, to inform family violence practice.

Develop person-centered practice that fosters self-determination, genuine self-empowerment and informed decision-making.

Demonstrate a commitment to interrogating and resisting collusion with oppressive patriarchal systems, racism, colonialism, ablism, and homophobia.

Develop the ability to walk alongside Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ to access and navigate the community and social services system, assess and communicate risk and needs, operate in self-determined services and systems, and work towards wellbeing, safety and accountability.  

Develop the ability to record risk and needs assessments that accurately reflect people’s experiences, their acts of resistance to oppression and victimisation and protective factors, strengths and goals. 

Apply knowledge of theoretical frameworks and practice models, including, but not limited to the MARAM and the SAFER (Child Protection) framework, to a range of associated social issues to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability and responsibility for advanced practice.

Develop skills for community services practice by applying knowledge of practice models to case studies that include complex social issues and high levels of risk.

Analyse personal, professional and cultural values, ideologies and discourses that underpin professional practice in community and social services including family violence work.

Participate in collective learning using case studies to identify

(a)  an issue of social concern e.g. family violence, social and emotional wellbeing; poverty, children and young person’s rights and disability (and)

 (b) theories, frameworks and practice models that could be effectively utilised to support/ address that issue.

Simulation exercise

30-45%

Using a case study to:

(a) Identify how multiple social complexities can intersect with family violence (and)

 (b) Form an assessment, underpinned by relevant theoretical and practice frameworks focused on the victim/survivors’ own assessment of their risk, information sharing, evidence-based risk factors, professional judgement and intersectional analyses as per the model of Structured Professional Judgement. Provide a justification for the choice of these particular theory and practice frameworks.

Written report or oral presentation with PowerPoint

30-45%

Meaningful engagement and contribution to class discussions and activities.

Participation and contribution

10-25%