In times of shrinking public services, the task of caring for vulnerable children has never been more challenging. In this free online course, we’ll help you explore some of the issues involved.

We’ll consider what we mean by risk and vulnerability, as well as how we define good enough parenting. We’ll think about how children grow and develop, and how we can provide them with meaningful relationships and attachments.

We’ll go on to learn about the characteristics that define different methods of practice and consider different possible interventions.

We’ll conclude by reflecting on the current politics of caring for vulnerable children in a context of budget cuts and increasing child poverty.

What topics will you cover?

• What is meant and understood by the term vulnerability and risk?
• Assessing risk in various scenarios: exploring the links between poverty and risk and examine how risk is portrayed by the media and government
• Exploring theories of attachment and child development
• Examining developmental theories around the concept of containment
• Important considerations when communicating with children
• The power of touch and some of the problems associated with touch
• Elements and characteristics of child care practice
• Love and other important aspects of caring for vulnerable children?
• The challenge of caring for children in a risk averse context
• The Children’s Hearings System in Scotland explained
• Debates on the subject of care in today’s society
• Will the future bring changes in the way we care for vulnerable young people?

Graham McPheat

I am a Senior Teaching Fellow based at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland and am Course Leader for the international MSc in Child and Youth Care Studies by Distance Learning

 

Who developed the course?

University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde is a leading international technological university located in Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, committed to useful learning.