Child welfare work - focusing on children and families (BSO202)
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
BSO202
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
Norwegian
Content
The course consists of two topics:
- The concept of knowledge in social science-related child welfare work
- Practical social science-related child welfare work
Understanding knowledge in social work for child welfare builds on the course BSO201, 'Social Work in Context,' but focuses on theories and concepts of knowledge that form the basis for work in municipal and state child welfare services. Child welfare work is a field that requires a broad understanding of what promotes coping, security, and love in children and youth. All children have the right to care, protection, participation, and a service offering adapted to the needs of the child and family. The focus is also placed on different concepts of knowledge and how these influence our understanding and approach to children and families in child welfare work.
Practical social work in child welfare focuses on key international and national child welfare work legislation, and social science-related approaches that are well adapted to the needs of children and families and their right to participate. The course will provide knowledge about procedures and different methodological approaches used to meet the needs of children and families, based on mutual collaboration and resources that exist around the child.
Child welfare work should be based on respect, recognition, resources, and collaboration with the family and other service areas. The topics are grounded on research-based knowledge, which is emphasized in teaching and curriculum.
Learning outcome
After successfully completing and passing the course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
The concept of knowledge in practical child welfare work
- Has broad knowledge of caregiving competencies and various forms of neglect, with in-depth knowledge of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
- Has a good understanding of what it may feel like to be a child in families facing challenges in different areas and the short- and long-term consequences this may have for the child.
- Has broad knowledge of conditions that foster coping and development in children and youth.
- Has insight into how to exercise judgment and professional discretion in situations with incomplete and/or conflicting information and identify opportunities within various professional and institutional contexts.
- Can reflect on risks and how to manage conflicts and reduce the likelihood of undesirable events in complex and conflict-ridden situations.
- Is familiar with how to plan, execute, and lead coordinated and interprofessional collaboration across different services and service levels.
Practical social science-related child welfare work
- Has knowledge about relevant legal methods and central legislation in welfare administration, including administrative law and legislation in child and family law.
- Can apply legal rules, inform about rights and obligations, and exercise legal and social discretion in encounters with individuals, families and groups, including Sámi users.
- Can apply relevant methods for mapping, documentation, analysis, and decision-making, including applying professional knowledge to assess and clarify reports and investigate the children’s care.
- Can identify, assess, and implement support measures to alleviate and reduce the consequences of violence, abuse, and neglect of children to ensure their health, living conditions, and social development.
- Is familiar with methods for interaction and collaboration with children and youth in daily life and has specific knowledge about communicating with children in ways that ensure their interests, participation, and rights.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral exam | 1/1 | 30 Minutes | Letter grades | The Norwegian Law, other compendium or offprint which contains law texts without comments. Printouts are not permitted |
Individual oral examination. Duration: up to 30 minutes. The candidate is examined in topics selected by the examiner without any preparation time.Students who fail the re-sit or re-scheduled course examination must take the next ordinary examination together with the subsequent year group. The compulsory activities that have already been approved do not have to be retaken. Students must take the examination in accordance with any new and revised course description, but decide themselves whether to follow teaching in the new examination semester.
Coursework requirements
Both compulsory activities must be approved in order for the student to take the examination. Approval/non-approval of compulsory activities is announced on Studentweb, normally no later than 7 days before the examination. Students who lack approval of one or more compulsory activities will be withdrawn from the examination.
Written assignment: Individual written assignment. Scope: 2000 words (+/- 10%) including table of contents and notes; excluding source referencing and bibliography. Referencing style: APA 7th.
Attendance requirements: 75% attendance is required for the teaching in skills training groups and some lectures/seminars. Students who have less than 75% attendance in the compulsory teaching activities lose the right to take the examination, regardless of the reason.