Graduate Certificate in Child Protection Practice
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Child Protection Practice equips professionals with knowledge and skills in assessment, intervention, and case management in child protection. It focuses on evidence-informed practice, case and staff management, and a child and family-centered approach. The program prepares graduates for careers in statutory protection, community-based agencies, and out-of-home care sectors. It is suitable for caseworkers, managers, teachers, and other professionals working with children.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Graduate Certificate in Child Protection Practice is designed to equip students with the core knowledge and skills needed for assessment, intervention, and case management in child protection. The program focuses on the decision-making, planning, and reviewing processes involved in child protection. It is intended for professionals working in statutory protection settings, community-based child and family welfare agencies, out-of-home and leaving care sectors, and other fields where knowledge of child protection is essential.
Objectives:
- To provide students with contemporary knowledge and skills in responding to child protection challenges.
- To emphasize professional supervision, case and staff management, and the importance of a relationship-based approach to trauma-informed practice.
- To promote a child and family-centered approach.
- To integrate the principles of strengths-based intervention, culturally competent practice, capacity building, and inclusivity into the learning experience.
Careers:
- Career Pathways: The course directly prepares students for employment in statutory protection settings, community-based child and family welfare agencies, and out-of-home and leaving care sectors.
- Potential Career Roles:
- Case worker, child protection
- Child abuse unit social worker - hospital, police
- Education support staff
Other:
- Target Audience: The certificate is designed for caseworkers, managers, and policy makers working in the field of child protection across government and community agencies. It is also relevant for teachers, chaplains, youth workers, psychologists, police, legal practitioners, and anyone working with children in a professional capacity.
- Course Structure: The program consists of four intensive units, each lasting four days and offering 30 contact hours. These units are spread throughout the year.
- Course Content: The course covers topics such as:
- Making evidence-informed child protection assessments
- Contemporary child protection issues
- Contemporary supervision and management techniques in child protection
- Risk management in family intervention
- Top 3 Reasons to Study:
- To gain the necessary knowledge and skills to make evidence-informed decisions about child protection concerns.
- To learn from award-winning, experienced practitioners and researchers in the field with relevant expertise.
- Future Study: After completing the graduate certificate, students may consider pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Social Work.