Details for Working with Children and Young People

This subject examines developmental, psychological and behavioural aspects of child and adolescent development, providing knowledge, understanding and insights that will help counsellors function as members of management teams.

Awards offering Working with Children and Young People

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Applied Social Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Social Science
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Theology
• Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Theology
• Diploma of Arts
• Undergraduate Certificate in Arts

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of attachment theory; generational, sociological and cultural differences impacting childhood and adolescents; the aetiology, diagnosis and management of a range of disorders, including the child and family’s right to be involved in decision making;
2. Develop a professional, ethical and holistic approach to working with children and adolescents; and demonstrate an advanced ability to report or refer appropriately and deal with issues of transference;
3. Critically analyse the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches currently used in working with children and adolescents;
4. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the stresses experienced by family and communities of children and youth experiencing problems and how to provide support, counsel and/or referral to support groups for them when appropriate.

Subject Content

• Introduction to theories of child development including attachment theory
• The lifespan development of children and young people
• Transition and promoting change
• Methods of counselling & support for children, young people and families, including common presentations
• Specific issues for children and young people, such as mental health,grief and loss and trauma
• Professional and legal considerations
• Assessment, case conceptualisation, treatment planning and referrals
• Responding to specific issues, e.g. Trauma, bullying, behavioural problems, anxiety, risk assessments, study stress
• Methods and application of interventions for working with children and young people, e.g., psychoeducational programs
• Working in different settings, such as schools and education, or community contexts
• Wellbeing & self care
• Role Plays & Examples of Activities for Group & Individual Work
• Resources: Use of Technology & Apps
• Professional considerations and relationships with other health and educational professionals
• Legal considerations       

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Onsite (face-to-face)
• Online (eLearning)
• Intensives
• Extensives

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Workbook  (25%)
• Critical Analysis and Reflection (25%)
• Special Population Research Paper (50%)

Prescribed Text

• Kirkbride, R. (2018) Counselling children and young people in private practice: A practical guide (1st ed.; e-book). Routledge.

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any textbooks.