Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Contemporary Policy for Social Care Managers
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner::
  • Annaleigh Margey
  • Patricia Rahill
Departments: Humanities
Module Description: This module will critically explore the principles and practice of development of social policy in line with updates in standards , legislation and best practice. Content will also focus on the debating of key contemporary policies which guide practice in a range of areas of social care provision. This module will also focus on managers/ leaders advocating and driving social policy change where it is required.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Demonstrate knowledge of existing polices which guide practice in Ireland, in a range of key areas of social care service provision.
MLO2 Critically evaluate contemporary policies, that guide practice and identify where policy development is required in a range of areas of social care service provision such as disability, mental health, housing , domestic abuse and child protection and welfare
MLO3 Critically reflect on key concepts and principles such as equality and social inclusion that guide policy development.
MLO4 Synthesize new knowledge to enhance the practitioner’s ability to integrate national policy within key area of social care service provision.
MLO5 Integrate and synthesize knowledge of policy development and demonstrate an ability to apply this to practice in a chosen area of social care service provision.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Concepts and Principles in Social Policy
Equality and social inclusion Equality of outcome Equality of opportunity Equity John Rawls theory of Social Justice
Housing and Homelessness
Housing Tenure Types; Home ownership, private rented , social housing The objectives of Housing Policy Critical review of policy developments which have sought to address housing shortage and homeless crisis
Mental Health Policy Developments
Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone. The regulatory framework established by the Mental Health Act 2001 and proposals for reform. The establishment of a legislative framework for involuntary admission and the promotion and maintenance of quality standards of care and treatment. Review of the Mental Health Act. The rights of persons with mental health issues. The role of the Mental Health Commission
Disability
Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 Assessing capacity guiding principles Supported decision making framework. Codes of Practice Director of Decision Support Services New Directions - Day services for adults with disabilities The National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021 Human Rights : UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Violence Act 2018 Limitations of Domestic Violence Act 2018 does not provide protection to all adults at-risk Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Dept. of Justice 2022
Child Protection and Welfare
The Childcare Act 1991 The role of Túsla in the protection of children at risk. Frameworks and standards for the assessment of vulnerable children and their families. The Children First Act 2015 Children First Guidance 2017 Signs of Safety.
Policy Development
Models of Policy Making. Institutional model, elite-mass model, streams and windows model. Agenda setting and attention. Policy outputs; Incremental, rational, strategic. Social Care Managers and social care professionals in general must not only be aware of developments in relevant social policy areas as practitioners, they must also understand and be prepared to engage in social policy development and change. This involves engaging in both institutional policy development in the form of submissions and other policy input when required (green papers etc), but should also involve engagement in appropriate lobbying for social policy change where none is immediately forthcoming institutionally. Promoting service user involvement in identifying , designing and reviewing policy development and provision , in line with best practice , standards and legislation will also be a central focus of this module.
Application of Policy to Practice
Throughout the module, discussions and debates of the impact of certain contemporary policies on practice will be facilitated. Strengths and challenges in implementing polices will be considered from a social care service provision, manager, inter-agency and service user perspective.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work60.00%
Project40.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
In small groups critically evaluate an existing policy which guides social care practice in a chosen area. Design a debate showcasing your ability to analyse the strengths and limitations of this policy from a multi- disciplinary perspective and consider potential developments required to this policy.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students must complete a written report to accompany their presentation which demonstrates evidence of reading and research of key literature sources which have informed their thinking.
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
In small groups critically evaluate an existing policy which guides social care practice in a chosen area. Design a debate showcasing your ability to analyse the strengths and limitations of this policy from a multi- disciplinary perspective and consider potential developments required to this policy.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students must complete a written report to accompany their presentation/debate which demonstrates evidence of reading and research of key literature sources that has informed their perspective.
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Alcock, P; Haux, T; May, M; Wright, S.. The Student's Companion to Social Policy, 5th. Wiley and Sons Ltd, West Sussex.
  • Blakemore, K. & Warwick- Booth, L.. (2013), Social Policy: An Introduction., 4th. Open University Press, Berkshire.
  • Considine, M and Dukelow, F.. (2017), Irish Social Policy: A critical introduction., 2nd. Gill & Macmillan, Dublin.
  • Glasby, J. and Tew, J.. (2015), Mental Health Policy and Practice (Interagency Working in Health and Social Care), 3rd. Bloomsbury Academic., London.
  • Hill, M; Varone, F;. (2021), The Public Policy Process, Routledge, p.378, [ISBN: 9780367445348].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Donnelly, M. and Gleeson, C.. (2021), The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015: Personal and Professional Reflections,, The National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy in conjunction with the School of Law, UCC and the Decision Support Service...
  • Donnelly, E. & Holt, S.. (2021), On the Margins: the Challenges of Identifying Domestic Violence in Mental Health Services . Finding of a Qualitative Irish Study, Journal of Family Violence., Vol.36 Issue 4 p481-492..
  • Kelly, B.D. (2017), The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015: what it is and why it matters, Irish Journal of Medical Science, 186: 351-356.
  • Head, B.. (2010), Reconsidering Evidence-Based Policy: Key Issues and Challenges, Policy and Society, 29.
  • O'Brien, G.L; Sinnott, S; Walshe, V; Mulcahy, M; Byrne; S.. (2020), ealth policy triangle framework: Narrative review of the recent literature, Health Policy OPEN, 1, [ISSN: 2590-2296],
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2020.10 0016.
This module does not have any other resources