Evidence for Welfare Practice Lecture 1.3 Introduction to Assessment

It involves ONE piece of assignment (100%) 4,500 words Submitted via Bb on or before 27th June 2016, 15:00 UK time

Topic You can choose ONE of the four case scenarios provided on the Blackboard for your focus, or you can produce your own case scenario with the agreement of your supervising tutor. The theme is to consider the link between evidence and welfare practice. With reference to the case scenario chosen, you can select a particular focus of practice, including service user(s), problem/need identified and intervention approach, then explore in some detail the theoretical basis and evidence basis of the practice. The work may range from the entire process of work with an individual service user (e.g. child or adult), specific work in a single case, for example: direct work with an old lady; a piece of work undertaken in a group setting (including group living).

What does the assignment include? It includes the following: A case scenario or a selected piece of practice Application of theories including those from social work, psychology, sociology and research A clear task (or tasks) to address a welfare problem with an intended outcome A planned intervention, justified by evidence and informed explanation of the service user’s situation Underpinned by core ethical values in social welfare An evaluation on the effectiveness of the process and outcomes

Suggested outline for the assignment Abstract Introduction Case background Assessment Intervention Evaluation Ethical concerns and reflection Recommendations Conclusion

Practice Framework Assessment & Planning: Termination & Evaluation Engagement: Relationship building Assessment & Planning: Knowing & goal setting Termination & Evaluation Reviewing Intervention: Doing

Values & Ethical Issues Assessment & Planning Intervention Evaluation Theoretical Knowing Empirical Knowing Experiential Knowing

Process of completing the assignment Attending lectures and tutorials Each student allocated a supervisor for supervision Student selects a case for study –indication of interest Individual or group meeting with supervisor Preparation of a planning form Draft sections for supervisor comment and guidance Submit completed assignment (27th June 2016)

Important points It is NOT a research study but a detailed account of evidence based welfare practice Timing is key – students need to keep pace with their work or they will face a ‘time crunch’ Set realistic targets Use the wealth of resources available

Key dates

How supervisors will help Encourage dialogue with theory at every stage of practice Encourage an evaluative approach to practice Offer group or one-to-one support Support students with access to current books and articles Share expertise Identify specialists who may be able to support students Enjoy the finished product

Hallmarks of a good assignment: Grounded in theory/research Good account of practice Effective approach to evaluation Good integration of theories, research, practice and values

What causes problems Omitting any of the key contents Failing to integrate values effectively – not just a paragraph! Not consulting your supervisor Too much description/not enough critical analysis Not much evidence support Not a coherent report

How to succeed Select a piece of work where there is a clear task that can be evaluated Read Keep careful notes of what you read Decide at an early stage how you will evaluate your work Keep in touch with your supervisor – send regular pieces of your work and use your supervision time Make good use of library/learning resources