SOCY07002 2022 Social Care and Social Policy 2

Policy decisions at various levels impact on the services available to individuals and as such, the life chances, experiences and abilities of individuals, families, groups, and whole communities.  As a social care worker, your practice will be contextualised within a social policy framework. Social policy shapes the nature of services (community or institutional), how or if it is regulated, how it is funded, how extensive the services are, who is provided with services and on what basis.  

In this module, students will be introduced to some key concepts in social policy- the study of the social relations necessary for human 
wellbeing and the systems by which wellbeing may be promoted in our society. Wellbeing is about what we need to make life worth living: essential services, such as healthcare and education; jobs and money and vital things such as love and security. Provision of these things is undertaken by a host of different agencies: by government and official bodies; through businesses, social groups, charities, local associations, and churches; through neighbours, families and loved ones. This module aims to introduce social care students to the centrality of the social policy process, i.e the principles, and actions which shape how the state defines wellbeing, who should be responsible for the wellbeing and how should it be delivered. Students will develop key skills and insight in the areas of problem definition, ideology and welfare organisations which will enable them to critically interrogate social policy documents, debates and legislation of direct relevance to the field of social care.

This module maps to the CORU Standards of Proficiency below:

Domain 1: Professional Autonomy and Accountability

Domain 2: Communication, Collaborative Practice and Teamworking

Domain 5: Professional Knowledge and Skills

Core social policy textbook

Third edition of this popular comprehensive introduction to all key study areas within Applied Social Care and Social Care Practice, including theoretical approaches, practice issues, social care and specific population groups. New to this edition: International perspectives on social care practice, drawing on experience in Ireland, Europe and North America An update on the social care professional development project New chapters on therapeutic approaches to social care practice, child protection, health promotion and working with juvenile offenders. Provides a historical outline of social care in Ireland, with reference to key institutions, legislation and regulations. Identifies theoretical bases of social care practice in psychology, sociology and social policy, and how these have evolved and developed through the interplay of theory-building, evidence-gathering, policy development and polemical debate. Examines the fundamental role of 'self' in social care practice and concepts, practices of equality and anti-oppressive practice. Focuses on key practice issues, including student placement, workplace supervision, multidisciplinary teamworking and responding to challenging behaviour. Examines social care practice with particular social and demographic groups - young people, older people, the homeless, those with disabilities, the Travelling community and new immigrant communities - and identifies the required skills and approaches associated with this work. Endorsed by the Irish Association of Social Care Educators (IASCE ) and by Social Care Ireland (SCI). Suitable For: Students of Social Care/Applied Social Studies at degree and honours degree level

Both A Level and vocational social science courses are increasing their emphasis on social policy issues and this book is written to meet the needs of these courses. It also includes coverage of European social policy issues.

This fully updated and expanded edition of the bestselling Students Companion to Social Policy charts the latest developments, research, challenges, and controversies in the field in a concise, authoritative format. Provides students with the analytical base from which to investigate and evaluate key concepts, perspectives, policies, and outcomes at national and international levels Features a new section on devolution and social policy in the UK; enhanced discussion of international and comparative issues; and new coverage of nudge-based policies, austerity politics, sustainable welfare, working age conditionality, social movements, policy learning and transfer, and social policy in the BRIC countries Offers essential information for anyone studying social policy, from undergraduates on introductory courses to those pursuing postgraduate or professional programmes Accompanied by updated online resources to support independent learning and skill development with chapter overviews, study questions, guides to key sources and career opportunities, a key term glossary, and more Written by a team of experts working at the forefront of social policy

This fully updated edition of an essential introductory text offers a concise guide to the key structures and concepts in social policy and is now supplemented by unique and innovative digital content that adds depth and provides a truly integrated way of learning. It is accompanied by a digital app, which is free to download and use with the book, that includes short videos with commentary, interactive charts and unboxed examples that expand key issues raised in the text, enabling students to engage more deeply with statistical information. The book draws on examples from around the world and focuses on explaining key terms and introducing key debates. Written by experienced authors and teachers, the text explores the five pillars of welfare; social security, employment, education, health and housing, and this new edition adds a further chapter providing an overview of other fields such as criminal justice, social care and family policy. This will be an invaluable resource for students new to social policy.

The second edition of this leading international text introduces students to the concepts and methods of social policy.

Social Justice Ireland at  www.social justice ireland.ie

TASC Think Tank for Progressive Soical Change at www.tasc.ie

Childresn Rights Alliance at www.cra.ie

National Disability Authority at www.nda.ie