CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES:

POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES

DEPARTMENT of SOCIAL WORK

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INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The White Paper on Families in South Africa it states that, “It is essentially through the family that each generation is replaced by the next; that children are born, socialised and cared for until they attain their independence; and that each generation are born, socialised and cared for until they attain their independence…”

The Child and Family Studies programme has been offered as a post-graduate diploma for a number of years within the Department of Social Work. In more recent years and with the new family policy and interest in collaborative endeavours of the Department of Social Development with Child and Family Studies, there has been a realisation that we need to meet the current needs of the communities in which we serve by providing knowledge on Early Childhood Development (ECD), substance abuse within the family and developing programmes for family wellbeing.

Upon completion students may be able to proceed with a Master’s degree.

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TARGET AUDIENCE

STREAMS OF STUDY

AVAILABLE STREAMS OUTCOMES

Stream 1: Post-graduate Diploma in Child and Family Studies

Knowledge about theoretical perspectives on the family; macro and micro factors affecting South African families; and the diversity of family practices in South Africa and Africa more generally

Knowledge about the construction of children and childhood in South Africa and Africa more generally

Knowledge and skills in research methodologies relevant to children and families

Knowledge about policies and programmes pertaining to children and families

Knowledge and skills to develop evidence-based programmes for family wellbeing

Stream 2: Post graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Development

Specific to Stream 2:

Knowledge regarding the policies and frameworks and governance of Early Childhood Development Centres

Knowledge about the care and wellbeing of children within Early Childhood Development

This degree programme is directed at graduate professionals working with children and families who wish to enhance their knowledge of issues pertaining to children and families. Broadly the programme aims to equip graduates with knowledge about theoretical perspectives on the family; macro and micro factors affecting South African families; the diversity of fami-ly practices in South Africa and globally; knowledge, skills and the application of research methodologies; as well as ECD and other factors that affect family well-being.

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MODULES

MODULE TITLE KEY OUTCOMES

Research Project Critically compare research paradigms and apply relevant research by completing a research project.

Classical and Contemporary Theories about the Family

Demonstrate understanding of the main theoretical perspectives on families

Distinguish between notions of ‘family’ and ‘household’

Critically interrogate assumptions underlying policies and practices relating to families

Applied Research Analyse the theoretical and philosophical bases of research in Child and Family Studies from various perspectives; identify a research problem in Child and Family Studies; and design a research proposal.

Constructions of Children and Childhood

Demonstrate knowledge of different conceptions of childhood historically and geographically

Critically analyse the notion of childhood

Demonstrate knowledge of diversity in South Africa

Families and Households Analyse the impact of macro and micro influences on family practices

Appreciate the diversity of family practices

Recognise power relations in contemporary families

Policies and Programmes for Families in Poverty

Assess policies, strategies and programmes relevant to family poverty

Child Protection Be familiar with relevant legislation in relation to child protection

Demonstrate understanding of situations causing vulnerability in childhood

Critically evaluate types of interventions in child protection

Children’s Rights, Family and Society

Understand different declarations on children’s rights in Africa and South Africa

Understand the application of international human rights to domestic law in Africa and South Africa, with special reference to vulnerable groups of children in African settings

Understand the role of children’s rights monitoring structures, including international and national NGO’s and other relevant bodies which play a role in monitoring the implementation of children’s rights

Understand principles concerning the best interests of the child and the right of the child to be heard and seen in light of the UN Convention and various legal situations, private and public, that involve children

Youth in Urban Society Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different theoretical frameworks of youth studies

Understand cultural and institutional constructions of youth

Parent and Child Interaction Demonstrate an understanding of parenting styles and process

Critically analyse the notion of parenthood

Understand the notion of cultural diversity in South African parenting

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MODULE TITLE KEY OUTCOMES

Family Wellbeing Programme Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of terms and concepts in line with family wellbeing in the context of theory and policy

Identify and critically analyse theoretical frameworks, policy, best practice models and programmes for family wellbeing

Understand and implement the role of evidence-based practices

Demonstrate knowledge of different methodologies supporting the development of evidence-based programmes for family wellbeing

Create an evidence-based programme for family wellbeing

Substance abuse in the family Demonstrate an understanding of the different concepts and terms relevant to substance abuse and substance abuse in the family

Critically understand and implement relevant substance abuse policies and frameworks

Identify risk and protective factors in the family of a substance abuser

Theoretically analyse and review the intervention and prevention models, programmes and frameworks to create best practice models to manage substance abuse in the family

Create guidelines for families with a substance abuser

ECD: Childcare and Wellbeing Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of children’s developmental stages, behaviour and wellbeing

Understand the concept of psychosocial wellbeing and support

Identify and evaluate indicators relating to a child’s development and behaviour (or growth)

Critically evaluate ethical practices when caring for children in ECD

ECD: Policy and frameworks Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the different policies, strategies, frameworks, theories and programmes relevant to ECD

Understand the importance of implementing policy within ECD practice

Critically evaluate compliance and implementation of policy within ECD

ECD: Governance Critically evaluate the concept of governance

Understand ECD governance in line with the requirements set out by Government

Understanding governance of ECD at community level

Identify the barriers/challenges of communities in relation to ECD

Create an evidence-based governance plan to be implemented in the context of community-based organisations in the context of Early Childhood Develop-ment

Implement governance in the context of community-based organisations in the

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MODULE NAME NQF LEVEL OF MODULE

CREDITS CORE/ELECTIVE YEAR LEVEL

NEW/CURRENT MODULE CODE

CORE MODULES = 70 CREDITS

Research Project 8 30 Core 1 Current SCF701

Classical and Contempo-rary Theories about the family

8 10 Core 1 Current SCF702

Applied Research 8 20 Core 1 Current SCF712

Constructions of Children and Childhood

8 10 Core 1 Current SCF706

ELECTIVE MODULES = 50 CREDITS CHOSEN FROM:

Stream 1

Families and Households 8 10 Compulsory 1 Current SCF705

Policies and Pro-grammes for Families in poverty

8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF707

Child Protection 8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF708

Children’s Rights, Family and Society

8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF709

Youth in Urban Society 8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF710

Parent and Child Inter-action

8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF711

Family Wellbeing Pro-gramme

8 20 Elective 1 New SCF723

Substance abuse in the family

8 20 Elective 1 New SCF713

TOTAL 120 CREDITS

Stream 2

ECD: Childcare and Well-

being

8 20 Compulsory 1 New SCF716

ECD: Policy and frame-

works

8 10 Compulsory 1 New SCF715

ECD: Governance 8 20 Compulsory 1 New SCF717

TOTAL 120 CREDITS

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PROGRAMME DELIVERY

The programme is currently available via e-learning, on condition that students attend block sessions for each module. Block modules will be offered in February and July/August. The remainder of the assessment tasks and interaction will be conducted in an e-learning environment. Students would preferably have to have computer and internet access to under-take this programme.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of a 3-year degree, preferably in the Social Sciences, Arts, Law, Education or Humanities OR 3-year professional degree, with a C-aggregate. Prospective candidates will be required to make themselves available for an interview and a written assessment task. Special arrangements will be made for applicants from outside Cape Town. A reference from a lecturer/professor who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability.

APPLY ONLINE VIA THE UWC WEBSITE: https:// www.uwc.ac.za (using the programme code: 8849)

CONTACT DETAILS

For further information about the programme, please contact:

Administrator: Mr Arthur Chikware

Telephone: (021) 959 3674

Fax: (021) 959 2845 email: achikware@uwc.ac.za OR

Programme Co-Ordinator: Mrs Edna Rich

Telephone: (021) 959 9486

Fax: (021) 959 2845 email: erich@uwc.ac.za