Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW504
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Equip yourself to provide support for people experiencing the child protection and juvenile justice systems. Build foundational knowledge of the changing legal and psychosocial issues impacting these systems.
Studying with experts, you will focus on juvenile justice and child protection law separately and make connections between the two areas where relevant. Reflecting on current policy issues, you will gain insights by examining the experiences of people involved in these systems.
You will explore underlying legal principles and their impact on children and examine the evolution of child protection and juvenile justice through a historical lens. Drawing on relevant international comparisons, you will critique the legislation in Australia which regulates child protection and juvenile justice.
The unit will also help you to hone the skills in research and communication that you will require for ethical practice in child protection and juvenile justice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the legal and psychosocial issues involved in social work practice with children and young people;
- utilise a practical knowledge of law relevant to social work practice in child protection and juvenile justice;
- critically analyse policy issues raised by child protection and juvenile justice law;
- synthesise advanced skills in research, comprehension, reasoning and writing required for ethical social work practice in juvenile justice and child protection; and
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complex ethical issues involved with working with vulnerable families and their children, including gaps in service provision; working with multiple stakeholders and agencies.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Written assessment No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Take home exam No. Words: 2,000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Juvenile Justice: Youth and Crime in Australia
ISBN: 9780195598421
Cunneen, C., White, R. and Richards, K., Oxford University Press 5th ed. 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Working Ethically in Child Protection
ISBN: 9780415729345
Lonne, B., Harries, M., Featherstone, B. and Gray, M., Taylor Frances 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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