Description of the assessment

  • Coursework 1:  2,500-word essay

Students will critically analyse the theoretical aspects of safeguarding vulnerable service users. This will include discussion of risk, vulnerability, and abuse.

  • Course work 2: Group-work task (Word count based on group size)

Through a collaborative online learning tool as a group, students will identify, assess and manage risk associated with a case study developing strategies and plans to mitigate the risk.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate multiple dimensions of risk and vulnerability
  2. Collaboratively analyse the interrelationship between social agencies and practitioners to establish a framework of risk management

GROUP TASK

Your task is to examine the case scenario, and to complete and present a risk assessment and management plan for ONE of the people in this scenario.

In order to do this, you will need to work as a group to research relevant literature, research, legislation, policies, procedures, professional roles, and responsibilities.

Your group discussions will focus on:

  1. Which risk assessment and management model you will choose to use, and why you consider this to be the most appropriate model.
  2. Having a critical understanding of the different types of abuse that individuals can face, and where and how they are defined.
  3. Which organisational policies/procedures you may need to consider when putting the risk assessment and management plan together?
  4. Analysing the interrelationship between social agencies and practitioners.
  5. Any legal implications/responsibilities/ethical dilemmas?
  6. Evidence that you are practicing in an anti-oppressive and integrative manner?

Summative Assignment Case Study

Julie is a 52 year old white British woman. She is the mother of Sasha, who is 21 years old and also white British and Lisa who is 13 years old and of dual heritage.  Sasha’s father died when she was 7 years of age as a result of a road traffic accident.

A year later Julie met Boryz, a Polish builder at the local pub and they started dating. Early on into the relationship Julie found out she was pregnant with Lisa. Boryz initially wanted her to get rid of the baby, but Julie insisted that she keep her. After some time, Boryz came round to the idea and subsequently moved into the family home. At first the relationship between Julie and Boryz was good, with Sasha having happy memories of going on outings and picnics. She recalls some arguments, but nothing significant until Boryz failed to find work some years later. During this time the relationship began to deteriorate, with Boryz drinking heavily and blaming Julie for ‘trapping’ him by having a baby. The arguments often became violent with Boryz hitting Julie. Although neither Sasha nor Lisa witnessed this, they could hear the arguing and their mother crying afterwards. Sasha and Lisa became very close as a result.

Boryz finally left the family home and returned to Poland when Lisa disclosed the violence to a teacher at school. This was two years ago. Since then Julie has suffered from depression and has blamed Lisa for causing Boryz to leave her. She feels that Lisa has ruined her life. Julie has begun drinking alcohol heavily and after one bout told Sasha that her father was probably not her dad, but she was the result of Julie being raped, something she has never told anyone. Sasha is struggling to deal with this and her mother’s moods and alcohol use, and is thinking of moving out.

Last week during a PE session, the teacher noticed that Lisa had scarring at the top of her thighs. When questioned about this Lisa had broken down and said that she did it because it helped her. She said that her sister Sasha was planning to move out of the family home and that she would have no one left. Lisa also said that her mother hated her and because of this she felt that life was no longer worth living. The school have rung the local children’s services with their concerns about Lisa.