1. Evidence for Welfare Practice
Lecture 1.3 Introduction to Assessment

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

3. 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).

4. 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

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

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

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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. Key dates

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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