Family and Whanau Dynamics

77331

  • Level 7
  • 20 Credits
  • 0.1667 EFTS
  • Delivery type:
    Online only
  • Course duration: 16 weeks
  • Course cost:
    $1,021 NZ Domestic
  • Workload - Approximately 13 hours per week
  • Availability
    Monthly course availability for upcoming periods
    Not available
    Aug
    Not available
    Sep
    Not available
    Nov
    Not available
    Dec
    2027 Not available
    Jan
    Not available
    Feb
    Not available
    Mar
    Not available
    Apr
    Not available
    May
    Not available
    Jun
    Not available
    Jul

Using an ecological systems perspective this course will enable you to assess and apply positive, strengths-based approaches for working in partnership with families and whanāu.

It will consider methods for assessing resilience and risks – including risks from child abuse, neglect and family violence – and positive approaches to promoting and supporting family and whānau wellbeing. In planning to intervene, you will be able to take into account social, economic, cultural and spiritual contexts.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to

  • Analyse the dynamics of family and whānau taking into account community, social, economic, cultural and spiritual factors
  • Critically assess protective and risk factors for family and whānau including risks from child abuse, neglect and family violence
  • Propose positive strengths–based approaches to supporting, promoting and protecting family and whānau wellbeing

Course content includes

  • Ecological and systems based perspectives
  • Using ecomaps and genograms
  • The importance of whakapapa and social connectedness
  • The dynamics of Whanaungatanga including Mātua Whangai
  • Attachment, family relationships and family dynamics
  • The cultural context of family life
  • Families, caring and gender and sexual identity and orientation
  • Identifying and assessing resilience and risk factors
  • Promoting resilience, identification of protective factors and managing risk
  • Child abuse, neglect and family violence
  • Strengths-based practice with family and whānau 
  • Out of family care
  • The children of prisoners
  • The wider social network and community context – including social capital and social networks
  • Skills to critically appraise research including ethical and cultural considerations

Assessment

This course is 100% internally assessed

Textbooks

There is a textbook required for this course. Email socialwork@openpolytechnic.ac.nz for more information.

Computer and internet requirements

This course is delivered online, so you will access the course and do your study online, which generally includes reading and doing activities, watching videos, downloading content, and writing and submitting assessments online.

For online learning you need:

  • Access to a laptop or desktop computer
  • Reliable broadband internet and a data plan

Find out more about online learning

If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access will allow you to study online please contact us.

How to apply

Apply to study a programme

You can study this course as part of any of the programmes listed below.

Click on a tile to go the programme information, including the entry requirements and how many courses you'll need to do to complete the programme.

From there you click 'Apply now' and start your study journey.