Pre-requisites

S501 Introduction to Sociology
YT501 Theories of Youth Work

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Discuss the contemporary youth experience as it relates to the dynamics of trauma, risk and marginalisation from a Christian worldview perspective.

• Identify the social structures and institutional dynamics that contribute to vulnerability.

• Review the effectiveness and appropriateness of various models and sites of intervention for engaging with trauma.

• Differentiate acute circumstances of trauma and evaluate the various responses available to the youth worker.

Unit Description

This unit will explore the contemporary youth experience, particularly as it relates to the variety of factors that contribute to vulnerability. Students will be oriented to the theory that surrounds the construction of labels such as ‘at-risk’ and ‘marginalisation’. The unit will explore some dynamics that may take place where there are circumstances of trauma, abuse, mental health, or various challenges that can be associated with social, economic or cultural contexts. In addition to these foundational considerations, specific topics may also include domestic and social violence, bullying, suicide, self-harm, alcohol and other drugs, addictions, disabilities, poverty, homelessness, asylum seekers and refugees, ethnicity and migration and colonisation.

Rooted in a Christian worldview perspective these may be explored broadly and/or a few may be reviewed in depth. Using an understanding of ‘Imago Dei’ students are educated in providing support to young people experiencing a variety of traumas. Differing models of short term and long term engagement and intervention will be reviewed toward developing student awareness, skills and responsiveness.

Topics

• Introduction - Being vulnerable
• Identity, belonging and purpose
• Understanding Trauma
• Trauma and Risk
• Trauma and attachment
• Mental health
• AOD
• Suicide and non suicidal self injury
• Family Violence
• Types of interventions (CBT, SOLUTIONS)
• Types of interventions (NARRATIVE)
• Review

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Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every 2nd Year (Even), Semester 1)
Face to face: Semester 1, 2025 (Every 2nd Year (Odd), Semester 1)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.