THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: SW 393R3 Instructor: Laura Jones-Swann MEd., LCDC Unique Number: 61780 E-mail: [email protected] Semester: Fall 2010 Phone: (512) 775-4210 (cell) Meeting Day and Time: Tuesdays 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Office: 3.108 Meeting Place: 2.118 Office Hours: Tuesdays: before and after class and scheduled appointments THEORIES AND METHODS OF FAMILY INTERVENTION 1. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of models and methods of family intervention. The content will include methods for assessment of families and an overview of several different models of family intervention with a focus on intervention skills and techniques. The course is grounded in best practices and the identification, analysis, and implementation of empirically-based intervention strategies. This course will focus on using multiple perspectives in the advanced application of theories, models, and skills utilized in short- and longer-term family interventions. II. COURSE OBJECTIVES By the end of the semester, students will be able to: 1. Compare various theoretical approaches to working with the family as a system, including understanding the impact of the ecological and social environments in which diverse families live (CL/APB7) 2. Demonstrate understanding of similarities and differences among theories and critically assess their theoretical perspectives, value bases, and the role of gender in family dynamics (CL/APB7) 3. Integrate and demonstrate the differential application of procedures, techniques, and methods of family intervention models that reflect best practices for problem areas or helping diverse client groups (CL/APB4)4. Select theories, models, and interventions and then critically evaluate and analyze these approaches as to their effectiveness in given situations. This includes: (a) the adequacy of the research and knowledge base; (b) the range of applicability; and (c) the value and ethical issues, including the student’s own value system (CL/APB2) 5. Apply knowledge of the impact of policy and social justice issues to interventions with families of diverse cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, family structure, national origin, ability, or other manifestations of diversity (CL/APB6) 6. Demonstrate skill in using family therapy theory to assess family dysfunction in the context of the larger community and target systems within and outside the family for change (CL/APB10a) 7. Implement and evaluate the effectiveness of family interventions (CL/APB10c) The School of Social Work has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1952. In order to maintain our accreditation status, we engage in ongoing curriculum assessment to demonstrate compliance with CSWE’s Education Policies and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Several required courses in our curriculum are part of this ongoing assessment, including this course. Below is a list of the specific Educational Policies (EP) and Practice Behaviors (PB) that are assessed in this course. The complete EPAS can be optioned from your Student Handbook. EP 2.1.2. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. CL/APB2 Refine ability to manage value differences and ethical dilemmas Objectives 4 Assignment: Family-of-origin paper; Role-Play and role-play paper; case management Evaluation; in-class family therapy exercises and simulations. EP 2.1.4. Engage diversity and difference in practice. CL/APB4 Utilize needs, values, and strengths in applying appropriate interventions for diverse client systems Objectives 3 Assignment: Role-play, role-play paper; diversity group discussion; mid-term and 2nd exam; in-class videos. EP 2.1.6. Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. CL/APB6 Apply empirically supported evidence to practice Objectives 5 Assignment: Role-play paper; mid-term and 2nd exam. EP 2.1.7. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. CL/APB7 Synthesize and select human behavior and the social environment theories to match client needs Objectives 1, 2 Assignment: Informed class discussion; case management Evaulation; Family-of-origin paper, role-play. EP 2.1.10a. Engagement. CL/APB10a Integrate theory-based relational skills in all areas of client engagement Objectives 6 Assignment: role-play; role-play paper; case management evaluation; video clips of major family therapy experts.EP 2.1.10c. Intervention CL/APB10c Critically apply interventions to design, implement and evaluate effective practice Objectives 7 Assignment: Role-play; role-play paper, mid-term and 2nd exam; in-class video clips of major family therapy experts. III. TEACHING METHODS AND CLASS ORGANIZATION This class provides opportunities for both theory and skill development. Five family practice models will be presented through a combination of lectures, videos, small group exercises, demonstrations of the practice interventions, and class discussions. Lectures will focus on the tenets and significant concepts of each model. Reading assignments, videos, small group exercises and demonstrations of the practice interventions will focus on application of the model to life cycle events, e.g. adolescence and elderly as well as to diverse populations, e.g. same sex relationships and Latino families. Each student is expected to contribute from a synthesis of class readings, field experiences, and from his or her life experiences, as appropriate. All in-class discussions related to personal values, beliefs, or life experiences will be kept confidential. IV. REQUIRED TEXTS Nichols, M. & Schwartz, R.C. (2008). Essentials of Family Therapy. (4th Ed). Boston: Allyn & Bacon Lawson, D.M. & Prevatt, F.F. (Eds) (1999). Casebook in Family Therapy. Belmont: CA: Brooks/Cole. . Reading Packet: A course packet of required readings is on reserve at the Learning Resource Center of the School of Social Work. The course packet (Jones-Swann) is also available for purchase at Speedway Printing located at Dobie Mall, 2025 Guadalupe, (512) 478-3334. OPTIONAL TEXTS McGoldrick, M., Giordano, J., & Pearce, J.K.,