Online learning materials

Web-based learning resources on a range of topics to support the social services workforce. 

Task Centred Casework

task-centred model of social work intervention

This multimedia learning object provides an introduction to the "task-centred" model of social work intervention. This model was based on the work of Sigmund Freud and the psychoanalysts. Psychoanalytic social work emphasised relationship-focused intervention with the professional adopting the role of the 'expert'.

Human rights and the UK Human Rights Act

Charting the origins of human rights

An audio and video based introduction to human rights. It charts the origins of human rights back to the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution, setting the UK Human Rights Act 1998 in historical context. It also helps the learner distinguish between human rights and civil liberties.

Tackling volatile substance abuse in Scotland

A training programme for the social care workforce

This training programme for the social care workforce carries detailed information about solvent and volatile substance abuse, together with a range of materials that you can download and refer to again and again. This resource also contains audio interviews, videos, factsheets and in-depth training materials that you'll be able to take away and use in the training of others.

Community care and older people

Case study

This case has been designed to familiarise students with the framework, key principles and statutes surrounding social work intervention with vulnerable adults. It consists of a three stage scenario describing the difficulties in the lives of an older couple, and their family, as they become increasingly dependent on community, residential and hospital-based services to protect them from danger and to promote their welfare.

Children, families and child protection

Case study

This case has been designed as a focus for learning about the legal, ethical and practice issues emerging from a child protection case scenario. As the case moves from allegations of abuse to planning for permanent care, learners can be asked to interpret and assess an unfolding scenario of complex need and to consider a variety of responses designed both to promote the welfare of the three children and ensure parents' rights are actively considered.

Criminal justice and domestic violence

Case study

This multimedia learning object familiarises students with the framework, key principles and statutes surrounding social work intervention with families and adult offenders. It tells the story of Ian and Shavita who have been married five years, are in their early thirties and live with their two young children in an owner occupied home in an affluent suburb of Glasgow.

Reablement

Case study

This case study is designed to show how reablement can improve the quality of life for someone who has become dependent on services and has lost independence.

Crisis intervention

A framework for professional practice

The aim of this learning object is to promote understanding of the key aspects of the crisis intervention model and explore its application to practice.

The Assessment Triangle

exploring a key concept within child welfare

The Assessment Triangle is a key concept within child welfare and is a term that has been used since the late 1990s. In Scotland, it has been adopted within the development of an Integrated Assessment Framework, to which we also refer in this learning resource. There are a number of aspects of child assessment, in any domain - the home, the playground, the classroom, the GP surgery, or residential care, and others - where you will be thinking about assessment models and practice.