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Health, Sports & Psychology
The gift of being a foster carer
What is our conception of fostering? This article explores the reality behind the myths and what fostering means for our communities.
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Society, Politics & Law
Bus driver, social worker and university lecturer, a personal, professional and political journey
Lynn Sheridan has campaigned for social justice throughout her life. Here she shares with us how it all started, her personal journey and what continues to motivate her
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Education & Development
Are you ready to study for a Professional Doctorate?
To find out whether you are eligible to apply for a Professional Doctorate at The Open University, please complete the following questions.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
What makes a good father?
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and not all families include fathers. But when there’s a father or someone in the fathering role, we all have our own ideas about what makes a good dad. What does a man have to do to earn this title, and have our standards changed over time? Explore our interactive to learn more.
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Society, Politics & Law
Campaigning for refugee and migrant women
At The Open University, one key aspect we train social workers in, is understanding the law. We train students to explore how they can act ethically as social workers, encouraging them to apply their power as practitioners to challenge social injustice within the law.
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Education & Development
Do boys need male role models?
Is a lack of ‘male role models’ the source of the problems faced by young men today? And does involving more men in boys’ care and welfare make a difference?
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Society, Politics & Law
Applying social work law with children and families
This course will introduce you to the law as it applies to social work with children and families in the United Kingdom. You will learn about varying definitions of childhood and family and then explore underpinning principles of the law relating to child rights and parental responsibilities. You will look at the key legislation relating to ...
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level 2: intermediate icon
Society, Politics & Law
Social work law and UK regulation
Social workers have significant powers, rights and responsibilities in their professional role. The law has a vital role in the regulation of professional practice, and such regulation is important to social workers, as it provides clear boundaries for their practice. Boundaries also provide the public with confidence in the profession. It is ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Is my child being exploited? How to spot the signs
Learn to differentiate between typical child and adolescent development and what could be the signs of child criminal exploitation in this short animation and article.
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level 2: intermediate icon
Society, Politics & Law
An introduction to social work law
This course will get you to consider your initial perceptions of the social work role before exploring what social workers do in their day-to-day practice with people. It will highlight the core values of the social work profession and consider the challenges of applying these values in practice. The course will explore the relationship ...
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level 1: introductory icon
Health, Sports & Psychology
Physical activity for health and wellbeing in the caring role
Are you a carer? Or do you work with a carer, or know someone who one? This free course, Physical activity for health and wellbeing in the caring role, is designed to give an insight into the demands, both physically and mentally, of the caring role and look at how taking part in physical activity can offer benefits to the health and wellbeing ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
What do you really know about autism?
You've probably heard a lot about autism - but can you separate the myth from the reality? Try this interactive quiz to test your knowledge.