Course Title: Provide Support/Supervision to Young Offenders within a Youth Justice Framework
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2012
Course Code: JUST5153
Course Title: Provide Support/Supervision to Young Offenders within a Youth Justice Framework
School: 365T Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6077 - Advanced Diploma of Justice
Course Contact : Karen Linstrom
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254597
Course Contact Email:karen.linstrom@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 54
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
- Work in a Legal Environment
- Apply Investigative Processes in a Criminal Justice Context
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- Work with Culturally Diverse Clients in a Justice Environment
Course Description
This course covers the knowledge and skills required to apply Juvenile (Youth) law, procedures and structures within a Youth Justice context.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBQU386 Provide Support/Supervision to Young Offenders within a Youth Justice Framework |
Element: |
1. Investigate the main causes of offending behaviour within a Youth context. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The causes of youth crime are analyzed. 1.2The responses to offending behaviour are evaluated. 1.3.Strategies to deal with offending behaviour are formulated |
Element: |
2. Analyse the extent, patterns and trends in Juvenile offending. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Statistics of offending behaviour, in a historical and currrent context are examined. 2.2 Patterns and trends of offending behaviour within a State and Commnwealth context are examined. 2.3 An anlaysis of State and Commonwealth statistics, and trends and patterns is conducted to identify its implications on youth policy formation. |
Element: |
3. Develop and implement Crime Prevention Strategies within a context of youth offending |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 factors that impact on offending behaviours are evaluated. 3.2 Strategies to minimise and overcome these factors are developed. 3.3 Crime prevention strategies within a context of youth offending are developed. |
Element: |
4. Review the Legislative framework and Court processes in the Youth Justice context. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 The main aims and legal provisions of key legislation inthe Youth Justice system are examined. 4.2 The structure,conposition and role of Youth Justice services in Victoria are investigated. 4.3 Service provision in Victoria is reviewed in relation to other States. 4.4 Political, legal and economic issues affecting service delivery are analyzed. 4.5 The role and function of the Children's Court is evaluated. 4.6 The role and function of the Youth Parole Board is examined. |
Element: |
5. Analyse and evaluate current sentencing policies in a Youth Justice context. |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 The role of sentencing witin the the crininal process is examined. 5.2 The factors contributing to sentencing policies and practices are evaluated. 5.3 Current sentening philosophy and practice is investigated. 5.5 Treatment programs for young offenders are investigated.
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Element: |
6. Analyse practice standards and procedures associated with Youth Justice |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 The key practice standards within the Youth Justice System are reviewed. 6.2 The application of these key practice standards within the Youyth Justice System is evaluated.
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Element: |
7. Develop and design different workers’ roles in response to the needs of young offenders. |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 The different work contexts relevant to worling with young people are investigated. 7.2 Workers' roles in responding to the needs of young people are identified. 7.3 Behaviour appropriate to wotking with young people who offend is examined. 7.4 State legal and social obligations for the worker within the Crininal Justice System are examined. 7.5 The Clinet Assessment Plan (CAP) is applied. 76. The role of a Youth Justice Worker within Case Management practice is identified. 7.7 The role of the worker in the court process is investigated.
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Element: |
8. Develop supervision and support strategies relevant to young people who offend. |
Performance Criteria: |
8.1 Assessment frameworks for the identification of support requirements is specified. 8.2 The yopung person's role in this propcess is assessed. 8.3 Family factors associated with anti-social juvenile behaviour are investigated. 8.4 Strategies for assisting and supervising young persons to develop family and community networks are formulated. 8.5 New Directions in early intervention and treatment of abusive behaviours are reviewed. |
Element: |
9. Develop relevant programs and activities for young offenders. |
Performance Criteria: |
9.1 Program needs of young people who offend are formulated. 9.2 Employment and communications skills to assist yopung people to identify relevfant propgrams and activities are investigated and implemented. 9.3 Specialist support and treatment programs for young offenders are investigated. 9.4 Young people are assisted to access relevant programs and activities . 9.5 Strategies to enable young peopleto cope successfully with restraints associated with secure care are developed, implemented and monitored. |
Learning Outcomes
See elements
Details of Learning Activities
- Identify and reflect on "justice" in the contemporary Youth Justice system
- Identify and assess children and young people as "victims" and/or "threats"
- Identify the key historical factors that have shaped the current Youth Justice system
- Develop an understanding of the ’philosophical underpinnings’ of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, especially minimising intervention into the lives of young offenders; the hierarchy of sentencing; and the separation of ‘needs and deeds’
- Identify key linkages between Youth Justice and child protection systems
- Develop and practice basic skills relevant to Youth Justice work
- Identify the features of effective assessment and interventions when working with young people and translate this information into relevant written documentation, such as
- Pre Sentence Reports,
- Client Assessment Plan/VONIY (or alternative)
- To have an understanding of strategies to assist young people to develop pathways out of the Youth Justice system
Teaching Schedule
Week One
Children and young people’s rights
Young people as ‘victims’ and ‘threats’
Week Two
The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005
Jurisdiction of the Criminal Division at the Children’s Court
Criminal Responsibility of Children
Week Three
The legal foundations of Youth Justice: welfare vs. justice Models
Theories of Punishment and sentencing principles in the justice model
Week Four
Sentencing in the Children’s Court
Week Five
No class; students will be required to attend a Children’s Court
Asessment One - Court Visit, Presentation & Group Report
Week Six
The Youth Justice System: Commuity Based Units & Youth Justice Centres
Assessment Two - Pre Sentence Report.
SEMESTER BREAK 29 August -4th September inclusive
Week Seven
Profile of Young People in the Youth Justice System with the values of:
- Cultural diversity
- Violence
- Dual diagnosis
- Self harm
- Patterns of offending
PANEL PRESENTATIONS - HURDLE TASK!
Week Eight
The Child Protection System
PANEL PRESENTATIONS -HURDLE TASK!
Week Nine
Risk Assessment of young people who self harm; indicators and issues
Assessment Three- Complete a CAP/ VONIY assessment
PANEL PRESENTATIONS -HURDLE TASK!
Week Ten
Working with trauma in young women and men
Youth Parole Board and Treatment Models
Week Eleven
Working with young people in the Youth Justice system
Week Twelve
A holistic approach to working with Youth Justice Clients
Community Networking
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Cuneen, C. & White, R. (2011) Juvenile Justice: Youth and crime in Australia (4th Edn) South Melbourne: Oxford University Press |
References
Please consult the Blackboard for digitised readings. |
Other Resources
Learning Resources
The University Library provides extensive services, facilities and study space as well as comprehensive collections of books, periodicals and other course related materials, such as DVD’s, magazines, slides, films etc. Computer laboratories with access to a wide range of desktop publishing software are also available. The library also has an expanding virtual collection of electronic resources and networks, including product data, e-books, electronic journals and newspapers, web based tutorials, online reference and document delivery services etc., all of which are accessible on campus, and off campus 24 hours per day. More information on library resources and services can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
The Study and Learning Centre provides free learning and academic development advice to all RMIT students. For information on their services and support, please visit the website http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre
Overview of Assessment
Assessable tasks for this course will include:
* Active participation in weekly Case Studies and Tutorials
* Indididual contribution to a group presentation on observed Youth Justice cases in court
* Completion of a Pre Sentence Report to industry standard
* Completion of a Client Assessment Plan (CAP) and Client Service Plan (CSP) to Industry standards
Assessment Tasks
1. Children’s Court group report and presentation (30%)
2. Pre Sentence Report (30%)
3. Client Assessment Plan + VONIY (40%)
Assessment Matrix
The assessment has been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table 7 which is as follows:
HD 80-100
DI 70-79
CR 60-69
PA 50-59
NN 0-49
All written work must adhere to the following criteria:
- Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
- It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and cogently address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical, ordered and organised manner
- The concepts must be well defined and demonstrate a critical analysis of the chosen topic
- Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research
- In-text references must follow the APA style of referencing. In addition, you must provide a bibliography with correct and comprehensive details in relation to texts, articles, research reports and other sources that you have used
- Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in font style Aerial or Times New Roman.
Other Information
Extensions will not be granted by teachers or Administrative staff.
In accordance with RMIT policy, students may apply for an extension where there have been unexpected or extenuating circumstances, e.g.
- Hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illness such as a cold, period pain or hay fever.
- Loss or bereavement – e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
- Hardship/trauma – e.g. victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements.
Students must keep a copy of their assessment until the graded submission has been returned or marks have been posted.
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT student email address.
Applying for an Extension
Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. An application for extension of time must be lodged with your tutor or the course coordinator as early as possible, and no later than one working day before the due date for submission.
You can apply for extension using the University’s Extension Application Form – http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf – or by emailing your course coordinator or tutor directly.
An extension of up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.
Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by course coordinators, tutors or the School. To apply for an extension of time greater than seven calendar days you must lodge an application for Special Consideration.
Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Penalties for Late Submission
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, late submission will be penalised as follows:
Assessment tasks submitted after the due date of submission shall receive a penalty of five per cent of the grades available for that assessment per day for each working day late.
No assessment task shall be accepted more than three weeks after the due date.
Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing
Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
- Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
- Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
- Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
- Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
- Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
- Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
- Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
- Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
Course Overview: Access Course Overview