Forensic Social Work

3 ECTS credits
90 h study time

Offer 2 with catalog number 1006903BER for all students in the 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.

Semester

2nd semester

Enrollment based on exam contract

Possible

Grading method

Grading (scale from 0 to 20)

Can retake in second session

Yes

Taught in

Dutch

Faculty

Faculty of Law and Criminology

Department

Criminology

Educational team

Olga Petintseva (course titular)

Activities and contact hours

26 contact hours Lecture
60 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study

Course Content

In the first part, the history of the probation service and the development towards forensic welfare work is studied. The forensic field in Belgium (mainly Flanders) is mapped.

The second part deals with the actual aid and law debate: the common thread throughout the course. A theoretical, policy-oriented and practice-based approach to this field of tension.

The third part examines how forensic welfare work takes shape conceptually and in social practice. Here the cooperation agreements between the federal state (Justice, Home Affairs) and the Community authorities are discussed, the strategic plan assistance and services to prisoners, victim support, the problems of internment, restorative justice approaches ... (chosen themes may differ from year to year).

Throughout the course, the tension of aid and law is central and you will practice recognizing the externalities of this tension. This exercise results in a short paper that is part of the exam.

Course material

Digital course material (Required) : Slides, Canvas

Additional info

This lecture is taught in evening classes in 6 contact hours (or equivalent digital form) + self-study.

For additional information, please contact katrien.de.koster@vub.be

Learning Outcomes

General competencies

Knowledge and insight

Having insight in the (societal) historical development of the Forensic welfare system
Knowing the central theoretical concepts, basic methods and –techniques of relevant science domains (in case psychology and social work)
Knowing and having insight in the role and work of the different actors involved in the domain of forensic welfare work
Knowing the specific terminology

Competences

Being able to place current criminological debates in their historical, cultural-societal en political context and to evaluate them critically.
Being able to clearly, correctly and critically communicate in written about a (forensic) criminological subject.
Being able to recognize theoretical insights in practice.

Attitudes

Having an interested, critical and independent mind
Having an important interest and sensitivity towards societal and criminological questions
Having a respectful stance towards emotional and ethical aspects of the domains under study
Having a attitude of openness and working within different disciplines

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

Written Exam with a relative weight of 100 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

Not applicable.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark

The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context