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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title Socio-economic needs of homeless people
Module Code NS460
School School of Nursing and Human Sciences

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Briege CaseyOffice NumberH212
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The module enables students to develop knowledge and skills necessary to undertake effective assessment and intervention with homeless people/families in relation to socio-economic needs and family functioning issues. The module comprises a mixture of lectures and seminars and is assessed through a continuous assessment process. The module is closely related to the students practice context. This is a professional development stand alone module suitable for people working in homeless sector services

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the experience of homelessness with reference to its impact on adult, child and family mental, physical and social function and development
2. Analyse contemporary thinking, policies an debates pertaining to accommodation provision and choice, education and employment, income and financial resources among homeless people/families
3. Evaluate cultural and contextual factors that may impact on socio-economic functioning for homeless people/families
4. Integrate government policy and law pertaining to the needs of homeless adults, children and families into practice
5. Display competence in socio-economic assessment and collaboration with homeless people / families to address socio-economic issues and family functioning needs
6. Demonstrate working knowledge of options and services available for homeless individuals and families that help them to secure and maintain accommodation, education, training and employment, adequate income and independent living skills.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture21No Description
Seminars21No Description
Independent Study208Includes practice learning time, online learning and assignment work
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Concepts and nature of homelessness
Concepts and nature of homelessness (definition, types/ categorizations, contributing factors and social responses) • Experiences and needs of: adults, children, families, people from culturally diverse backgrounds in homeless contexts • Impact of homelessness on adults, children and families in relation to physical and mental health and social and family functioning

Law and social policy in relation to homelessness
Key political /historical debates and contemporary approaches pertaining to the following socio-economic issues for homeless people/families: o Accommodation for people/families who are homeless o Education and Options for Further Education, Work and Training o Income and Finance/Independent Living Skills • Government policy and law pertaining to homeless adults, children and families

Challenges to healthy socio-economic functioning
Nature and scale of challenges to healthy socio-economic functioning experienced by homeless people/families in an Irish context (including learning difficulties and disabilities, health issues, barriers to accessing training, education and employment, stigma and discrimination, inadequate service provision)

Socio-economic interventions with homeless individuals and families
Socio-economic assessment and methods of assisting individuals /families to address socio-economic issues and family functioning needs (using appropriate frameworks). • Advocating with/for service users on these issues. • Process and dynamics of working with families in homeless contexts

Interagency working and helping people to address socio-economic needs
Options, services and access for homeless individuals/ families in relation to: o Securing and maintaining appropriate accommodation o Education, training and employment, o Securing adequate income o Achieving independent living skills. • Interagency working in helping homeless people and families to address socio-economic needs

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Homeless Agency: 2007, A key to the door: the Homeless Agency Partnership plan on homelessness in Dublin 2007-2010., Homeless Agency., Dublin,
  • Homeless Agency: 2008, Evaluation of Homeless Services, Homeless Agency., Dublin,
  • Homeless Agency: 2008, Partnership Submission to Government, Homeless Agency, Dublin,
Other Resources

737, Website, Homeless Agency, 0, Homeless Agency Publications are available here, http://www.homelessagency.ie/Research-and-Policy/Publications.aspx,
Programme or List of Programmes
CHPICert in Homeless Prevention/Intervention
SMPNSingle Module Programme (Nursing)
Archives: