Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2021 - 2022
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Description This module provides an introduction to the law relating to the care, safety and welfare of children in Ireland. The module provides students with an understanding of both the legal context relating to the children with whom they will be working and legal provisions with direct implications for their own professional practice. The course explores children’s legal status in different family circumstances and goes on to discuss the implications of international conventions supporting children’s rights. Students are then introduced to legislation, regulations and guidelines relating to child care and child protection. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Identify different sources and areas of law with implications for children and education in Ireland. 2. Outline the legal framework concerning children and families in Ireland. 3. Present key provisions relating to child-care services. 4. Discuss some of the implications of human rights instruments for children in Ireland particularly of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. 5. Recognise the implications of child protection law, policies and procedures for those working in early childhood education contexts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities 1This course begins with an introduction to law and its various applications to children and education in Ireland. The course provides an overview of the legal framework exploring different sources of law (including acts of the Oireachtas, constitutional law, EU law, international law, case law and regulations) and different areas of law with possible implications of children and education practitioners (for example: family law, negligence, employment law and equality law).2The course goes on to outline key areas of law relating to children and families including the law relating to guardianship, custody, access and maintenance, to public law child care proceedings, to adoption and to domestic violence. The course will discuss the relevant provision of the Irish constitution and the implications of the 31st amendment.3The legal provisions relating to pre-school services, the Child Care Act 1991and the Child Care Regulations, will be introduced. Students will engage with the care and safety requirements expected of child care services, recognising the duties undertaken by child carers.4Children rights, provided for by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, will be discussed. Students will consider the implications of these rights for early childhood education and what a human rights approach means in an education context. Other relevant conventions, including the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination will also be introduced.5The course will go on to consider key issues and practices relating to child protection. Students will look at: what constitutes child abuse and neglect including exploring some of the reasons for and consequences of child abuse. Students will then examine the legislation, guidelines and good practice relating to the observing, recording and reporting of child protection concerns. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 37652, Website, 0, Irish Statute Book, www.irishstatutebook.ie, 37653, Website, 0, British and Irish Legal Information Institute, www.bailii.org, 37654, Website, 0, Children’s Rights Alliance, www.childrensrights.ie, 37655, Website, 0, Barnardos:, www.barnardos.ie, 37656, Website, 0, Office of the Minister for Children, www.omc.ie, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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