The learning outcomes will be achieved through the following teaching methodologies:
• Lectures - communication of knowledge and ideas
• Problem Solving Exercises – learners will work as part of a team and will work together to resolve various legal scenarios.
• Class Discussion/Debate - learners will be encouraged to actively participate in the class sessions which will develop their analytical and communication skills.
• E-Learning – It is envisaged that the module will be supported with on-line learning materials.
• Self-directed independent learning - the emphasis on independent learning will develop a strong and autonomous work and learning practice
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to give learners a sound understanding of the Irish Legal System and of the provisions of law which impact upon the care and education of children.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Identify the main sources of law within the Irish legal system and evaluate their respective importance.
LO2
Differentiate between the rights of the married and unmarried family in Ireland under the Constitution and legislation particularly around guardianship, custody and access to children and consider the need for reform in child and family law in order to meet changing trends in society;
LO3
Analyse and articulate the legal obligation of the Child and Family Agency to protect children in Ireland and apply this to practical situations.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Introduction to the Irish Legal System
• Sources of law; • Court structure and Jurisdiction in particular having regard to child and family law.
Guardianship, Custody & Access to Children
• Parental Rights and Duties • The Guardianship of Infants Act 1964,as amended • The Children and Family Relationship Act 2015 • UNCRC and how it has been incorporated in Irish law to date (in particular the principles of child participation and the "best interests" of the
child) • ECHR • Custody and Access • Custody Disputes between Parents • Custody Disputes between Parents and Outsiders • Voice of the child • Children's Rights to include the right to education
Protection of Children
• Role and Duty of the Child and Family Agency/Tusla under the Child Care Act 1991,as amended; Children First Act 2015. • Voluntary Care • Removal of child to safety by member of An Garda Siochana • Care Proceedings • Children in need of special care and protection • Children's Residential Centres • Constitutional Rights of the child and parents/family.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Project
100.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Project
Learners will be required to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes through continuous assessment. This work may take the form of a project, presentation, case analysis, essay or problem based assessment. It will
require the learner to identify and analyse areas of the child and family law which are in
need of reform, articulate and discuss any proposals put forward for such
reform and debate their merits.
1,2,3
100.00
n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment