Unit of Study WELF5002 Supporting Students in Difficult Times (2025)

Unit description

Provides 'front line' professionals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively support children and young people who are experiencing personal difficulties and require social and/or emotional support. Emphasis is placed on recognising when such support is needed and why, identifying when and how to respond and refer to other support services, such as counselling.

Unit content

Recognising why and when students need socio-emotional support – Perspectives on socio-emotional problems and issues – Causes of emotional distress for students (issues such as friendship issues, family dynamics, abuse, loss and grief, bullying, suicide) – Contexts for understanding students’ emotional concerns – Theories of attachment, trauma and resilience. 

Responding to students’  social and emotional needs in difficult times – Sources of support for students – The relational context for responding – The role of teachers and other relevant professionals – Skills for effectively responding – The importance of reflective practice for teachers.

Referring students for support – Differentiating between social support, emotional support, mental health and child protection issues – Overview of relevant services and service models – Responding to disclosures of concern – Referring children and families to specialised services – Critical issues in referral.