Family Support is a dynamic and evidence-informed approach that strengthens families, promotes resilience, and builds positive social networks through community and statutory services. At its core, family support focuses on early intervention and prevention, helping to safeguard the health, wellbeing and rights of children, young people and their families, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk. This programme reflects the growing importance of family support services in Ireland, where thousands of children and families access support each year through a nationwide network of Child and Family Support Services.
The Certificate in Family Support Theory and Practice is designed for professionals and practitioners working with children, young people, families and communities who wish to deepen their knowledge, skills and understanding of family support practice. Through a blend of theory, reflection and practice-based learning, participants will explore the evolution of Family Support from both national and international perspectives and critically analyse the theories, policies and approaches that underpin effective interventions.
Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary family challenges, including mental health, addiction, domestic violence, parenting support, separation and loss, and the impact these issues can have on children and families. The programme also examines key areas such as child welfare and protection, assessment of need, attachment theory, resilience, advocacy, interagency working and evidence-based practice.
A strong emphasis is placed on professional ethics and reflective practice. Participants will critically examine their responsibilities to service users, families, agencies and other professionals while evaluating a range of interventions and approaches used within family support settings. Throughout the programme, learners will be encouraged to connect theory with practice by assessing needs, planning and implementing interventions, and evaluating their impact on the quality of life of service users.
By the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:
Critically examine the development of Family Support theory and practice.
Analyse the impact of family challenges on children and the wider family system.
Evaluate interventions and evidence-based approaches to family support.
Demonstrate ethical, reflective and professional practice.
Critique the tools, resources and skills used in family support work.
Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world practice and assess the outcomes of interventions.
This programme is ideal for professionals working in social care, community development, family resource services, youth work, education, healthcare and related sectors who are committed to improving outcomes for children, families and communities through effective family support practice.
Please note that participants on this course should be working in the sector as 50% of the assessment is based on practice based learning. Completion of 420 hours of practice based learning - 35 hours X 12 weeks during the academic term as indicated on the course schedule
Family Support Overview
• Early Intervention and Prevention • Provision of Family Support in Ireland by both voluntary and state • Family Support - exploring emerging trends internationally • Working with children and vulnerable adults state • Child Protection and welfare (Signs, symptoms, responses and Legislation)
Family Support Theory
• Critically analyse theories of family support • Theory in relation to family support practice • The role of attachment
Family Support Practice
• Assessment of need and the evaluation of evidence based responses. • Critique of tools, resources & interventions in relation to family support. • Professional skills (empathy / strengths based approach/ managing case loads/cpd / advocacy) • Minority groups and family support • Interagency practice
Family Challenges
Understanding of the following issues and their impacts on the child and family:- • Addiction • Mental Health (to include self-harm and suicide) • Domestic Violence • Child to Parent Violence • Challenging behaviour in children and young people • Parenting support / skills • Separation and Loss • Children in care (supporting family relationships / contact)
Entry Requirements
All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Lifelong Learning reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.
Please note that participants on this course should be working in the sector as 50% of the assessment is based on practice based learning. Completion of 420 hours of practice based learning - 35 hours X 12 weeks during the academic term as indicated on the course schedule
Students to provide evidence of practice based learning: • Portfolio – assess all learning outcomes • Attendance mandatory • Supervisors Final Evaluation form – satisfactory & documented.
The practice element will be graded as pass/fail in line with University programmes in the Social Sciences area and the student handbook will contain the information on this.
Explore our Part-time Prospectus to see the range of flexible study options available, with detailed course information, entry requirements, and study formats. Download the prospectus to find a programme that fits around your work and other commitments.
