Safeguarding Children & Families: recognising and combating abuse

This is a Social work, childhood and youth studies Subject Spotlight with Irene Legunsen from Anglia Ruskin University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Social work, childhood and youth studies.

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In this very illuminating and at times sensitive Subject Spotlight, Irene Legunsen, Lecturer in Social Work at Anglia Ruskin University, presents Understanding Safeguarding Children: recognising and combating abuse. She begins with an introduction to safeguarding, looks at laws that keep children safe from harm, and at practical ways for social workers to keep children safe from harm. She goes on to provide explanations of what abuse is, investigates the common types of abuse, and recognises the key signs of abuse. In episode 3, Irene looks at the shocking case of Victoria Climbé - what happened, the intervention and failings of the social worker, and the eventual outcome of the case. Finally, Irene considers the positive aspects of social work in the final episode, before presenting a fascinating activity that will certainly get you thinking! She rounds off the Spotlight with an overview of social work practice, and how to aspire to become a life-changing professional.

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About Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University is an innovative global university with students from 185 countries at our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle. These students are at the heart of our University, and we're delighted that our final-year undergraduates are positive about their educational experience. Our community is also incredibly important to us, and we're proud of the role we play in our cities and the wider region – including the positive effect on jobs and the local economy. It is this impact that helped us become the THE University of the Year 2023, a prestigious award that recognises our success in delivering high impact projects focused on the difference we make in the region and communities where we’re based as well as the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Meet the academics

Irene Legunsen

Irene Legunsen is a dedicated Lecturer in Social Work at Anglia Ruskin University, whose passion for empowering students extends beyond the confines of the classroom. With over a decade of experience in social work practice and student support, Irene brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world insight to her teaching. The vast majority of Irene's experience lies in children and families, with practice knowledge of Child Protection, Court Work, Social Work Management, Practice Education, teaching and social work training consultancy. Irene's passion towards building a safe learning environment for students enables her to build rapport, trust and thus engagement with their learning. Irene fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore complex social issues and develop critical thinking skills. While integrating theoretical knowledge and practical applications, she also encourages students to bridge the gap between academia and the real world. Beyond the confines of the university, Irene supports students via her online platform, The Social Work Planner. This platform provides an extra layer of support and resources for students and social workers at various levels of their social work journey.

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