MASTERS IN THERAPEUTIC CHILD CARE

This unique multi-disciplinary course is for experienced child care practitioners currently working with emotionally troubled children and their families in a wide variety of settings. It is taught over two years, one day a week, and has a maximum intake of 18 students.

Course Description

The course has a strong focus on the therapeutic community model of practice, and its application in different agencies and settings. The course is based on the ‘Matching Principle’ meaning that the training situation should be as close a match as possible to the practice situation; so it is conducted as much as possible to reflect ‘best practice’ in a therapeutic community work setting. The emphasis is on co-operative rather than on competitive learning. There is a continous overlap between personal, professional and academic learning and opportunities are provided for personal and professional development.

You may download the Student Handbook for this course [here]

Students and staff work together on a range of methods in therapeutic child care, including:

 

1. Milieu Therapy
2. Opportunity led work in daily life
3. Anti-oppressive practice
4. Focused work
5. Group work
6. Management and Ethical issues

Course Content

Year 1
Advanced Child Care Practice 1: Therapeutic work with Children and Adolescents
Principles and Practice
Philosophical & Ethical Issues in Therapeutic Child Care
Professional Workshop
Experiential Group
Visit of Observation
Year 2
Advanced Child Care Practice 2: Therapeutic Communication with Children and Young People
Management Issues in Therapeutic Child Care
Research in Therapeutic Child Care & Dissertation Workshop
Residential Workshops

Entry Requirements & Selection Criteria

In order to be eligible to undertake this course one must have:

1. An Honours Degree in Applied Social Studies or equivalent academic/professional qualification to degree level in a relevant profession.
2. In very exceptional cases, a Diploma in Applied Social Studies or equivalent qualification will be considered.
3. A minimum of two years post-qualifying experience in a professional social care setting unless already in suitable employment
4. Be currently and continually employed with young people and their families in a setting open to working from a therapeutic perspective.
5. Satisfactory performance at interview.

Click here for MATCC Application Form

Enquiries to:
Damien McLellan
Course Leader,
dmclellan@carlowcollege.ie
(059) 9153200/  087 2836923