Course content

The course provides theoretical knowledge and practical experience about innovation with vulnerable children and families. The course is concerned with developing a thorough understanding of the conditions for innovation in child welfare, both the conditions that can promote and hinder innovation. The course places particular emphasis on how innovation can be developed within one's own organization. A key approach is that the development of the child welfare field will be in interaction and partnership with various social actors, where innovation processes are also seen in a critical light.

The course is developed and organized in partnership between Trondheim municipality and NTNU, in line with the intention of the university municipality TRD 3.0. The purpose of this collaboration is to build a bridge between the municipality's practice and the research knowledge universe through experimentation and experience sharing. The course will build up in collaboration between the university and the child welfare service on research and development work in work with vulnerable children and families. The overall goal is to develop the best possible service organization and help for children and families who need it most.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - The candidate has:

• in-depth knowledge of innovation in work with children, young people and families in vulnerable life situations
• in-depth knowledge of the conditions for innovation in child welfare, including how political, professional and organizational frameworks affect the opportunities for innovation with children in different upbringing environments
• in-depth knowledge of interdisciplinary collaboration in child welfare work

Skills - The candidate:

• can apply relevant methods to plan, lead and evaluate a separate, limited innovation project within child welfare
• can draw on research-based, experience-based and user-based knowledge in their own innovation work within child welfare
• can critically reflect on the need for individual adaptation and standardization in innovation processes with vulnerable children and families

General competence - The candidate:

• can apply their knowledge and skills to carry out innovation projects in work with children, young people and families in their own organization and in collaboration with other actors
• can discuss professional and ethical aspects of user involvement in such processes

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars, innovation in practice.

Compulsory assignments

• 80% participation in lectures
• Written submission of an innovation plan
• Oral presentation

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course has admission right requirements, which means that the course is reserved for students who have been admitted to study Master's degree in child welfare work at NTNU.

Course materials

The syllabus list is published on Blackboard at the start of the course.