Aim
The aim of this assessment is to develop a plan for the Capstone Project you will work on throughout the term. A Capstone Project is a culminating activity undertaken in the final term of your study. This project is designed to synthesise and apply the knowledge, skills, and values acquired throughout your course.

Instructions
This assessment is a practical demonstration of your readiness for social work practice and ability to engage in evidence-informed, ethical social work practice. The Capstone Project is assessed in three parts. This first assessment task leads you toward your final Capstone Project Submission. The Capstone Project can be either (a) developed and implemented in your agency or (b) developed to the point that it could be implemented in your agency where you are undertaking placement.  Further information about this process will be outlined in the unit on Moodle. This plan will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for graduate generalist social work practice. 

You will initiate a supervision session with your supervisor and other key stakeholders in the placement relevant to your Capstone Project following the learning materials provided in Moodle. You must demonstrate organisation and self-direction to ensure these supervisory processes are efficient and collaborative. Once you have a suitable project, you can develop your Capstone Project Plan. You may add this project to your learning agreement if your supervision team supports it.

N.B. You are not required to implement the project in your placement agency. If you decide to incorporate this project into your placement, you are welcome to do so. If you include this project, the same academic integrity standards apply. The work must be your own.

Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:

1. Capstone Project Description:

   - Explain the project's importance in social work.

   - Highlight its relevance to your professional development.

2. Issue/Challenge Identification:

   - Identify a specific social work issue.

   - Provide background within your agency.

3. Project Objectives and Goals:

   - Clearly outline measurable objectives and goals.

4. Methodology and Data Collection:

   - Describe data collection methods and rationale.

5. Key Milestones and Timeline:

   - Provide project timeline and milestones.

6. Expected Outcomes and Impact:

   - Discuss expected outcomes and impact on the agency and its clients.

7. Alignment with AASW Practice Standards:

   - Demonstrate alignment with AASW Practice Standards and unit learning outcomes.

Literature and references
In this assessment, use at least 10 contemporary references (<5 years) sourced from the CQUniversity library in this assessment to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian College of Nursing or the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Requirements
·      You may write in the first-person perspective (I, my) for reflective writing tasks, or as directed by your lecturer.

·      Use formal academic language.

·      Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online CQU APA Referencing Style Guide.

Resources
·      You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.

·      We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.

·      We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.

·      For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.

·      Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.

Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint format only.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
·      Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.

·      Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Statement
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools, including AI-driven writing[AM1] [AM2]  assistants and content generators, is not permitted in this assessment. This social work practice standard is based on the requirement for students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial for social work practice as outlined by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2021). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. To ensure the integrity and development of these capabilities, students must verify that any grammar or writing enhancement programs used do not incorporate AI components. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice.

Aim
This assessment aims to develop your ability to communicate complex information gathered during your Capstone Project using digital tools. Creating and presenting a digital infographic will consolidate and visually communicate the outcomes of your research, data findings, or consultations to date. This task enhances your data synthesis, digital design, and public communication skills, which are integral to professional social work practice.

Connections with the Capstone Project Overall

This task ties directly into the broader objectives of your Capstone Project by focusing on the application and communication of your research and project findings to date. It allows you to showcase how you have applied social work theories and methods to real-world issues, demonstrating your analytical and creative abilities. This assessment also provides a platform to reflect on the entire project's process and outcomes, helping to cement your learning and identify areas for future development.

By completing this task, you will demonstrate your research, analytical skills, and proficiency in utilizing tools to enhance understanding and engagement with complex social issues. This combination of skills is crucial for contemporary social work practice.

Instructions
Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:

1.    Select Your Focus: Choose to focus your infographic on either:

o   Data Collection and Findings - detailing the methodologies, data collected, and any results.

o   Consolidation of Outcomes about the Social Issue or Problem - summarising the outcomes from your research, consultations, and the implications for social work practice.

2.    Gather and Organise Content: Compile all necessary information, ensuring it is organised. This includes data, consultation feedback, research findings, and relevant statistics.

3.    Design the Infographic:

o   Use a digital tool like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or Piktochart. For guidance on creating effective infographics, visit Canvas Design School, which offers comprehensive tips and tutorials.

o   Plan your layout to ensure the infographic is logical and visually appealing. Consider how best to represent data and text to make the content engaging and easily understood.

4.    Create and Refine Your Infographic:

o   Implement your design, incorporating visual elements like charts, graphs, and icons.

o   Review your infographic for clarity, accuracy, and impact. Make necessary adjustments based on this evaluation.

5.    Record Your Presentation:

o   Prepare a concise presentation where you explain the critical elements of your infographic. Discuss the relevance of your findings or outcomes to social work practice.

o   Record your presentation, ensuring good quality audio and stable video. Make sure the infographic is visible and your explanation is audible.

o   Briefly indicate how you have consulted or engaged in supervision or sought the feedback of others in your findings. Highlight how this feedback has shaped your project and the development of your infographic.

6.    Submit Your Work:

o   Upload both the infographic and your video presentation to Moodle. Ensure that your files are compatible with Moodle's supported formats and that the file sizes are manageable for easy uploading and viewing.

Literature and references
In this assessment use at least 10 contemporary references (<5 years) sourced from the CQUniversity library in this assessment to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian College of Nursing or the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Requirements
·      You may write in the first-person perspective (I, my) for reflective writing tasks, or as directed by your lecturer.

·      Use formal academic language.

·      Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online CQU APA Referencing Style Guide.

Resources
·      You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.

·      We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.

·      We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.

·      For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.

·      Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.

Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

·      Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.

·      Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.

·      Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.

·      Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Statement
Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) includes a range of computer programs that use data sets and computer-generated information to create new content.   For this assessment you may use Gen-AI to help you to understand the question, explain research concepts and check references are in the correct format. If you use Gen-AI, you should include a statement that declares that you have used Gen-AI and how you have used Gen-AI. 

You should not use Gen-AI in the creation or critical analysis of the content or to write or rewrite any part of your assessment. Caution should be applied when using programs such as Grammarly and Chat GPT.  You should be aware that Gen-AI output can be incorrect and can include fictitious references and sources. 

Aim
The aim of this assessment is to synthesise the research, methodologies, and interventions explored throughout the Capstone Project, evaluating their effectiveness and alignment with social work theories and ethical practices.

Instructions
You are writing a report that requires you to critically analyse how reflective practices have influenced the project's outcomes and to propose evidence-based recommendations for future social work interventions. You will demonstrate your ability to integrate academic knowledge with practical application, which will prepare you for professional social work practice while contributing to the field's body of knowledge.

Please follow the steps below to complete your report. The following headings should be used for your report. The questions serve as prompts for each section of the report. You can supplement your report with appendices such as any artifacts or supporting documentation that enhance the report.

Introduction

1.    What were the initial goals and objectives of your Capstone Project, and how did they aim to address the identified social work issue?

2.    How have the methodologies and interventions planned in Assessment 1 (Project Plan) been pivotal in addressing these goals?

Theoretical Framework and Reflective Practice

3.    Which social work theories and reflective practice frameworks have you integrated into your Capstone Project?

4.    Critically analyse how applying these theories and frameworks impacted your decision-making and the effectiveness of your implemented or proposed interventions.

Synthesis of Project Findings

5.    What are the key findings from your research, including data from the infographic presented in Assessment 2?

6.    How have these findings influenced your understanding of the client's needs and the outcomes of your interventions?

Recommendations for Future Practice

7.    Based on your analysis, what comprehensive recommendations can you propose for future social work interventions?

8.    Discuss how these recommendations could be implemented practically, considering ethical considerations and cultural competence.

Conclusion

9.    Reflect on your personal and professional growth throughout the Capstone Project. How has this project prepared, encouraged, or challenged you?

10. What contributions does or could your project make to the field? What future research areas have emerged from your findings?

References

11. Are all sources cited correctly according to APA 7th edition guidelines, and do they effectively support your analysis and recommendations?

Literature and references
In this assessment, use at least 10 contemporary references (<5 years) sourced from the CQUniversity library in this assessment to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian College of Nursing or the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Requirements
·      Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).

·      Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.

·      You may write in the first-person perspective (I, my) for reflective writing tasks, or as directed by your lecturer.

·      Use formal academic language.

·      Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online CQU APA Referencing Style Guide.

·      The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.

Resources
·      You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.

·      We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.

·      We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.

·      For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.

·      Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.

Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
·      Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.

·      Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Statement
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools, including AI-driven writing assistants and content generators, is not permitted in this assessment. This social work practice standard is based on the requirement for students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial for social work practice as outlined by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2021). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. To ensure the integrity and development of these capabilities, students must verify that any grammar or writing enhancement programs used do not incorporate AI components. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice.