Mary Walsh Institute
Mary Walsh Institute
Introduction to the Mary Walsh Institute
In November 2006, the Chief Executive of SACCS announced the creation of an Institute to promote and influence excellence in work with traumatised children. This new organisation, named the Mary Walsh Institute after its founder, was tasked with externalising SACCS practice through a programme of education, training, publication, research and consultancy.
Dedicated to the continuing professional development of the child care workforce, the Institute’s work is enriched through SACCS' experience of providing integrated therapeutic care for traumatised young people over the past twenty years.
Today the MWI provides a significant range of vocational training and higher education for child care practitioners, including a unique Foundation Degree (FdA) in Therapeutic Child Care. The FdA, delivered in partnership with the Glyndŵr University, is designed to ensure that all those engaged in the care of traumatised children are professionally trained and equipped to carry out the roles which are so central to recovery.
The Foundation Degree is delivered to the entire SACCS frontline workforce and its foster carers, and is available to all public and independent providers of services for vulnerable children.
During the academic year 2008/9 the Institute will introduce a BA in Therapeutic Child Care with Glyndŵr. In collaboration with Liverpool Hope University, MWI will also offer a Masters Degree in Therapeutic Child Care, and is working on a more generic FdA in Child Care with subject pathways in year two.
The Mary Walsh Institute will continue to influence best practice through the expansion and development of its work in higher education, vocational training, online induction/foundation courses, international conferences and independent research in collaboration with academic partners. It will also re-introduce 'SACCS' consultancy, working alongside all organisations and individuals who require informed professional guidance to transform services for children in care.
Richard Rose
Director of the Mary Walsh Institute