Understanding Child Development for 13-18 years 1.1

The "Understanding Child Development for Children Aged 13-18 Years" app is the third installment in the Northern Ireland Social Care Council's (NISCC) series aimed at enhancing knowledge of child development. Designed as a professional resource, it caters to social workers, educators, youth and community workers, and parents, providing targeted guidance for working with adolescents.

This application aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of developmental issues pertinent to the 13-18 year age group. It also offers connections to insights gained from earlier apps covering ages 0-6 and 7-12, promoting an integrated approach to developmental knowledge. Additionally, the app employs relevant theoretical frameworks to deepen understanding within this specific age range and supports professionals in making informed decisions through observation, assessment, and analysis.

Like its predecessors, the app was developed through a partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster, commissioned by the NISCC to produce the content. The NISCC recognizes that authorship and intellectual property rights reside with the Social Work Departments of both universities, specifically through contributors Dr. Anne Campbell and Professor Mary McColgan, whose expertise significantly informs the app’s content.

The development process was further guided by a reference group comprising social work, education, and youth work professionals. Their collective expertise played a vital role in shaping both the content and presentation style of the app.

The initiative was driven by the Office of Social Services within the Department of Health and Public Safety (DHSSPSNI), which provided funding to transform this resource into a practical digital tool. These mobile applications offer a cost-effective means of delivering peer-reviewed educational material directly to users’ devices. They have been widely appreciated by employers and education providers across various child care and youth service sectors for their accessibility and relevance.