Law and the Social Work Practitioner

This book explores the main areas of social work law, including children, mental health and community care. By investigating the meaning of law and some of its underlying value assumptions, it encourages practitioners to reflect on their actions and beliefs, helping them to avoid being a mere 'technician', and instead, become a competent practitioner. This new text supports busy social workers studying for Post-Qualifying Awards. Each chapter begins with an overview of the rationale for the teaching material provided and sets out clear learning objectives. Case studies, exercises and recommendations for further reading can be found throughout the book.

Table of cases Table of legislation About the authors National Occupational Standards Foreword to the Post-Qualifying Social Work Practice series Foreword Introduction Understanding law Interpreting rules: a domestic and statutory example The English legal system Children's legislation: Principles of law and practice Adoption Youth justice Mental health law: An outline Community care law: An introduction Decision-making: The legal framework (administrative law) Discrimination and the law Law and the policy on domestic violence Housing (homelessness) legislation The Human Rights Act 1998 Miscellaneous Appendix Recommended reading References Index