Law for Social Workers

Law for Social Workers has been supporting social work students and professionals for over 20 years. Written by a qualified social worker and experienced lecturer team, this book provides the perfect combination of legal explanation and practical insight and is the ideal book to see you through your course and career. The new edition continues to provide an accurate, jargon-free account of the law social workers need to know, with helpful diagrams and case studies included throughout to explain areas of difficulty and ensure understanding for students and professionals at all levels. The 13th edition also features 'The Social Worker's Toolkit', offering practical advice on topics such as going to court, preparing evidence, and writing reports, and provides the ideal support while on placement or in the workplace. The book is accompanied by a fully interactive Online Resource Centre featuring updates on recent cases and changes to legislation, guidance on answering exercises in the book, a glossary explaining essential legal terminology, and video podcasts. For lecturers, resources include suggested lecture discussion points and powerpoint slides, plus a test bank of over 200 multiple choice questions for class-testing. With its comprehensive coverage and practical focus, Law for Social Workers will be an invaluable guide throughout your degree and as you enter the workplace, equipping you with the essential legal knowledge to give you the confidence to practice. Review from previous edition A highly accessible text for social work students which combines credible case studies and ingenious illustrations with easy to follow analysis. Vicky Palmer, Senior Lecturer in Youth Justice, Nottingham Trent University A useful and comprehensive text [...] particularly useful for students who are undertaking their first practice placement - many commented that they would not leave home without it! Karen Bayliss, Senior Lecturer, University of Lincoln This book gives a comprehensive and essential account of the law as applicable to social work. It will serve as a strong foundation for any social work student. Ian Dore, Lecturer in Social Work, Brighton University An excellent, clearly written, and accessible text. The companion website offers invaluable teaching support and great additional resources for students. Susan Watson, Lecturer in Law, Kingston University This is the social work bible and a must have for students. Martine Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer, University of Winchester Well-structured and bursting with valuable legislative content, clearly applied to practical situations, in a way that is easily understood by students and practitioners alike. Melanie Hills, Senior lecturer, Liverpool John Moores UniversityPART I: THE LEGAL CONTEXT OF SOCIAL WORK ; 1. The legal system in England and Wales ; 2. The roles and responsibilities of social workers ; 3. Human rights ; 4. Information sharing ; PART II: RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS CHILDREN ; 5. Principles of children's law ; 6. Local authority support for children and families ; 7. Investigation and case planning ; 8. Applying to court ; 9. Long-term planning for children ; 10. Youth Justice ; PART III: RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS ADULTS ; 11. Adult social care ; 12. The legal framework of adult social care ; 13. Managing adult social care ; 14. Mental capacity and adult safeguarding ; 15. Mental health and the law ; APPENDICES ; The Social Worker's Toolkit