Social work and social care

Law for Social Work

Module code: L5092
Level 4
30 credits in spring & summer teaching
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Take away paper, Essay

This module provides introductory knowledge of the legal rules that underpins social work practice, and (building on the Contexts of Social Work course) explores the ways in which law and social policy interact to provide a broad framework for assessment and intervention. You will also explore the relationship between law and social work values, and reflect on the ways in which legal rules support practice that is both lawful and ethical.

Lectures will introduce core knowledge, such as the workings of the English legal system, and the powers and duties of social work in relation to children and families, mental health and adult social care. You will pursue small group e-learning exercises and guided independent reading to consolidate your understanding, before applying the legal rules to case scenarios discussed in class under the guidance of the tutor.

Module learning outcomes

  • Have accurate technical knowledge of legal duties, powers and principles, including human rights law, relevant to social work practice in England.
  • Understand how to apply legal duties, powers and principles including human rights on social work practice.
  • Have knowledge and understanding of how social work values, anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice are mediated by the law governing social work.
  • Can access, use and reference legal sources.