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.
Rodger White was a senior lecturer in social work at Bournemouth University. He taught social work law for over 15 years following an extensive career as a social work practitioner. Keith holds professional qualifications in nursing, social work and teaching; and academic qualifications in nursing, social work and management. He has worked in the education and training field for over 30 years, working for three universities and three local authority social work departments. Currently he is the Director of the National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice at Bournemouth University and the Director of the Centre for Leadership Impact and Management at Bournemouth. In 2005 he was awarded the Linda Ammon Memorial Award, sponsored by the then Department for Education and Skills, a prize awarded to the individual making the greatest contribution to training and education in the UK. His main academic interest lies in the fusion of academia and professional practice to help improve professional thinking and practice. Graeme Broadbent has been involved in legal education for more than 25 years. He joined Kingston Law School, where he is now based, in 2002.
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
