Law and the Social Work Practitioner - A Manual for Practice (Paperback)

Professional social workers are directly involved in the interpretation and implementation of the law, with clients and others on the receiving end of their decisions and actions. It is essential that practitioners take a critical view of social work law and understand that the law and its administration are not value-neutral. This book explores all 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, to deepen their knowledge and understanding, and to avoid being a mere 'technician' - and instead become a competent practitioner. This new text will support busy social workers studying for Post-qualifying Awards. Written in an accessible style, each chapter begins with an overview which outlines the rationale for the teaching material provided and demonstrates how it connects with previous material. Clear learning objectives are also set out in each chapter and the text is packed throughout with case studies, exercises and recommendations for further reading.