Social work law is at the foundation of all social work practice, from shaping professional boundaries to determining the level of intervention. Every case is complex and unique and therefore requires different legal treatment; this means it is absolutely vital that social workers not only understand the law, but are able to critically analyse the legal framework and apply it to their practice. This book provides students and practitioners with an essential guide to adult social care law. It lays out the key case law, core legislation and the HSPCC standards as they apply to different areas of adult social care. This includes issues of capacity, making an assessment, supporting carers and working with vulnerable adults. Designed to support learning needs, the book is packed with engaging case studies and reflective exercises, as well as a legal toolbox to help simplify the legal jargon. Whether you are a student or practitioner, this is a practical, accessible guide to competent and lawful practice in adult social care.

This report on Adult Social Care recommends the most far-reaching reforms of adult social care law seen for over 60 years. Under the proposals, older people, disabled people, those with mental health problems and carers will, for the first time, be clear about their legal rights to care and support services. And local councils across England and Wales will have clear and concise rules to govern when they must provide services. Since the National Assistance Act 1948 adult social care law has been the subject of countless piecemeal reforms including new Acts of Parliament and a constant stream of regulations, circulars, directions, approvals and guidance. The proliferation of law has led to inefficiency in the system. Complex law also has the effect of stifling innovation, and make it difficult to promote flexibility and new policy approaches in practice. The report is divided into twelve Parts. Part 2 defines adult social care and Part 3 the structure of reform adopted. Parts 4 through to 8 set out core recommendations: Part 4 considers the role of statutory principles in providing an overall framework for decision making; Part 5 covers the role of community care assessments in determining a person's needs; Part 6 considers eligibility for services; Part 7 explores the equivalent assessment and eligibility processes for carers; and Part 8 considers the provision of services. Part 9 considers local authority adult protection functions. Finally, Parts 10 to 12 consider other issues, including ordinary residence and portability; areas where adult social care overlaps with other areas of law; and other outstanding issues.

Adult social care has emerged as a distinct policy area in the UK and one which has come under increasing scrutiny by government and other bodies. With the expectation that in future many more adults will need care and support, ideas have emerged about a ‘transformation’ of adult social care. The focus of this wide-ranging book is on the major themes in policy and provision including personalisation, integration, user participation, the cost of long term care, risk and safeguarding, care quality and workforce issues and is one of the first texts to deal with adult social care as a distinct entity and is an up-to-date source on contemporary government policies, debates and research.The book encourages readers to think critically about decisions being made and about the direction of future policy. The accessible book will be a valuable resource for undergraduate students in Social Policy, Health and Social Care, and Social Work, those taking advanced vocational qualifications in social care and practitioners.

Are you a social work student looking to understand how the law, ethics and social policy interrelate in practice? Then look no further! Whether you a student or Newly Qualified Social Worker working with children and families or adults at risk of harm, this practical guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to fulfil your professional responsibilities and practice with confidence. This book covers all the areas of law you need to know: social work with children and families, vulnerable adults and social issues such as welfare and homelessness. Each section concludes with a discussion of how social policy and ethics relate to each area of social work law. This gives real-world context to what you have learnt, alongside thought boxes, exercises and case studies in each chapter to further encourage reflection and put theory into practice.

Social Work Law in Scotland provides a practical guide to the legal framework within which social work operates. Providing accessible explanations of law, the book provides coverage of key areas of law in social work including those relating to children, families and adult services. Social Work Law in Scotland is designed for use by students studying for a degree in social work as well as those in the profession.

Reforms as well as cuts in services and finances are part of the everyday fabric of the social work landscape. Taking a critical approach to the transformation agenda in social work, this book outlines the implications of these changes for adult health and social care. Fully informed by theory, research, policy, and legislation, it takes a problem-based learning approach through the application of case studies, explaining and exploring the overlapping roles of social care and social policy. The authors argue for the continued significance and importance of social work within the context of adult social care: social work, they show, can make a vital difference in the lives and experiences of many of those who are perceived to be the most vulnerable people in society. It is essential reading for students, educators, and practitioners of social work and social policy, and health and social care.

This book takes a problem-based approach to explore the dilemmas that arise when the law and social work ethics conflict. It highlights what the law says, what ethical principles are at stake, and what these imply for policy and practice, helping students to develop an understanding of the issues involved.

Practical Social Work Law: analysing court cases and inquiries presents legal issues associated with social work in an accessible format. It approaches the law in a way that is less daunting and more engaging by examining actual court cases and public inquiries, and explores the stories of real people and the legal and ethical dilemmas practitioners will face. The text adopts a problem-centred approach to learning by introducing the reader to key aspects of the law through a series of real-life situations; it addresses basic principles regarding the operation of the law and explores the lessons for good practice. Each chapter addresses a specific area of social work law including family breakdown, safeguarding children, youth justice, adults with disabilities, mental health and mental capacity. Landmark cases, cases drawn from the lower courts, tribunals, and ombudsman’s decisions are included throughout presenting an accessible account of the application of the law. Practical Social Work Law is an essential text for undergraduate, postgraduate and recently qualified social workers who are wrestling with the complexity of the law and the professional dilemmas it poses for their practice. "This book is unusual for a law book in that it is not only a reference book but also a very readable volume...[It] is set out clearly and provides a sound basis for student social workers new to the law and a refresher for qualified practitioners." Catherine Poulter. RSW. Integrated Community Services. Carmarthenshire County Council