‘This book offers a comprehensive explanation of social work law based on appreciation of the key concerns of practitioners. It is accessible, it promotes legally sound anti-oppressive practice and is an ideal guide for students and qualified workers alike’.

Marie Lebacq, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Social Work and Applied Social

Studies, Law School, Staffordshire University.

‘An excellent and up to date book that makes law accessible and interesting. It anticipates virtually everything social workers and students need to know about the legal framework in which they must operate.’

Dr Carole Smith, Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Social Studies, University of Manchester

Social Work Law is an exciting new textbook that provides a practical and clear guide to the legal framework and substantive law relating to social work. There is equally weighted coverage of the law relating to children and families and vulnerable adults. Criminal justice issues are examined in relation to both groups. The author explores the dynamic relationship between the law and social work practice, and emphasises the crucial role of anti-discriminatory practice and the growing influence of the Human Rights Act 1998. She highlights the statutory responsibilities of social workers and shows how the law can promote good practice and empower service users. Social Work Law has been researched and developed in conjunction with a team of academics involved in the teaching of law to social workers. The result is a text that is relevant, accurate and accessible to non-lawyers. Its student-friendly features include:

-Learning objectives at the start of each chapter
-Summaries at the end of each chapter
-Exercises and Case Studies that provide opportunities to discuss the outcomes of  fictitious scenarios
-Relevant websites listed at the end of each chapter
-Further Reading and literature references enabling further research
-Glossary of legal terms
-A unique Companion Website that will provide updates on legal and practice developments

Social Work Law is essential reading for students following law courses on the Diploma in Social Work and Masters courses in related fields. It is also very suitable for law modules in undergraduate courses in Social Work.