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

On this module, you'll develop a foundational knowledge of the legal rules that underpin social work practice. You'll explore how law and social policy interact to create a framework for assessment and intervention.

You'll examine the relationship between law and social work values, reflecting on how legal rules support practice that is both lawful and ethical. Key topics include:

• the workings of the English legal system
• the powers and duties of social work in relation to children and families
• mental health and adult social care.

Throughout the module, you’ll participate in small group e-learning exercises and guided independent reading to deepen your understanding. You’ll then apply legal rules to case scenarios, discussing them in class under the guidance of your 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.