There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

In this module, you will explore how the law defines the duties and powers of social workers, the nature of legal authority, the application of legislation in practice, statutory responsibility and potential conflicts between law, policy and practice. The module provides an overview of the origins of law, the Scottish legal system, and key legislation across the three broad areas of social work services: children and young people, adults and community justice. The legislation is examined within the context of the Scottish Social Services Council's Codes of Practice and an understanding of human rights, including people's right to privacy and to govern and determine their own lives and outcomes. You will be asked to reflect upon the ways in which the law may be an instrument for both empowerment and oppression, and the ethical debates related to the central tensions of care, control and risk inherent within the social work role. The module is based upon an appreciation of the ways in which a critical understanding of the legislation is both useful and necessary in day-to-day social work practice.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically evaluate the statutory frameworks governing social work practice in Scotland in relation to people receiving services and their carers.

LO2: Debate conflicts of human rights and ethics in relation to social work.

LO3: Critically discuss the involvement of people receiving services and their carers in decision making processes.

LO4: Critically examine the relationship between people receiving services and their social worker while considering the care versus control debate, legislation, policy and relevant theory.