Law and Social Policy in Social Work Practice module (SW21013)

This module explores the legal and policy context of professional social work practice in Scotland.

It also critically examines the impact of law and social policy on the rights of people who use social work services.

Knowledge of law and social policy is essential for professional social workers. This is also a core part of the Standards in Social Work Education.

This knowledge, and the skills to use it in practice, enable social workers to protect, empower, and support the people that they work with.

With this in mind, you will prepare for your assessed practice learning opportunities (placements) and qualified social work practice.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

learn what the law in Scotland requires and allows social workers to do. This will cover the three main areas of practice:

• child care and protection
• adult support and protection
• community justice
• consider how social policy in these areas shapes social work practice
• think critically about the impact of law and social policy on the people who use social work services. There will be particular focus concerning social justice, social change, and human rights
• compare law and policy in Scotland. You will also briefly cover the different parts of the United Kingdom and internationally as well

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand how legal knowledge for social workers is integral to practice
• understand the legal responsibilities and powers of social work in specialised areas of practice
• understand the impact of different approaches to welfare on social policy at the Scottish, UK, and international levels
• critically analyse how the social work role is shaped by legislation and social policy
• critically analyse the role of social policy and legislation in challenging issues of social injustice through social work practice

Assignments / assessment

• essay 2,000 words (100%)
  • analysis of a case study
  • due at the end of module teaching

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• in-person on-campus classes
• lecture inputs
• small groupwork
• whole class discussions