How do social workers in the UK legal context act ethically? What do we understand by ethics and how does social work law relate to it? Social work practice in all countries incorporates a clear, unstinting commitment to social justice, but what is social justice?
Using an applied, practice-based and refreshingly 'real' approach, this text bridges the gap between law and ethics. Each chapter opens with a case study which considers ethical dilemmas in real life practice. Chapters have been designed to help students strengthen their critical reflection skills, encouraging consideration of the legal and ethical dimensions of social work generally and in personal practice. Topics such as care proceedings, adoption, community care, youth justice, mental capacity and accountability explore how understanding and application are equally important.
Introduction - But I want to be a social worker, not a philosopher!
Judging actions or people?
Social workers, social justice and the law
Accountability, ethics and the law
Protecting children or supporting parents?
Whose future? The ethics of compulsory adoption law
Youth justice
Community care and the ethics of resource allocation
Making decisions on behalf of other people: promoting the best interests of vulnerable adults
Acting legally, acting ethically
