Learning aims

These materials will raise awareness of:

  • the complexity of the relationship between law and social work in practice
  • the breadth of legal knowledge necessary for effective practice
  • the fact that law cannot be seen in isolation from values, and must be subject to critical analysis
  • how different options for practice balance legal rules, moral rules and individual and collective rights.

Estimated time required

45-60 min

Instructions

Case analysis is divided into three sections. Read the instructions below and then choose one of the options to begin.

Law practice triangle allows you to explore three approaches to thinking and decision making within Social Work and how this relates to Law.

Integrating the approaches presents the implications for practice that each approach brings.

In Case study you will meet the Janowskis. In this section you are asked to consider which of the approaches is informing the action taken by the Social Worker. The pieces of legislation that inform each aspect of the case study are indicated throughout.