Law & ethics are two vital aspects of social work
- all social workers need to practise according to the law & their codes of ethics & conduct. However the relationship between the law & social work values & ethics is not without its tensions & this book takes a problem-based approach to explore the dilemmas & challenges that can arise. The first part of the book sets out frameworks for thinking about the law & ethics & how they relate to social work. It also introduces some of the big philosophical & sociological questions about the purposes of law & of ethics & how they relate to society more generally. In the second part the book explores a series of areas where profound dilemmas arise
- such as end-of-life decisions respecting peoples choices but ensuring their safety & that of others responsibility & blame making allowance for different cultural traditions & breaking confidentiality. In each of the problem-based chapters this accessible text: outlines the relevant law discusses court judgments in leading cases considers the implications of different ethical frameworks pulls out key ethical questions & challenges for social work. Social Work Law & Ethics highlights what the law says & what it offers what ethical principles are at stake & what these imply for social work policy & practice. In this way it uses real-life scenarios to analyse the dynamic interactions of social work law & ethics. It is essential reading for all social work students.