For 18 years, Law for Social Workers has been the leading text in its field, providing students with exactly what they need in order to understand the legal framework in which social workers act. This book covers the laws that protect people from harm and enable social workers to assess needs and provide services to meet those needs. It provides clear information on key issues in social work law, such as the role of human rights and professional ethics, the potential conflict between a social worker's duties to society and the user, and the new focus on partnership working; law and the legal system (with detailed help on issues of discrimination, service users' capacity, and responsible information handling), plus the workings of the courts; working with children, including in the civil and criminal courts; working with adults; and legal issues relating to violence, family breakdown, housing, and immigration and asylum. Each part begins with an introduction to the unifying theme that runs through the following chapters. Individual chapters open with a case study based on a recent case or enquiry, highlighting the vital issues that the chapters will explore. Key learning points are set out early in the chapter, and each chapter contains questions for discussion, further reading, and web links. Online Resource Center The book is supported by a fully interactive Online Resource Centre featuring: Student resources: Video podcasts providing expert advice on court skills for social workers Updates on recent cases and legislation Guidance on answering exercises in the book Glossary Further reading Web links Lecturer resources: Test Bank of 200 multiple choice questions with answers and feedback Lecture outlines, notes and guidance for both lawyers and social workers teaching social work law.