Social Work and the Law in Scotland

Effective social work practice relies on good understanding of the law along with the skills to use this knowledge well. This essential book
provides a wide-ranging thematic account of social work practice in Scotland, making critical links between concepts, the contexts of practice
and first-hand experiences of Scottish social work law.

The book covers important subjects such as:
- Service user and carer rights
- Legal and social work values
- Accountability
- Effective assessment
- Safeguarding, risk and protection
- Youth and adult criminal justice
- Partnership, participation and advocacy
- Delivery of personalised services

Social Work and the Law in Scotland is core reading for all those undertaking academic study or professional practice within the field. It is also a key resource for anyone looking to update their knowledge on the nature and development of the ever-evolving legislative landscape of Scotland.

New to this Edition:
- Fully updated to incorporate changes to Scottish law impacting on groups of people who are at risk and personal and community care
- Combines fully updated chapters by some of the original authors with newly commissioned pieces
- Reflects the pace of change in the law since the previous edition

ROGER DAVIS Staff Tutor in the Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Open University in Scotland. He is chair of the Social Work and the Law in Scotland course that this Reader accompanies and is also co-chair of the Foundation for Social Work Practice course. He has been involved in social work education since 1994 and has taught a range of Open University courses since 1999. Roger has practised as a Social Worker and Mental Health Officer. He also has experience in the voluntary sector and as an independent social care educator. He is currently a member of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.

JEAN GORDON Associate Lecturer at The Open University in Scotland and an Independent Researcher. She has worked in Scotland as a Social Worker and Mental Health Officer in schools, hospitals and community mental health settings. She combines teaching on the Open University's social work programme in Scotland with research, writing and publishing in the fields of mental health, social work education, and practice learning.
ROGER DAVIS Staff Tutor in the Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Open University in Scotland. He is chair of the Social Work and the Law in Scotland course that this Reader accompanies and is also co-chair of the Foundation for Social Work Practice course. He has been involved in social work education since 1994 and has taught a range of Open University courses since 1999. Roger has practised as a Social Worker and Mental Health Officer. He also has experience in the voluntary sector and as an independent social care educator. He is currently a member of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.

JEAN GORDON Associate Lecturer at The Open University in Scotland and an Independent Researcher. She has worked in Scotland as a Social Worker and Mental Health Officer in schools, hospitals and community mental health settings. She combines teaching on the Open University's social work programme in Scotland with research, writing and publishing in the fields of mental health, social work education, and practice learning.