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