Written with the non-lawyer firmly in mind, Social Work Law is the definitive legal textbook for social work students and practitioners alike.

Alison Brammer is a solicitor and Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, Keele University. Her specialist interests are Social Work Law, Family and Child Law, Law and Vulnerable Adults, and Adult Safeguarding. Alison has spoken at national and international conferences, is heavily involved with training work for Social Services Departments, and is Legal Editor of the Journal of Adult Protection.

Guided Tour Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Table of cases Table of legislation List of abbreviations PART 1 - LEGAL CONTEXT OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 1 Introduction to Law and Social Work Practice 2 Sources of Law 3 Courts and Law Officers 4 Social Workers' Role in the Law 5 The Human Rights Act 1998 and Social Work Practice 6 Discrimination PART 2 - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 7 Supporting Children and Families 8 Children and Family Breakdown 9 Child Protection 10 Looked after children 11 Adoption 12 Education 13 Youth Justice PART 3 - VULNERABLE ADULTS 14 Adult Social Care 15 Mental Health 16 Mental Capacity 17 Adult Safeguarding 18 Criminal Justice 19 Welfare and Homelessness 20 Asylum Glossary Index