How do social workers in the UK legal context act ethically? What do we understand by ethics and how does social work law relate to it? Social work practice in all countries incorporates a clear, unstinting commitment to social justice, but what is social justice? Using an applied, practice-based and refreshingly 'real' approach, this text bridges the gap between law and ethics. Each chapter opens with a case study which considers ethical dilemmas in real life practice. Chapters have been designed to help students strengthen their critical reflection skills, encouraging consideration of the legal and ethical dimensions of social work generally and in personal practice. Topics such as care proceedings, adoption, community care, youth justice, mental capacity and accountability explore how understanding and application are equally important.
Before moving into social work education, Robert Johns worked for a number of years in a range of social work roles, predominantly in the public sector. His specialisms were youth justice and court-work, representing the interests of children involved in care proceedings. Academically, his major abiding interest has been social work law but he has also taught social policy and social work values and ethics, hence his latest book, Ethics and Law for Social Workers. Currently, he teaches at the University of East London, where has been Head of Social Work and programme leader for the qualifying MA offered in conjunction with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. He is the author of Using the Law in Social Work, now in its sixth edition, Social Work, Social Policy and Older People and, most recently, Capacity and Autonomy.
Introduction - But I want to be a social worker, not a philosopher! Judging actions or people? Social workers, social justice and the law Accountability, ethics and the law Protecting children or supporting parents? Whose future? The ethics of compulsory adoption law Youth justice Community care and the ethics of resource allocation Making decisions on behalf of other people: promoting the best interests of vulnerable adults Acting legally, acting ethically
This book offers a stimulating range of ethical theories and thought-provoking cases. Robert Johns writes with clarity and careful attention to what it all means in practice, for real social workers doing the real job. It will stretch and support readers to reflect thoughtfully and practically about their work and its wider contexts. -- Professor Jonathan Dickens Robert Johns' Ethics and Law for Social Workers provides a critical and accessible approach to the legal knowledge and analytical skills needed by social workers. With critical thinking exercises, case studies and contemporary case material, it offers an excellent introduction to ethical theory and key underpinning concepts such as social justice, accountability and professionalism. Social work students will find it an invaluable study aid, and social workers a good way of revisiting the legal and ethical basis for practice. -- Penelope Welbourne This book is a very welcome addition to the literature on law, ethics and social work. The author places the spotlight confidently on the essential legal and moral dilemmas of professional practice, making these complex matters highly accessible and bringing remarkable clarity of vision to the intricacies of professional decision-making. His analysis will be much valued by students and practitioners alike. -- Professor Suzy Braye The strength of this book., ultimately, lies in helping social workers understand the relationship between law, ethics, and social justice. It is a valuable addition to the literature, and one that I have recommended to the students I teach. It could also be of benefit to law students and lawyers working in areas of social justice, such as Family Law. -- David Law
