Child Law for Social Work: Implementing Rights through Policy and Practice is a unique and valuable resource for all social workers in practice with children and families. It is designed to be accessible to those without a background in law. The link between social work standards and legal values and rules makes promotion of the rights of children and families a measure of professional competence as well as a legal obligation. This book helps readers satisfy these standards and use their knowledge of the law effectively to improve individual and collective social work practice.
The text is divided into two sections:
" Part 1 explores the legal context of social work practice with children, emphasising and explaining the way in which international human rights standards are absorbed within domestic law
" Part 2 explores the application of the law, policies and systems discussed in Part I to individual case work with children and families, illustrating the application of rights-based thinking in practice
Key issues such as child protection, family support, care planning, adoption and case preparation for court are considered in detail, with illustrative case examples used throughout.
This book is essential reading for all levels of social work student, including those undertaking the post-qualifying award in child care social work. It will also be a valuable resource for practitioners who work with children and families on a daily basis.
Jane Williams is a lecturer in law at the University of Swansea. She specialises in social work law, and children's rights. Other publicationsinclude Children and Citizenship (SAGE, 2007), co-edited with Antonella Invernizzi.
