Handbook

Social work practice frequently intersects with law. It is essential for practitioners to understand how law impacts upon social work clients in a variety of contexts, and the ways in which clients can be assisted to assert their legal rights and options. An understanding of the legal system is further necessary for effective reform advocacy in areas of law and social policy impacting on client groups. Students are introduced to the key concepts and frameworks of the legal system in Australia, so that the fields of law studied can be properly understood in context. Areas of relevance to social work practice are explored, incorporating a practical focus on skills needed to identify legal issues for clients and make appropriate referrals; as well as a critical approach to underlying social justice issues. Specific legal responsibilities of social workers will also be explored. Focus areas include family law, child protection, domestic violence, mental health, guardianship, income support, housing, Indigenous legal issues, and human rights.