Social work law: From interaction to integration

Abstract

This article argues that a new academic discipline has emerged, social work law, whose function is to describe and analyse the relationship between, and integration of, law and social work practice. It distinguishes between social work law and social welfare law, and identifies three distinct but inter-related strands within the subject area. The articulation of a theoretical base and conceptual frame for social work law will better equip social work law teachers and practitioners to address the challenges of training and practice.

Key Words:

• social work law
• social work values and knowledge base
• administrative law
• local authority powers and duties