This module examines the legal frameworks that shape and regulate social work decision making in Scotland. It considers how social work can make use of the law in a positive way and examines the value of law from the perspectives of service users, carers and professionals. The module deals with a range of legal issues related to social care and social work practice, including children in need and safeguarding children, criminal and youth justice, community care, housing, and the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on practice. It also examines the dilemmas encountered in practice of working in an ethical way.
What you will study
The policy issues raised by social care and social work practice can be controversial. They include the pressure on local authority resources that limits provision of community care services; the abuse scandals that surface regularly in relation to children, older people and those with learning difficulties; and controversy over professional decision making and interventions in family life. This module examines the role of law in regulating the complex range of tasks and issues raised by modern social care and social work practice.
The module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the law in relation to social care and social work practice. It will:
- give you an understanding of the legislative base of social work practice in Scotland in relation to particular client groups
- enable you to broaden your understanding of issues and dilemmas that social work law raises for social workers
- give you information about the law relating to working with children and adults in various situations, including child care and protection, criminal and youth justice, community care, mental health, housing, welfare rights, asylum and immigration
- heighten your awareness of the processes of decision making that are associated with the legal powers, responsibilities and duties of social workers and their employers
- explore how the legal framework can be used to challenge discrimination and oppression.
Entry
This is an OU level 2 module equivalent to SCQF level 9; our OU level 1 module {An introduction to health and social care [K101]} offers ideal preparation for study in this field at this level.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Preparatory work
You will receive guidance of how to get started online in your first module mailing. This will provide you with information on using your computer for OU study and working with the Computing Guide. For example, it explains how to access and use your website and online discussion forums. If you have time before the module starts, you can work through this and explore all the online services available to you.
Qualifications
K207 is a compulsory module in our:
K207 is an optional module in our:
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this module can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
Study materials
What's included
Module books, other printed materials and audio CDs. You will have access to a website through which teaching and library resources are available including online law resources which are integral to this module. Electronic versions of most of the printed study materials are provided on the website.
You will need
A CD player.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the module.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
This is one of a set of modules that together constitute an approved programme that leads to the BA (Hons) in Social Work (Scotland) degree endorsed by the Scottish Social Services Council.
Future availability
The details given here are for the module that starts in October 2017. This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2017.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.