This module examines the legal frameworks that shape and regulate social care and social work decision-making. 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 and professionals. The module deals with a range of legal issues related to social care and social work practice, including children and families services; youth justice; community care; and mental health.
What you will study
The policy issues raised by social care and social work practice are often controversial. They include the pressure on local authority resources that limits provision of, for example, 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.
We explore how the law influences and shapes social work practice, not forgetting how social work practice can use the law in a positive way; and we consider the different views that service users and professionals have of the role and value of the law.
The module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the law as it relates to social care and social work practice. It covers a wide range of legal issues raised by social care and social work practice, including:
- the relationship between values associated with social work and social care and legal values
- implications for professional practice in legal settings, including: the tension between welfare rights, professional power and empowerment, working in partnership, accountability, and anti-discriminatory practice
- the legal framework that regulates social care and social work in England and Wales
- child protection and the role of the local authority
- youth and criminal justice and the role of the welfare professional
- adult care and the Care Act 2014 (England), and the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act (2014)
- the law related to work with service users in all sections of society.
Entry
This is an OU level 2 module and study at OU level 1 or equivalent work at another university is desirable. Some previous knowledge of the subject area would also be an advantage. Our OU level 1 module {An introduction to health and social care [K101]} offers ideal preparation for study at OU level 2 in this field.
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.
Please note that a significant part of the study material is available online, so the use of a personal computer and internet access is essential for successful completion of this module.
Qualifications
K270 is a compulsory module in our
K270 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. Online material will normally have printable versions available. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
As much of the study material is delivered online you will need to make extensive use of a personal computer and the internet. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or have concerns about accessing the types of study materials outlined you are advised to contact us about support which can be given to meet your needs.
Study materials
What's included
You will have access to a website through which teaching and library resources are available. You will also receive printed versions of the online learning guides.
You will need
The facility to play DVDs.
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 offer group tutorials 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 module is one of a set of modules that together constitute an approved programme that leads to the Social Work degrees for England and Wales. If you would like to know more about the BA (Hons) Social Work for England or Wales, please request one of our BA (Hons) Social Work prospectuses.
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.