Scotland has changed, politically and culturally, in recent years, with persistent demands for independence culminating in a referendum in 2014. On this fluid political landscape, social welfare can be co-opted towards a wider ‘nation-building’ project. As a result, social work in Scotland is increasingly divergent from the rest of the UK. This book offers a comprehensive, critical and timely account of the profession in these changing times, charting its historical development, current practice and future directions. Bringing together a range of academic and practice experts, it considers social work as it is currently but also as it might be. Divided into three parts, the first part sets a context, identifying historical, philosophical, policy and legal influences on current practice. The second part picks up on current themes in policy and practice, addressing key issues of professional identity in an increasingly integrated policy context. The final part contains chapters on current domains of practice, identifying key areas of legislation, policy and practice. Social Work in a Changing Scotland is essential reading for social work students, offering an accessible yet critical overview of the profession. It will also inform current practitioners to understand better the changing contexts within which they practise, while prompting further academic debate about Scottish social work.

Social Work Law in Scotland provides a clear outline of the legal framework within which social work operates and is aimed primarily at those with no previous knowledge of the law. It begins with a general introduction to legal terminology and procedure and goes on to discuss areas of law of particular relevance to social workers, including housing, benefits, debt recovery and discrimination. Later chapters deal with the concerns of offenders and of those with special needs.The second edition takes full account of the changes introduced by the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The practical emphasis of the book has been improved by increased reference to codes of practice and the inclusion of a new chapter on professional responsibility and accountability of social workers.

Effective social work practice relies on good understanding of the law along with the skills to use this knowledge well. This essential book provides a wide-ranging thematic account of social work practice in Scotland, making critical links between concepts, the contexts of practice and first-hand experiences of Scottish social work law. The book covers important subjects such as: - Service user and carer rights - Legal and social work values - Accountability - Effective assessment - Safeguarding, risk and protection - Youth and adult criminal justice - Partnership, participation and advocacy - Delivery of personalised services Social Work and the Law in Scotland is core reading for all those undertaking academic study or professional practice within the field. It is also a key resource for anyone looking to update their knowledge on the nature and development of the ever-evolving legislative landscape of Scotland. New to this Edition: - Fully updated to incorporate changes to Scottish law impacting on groups of people who are at risk and personal and community care - Combines fully updated chapters by some of the original authors with newly commissioned pieces - Reflects the pace of change in the law since the previous edition

This new edition gives a clear and up-to-date picture of how the Children Act 1989 is working. All chapters have been updated with the latest case law, legislation and guidance.

This innovative text offers comprehensive coverage of the discipline of social policy and its central relevance to social work, social care and related practice in Scotland. Designed to complement teaching and study associated with the new Honours degree in Social Work (Scottish Executive 2003), it fills a notable gap in the literature on this subject and will be essential reading for students, professionals and academics within a variety of health and social care occupations.

Since the inception of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, mental health law, policy, practice and ethos have changed dramatically in Scotland. This book provides a thorough grounding in the key issues in mental health and presents a clear picture of the current Scottish mental health scene. By highlighting the skills and values that are necessary for contemporary practice, it helps students to develop their knowledge and understanding to enable them to deliver an appropriate and responsive service for people facing mental health challenges.

Social Work Law in Scotland provides a practical guide to the legal framework within which social work operates. Providing accessible explanations of law, the book provides coverage of key areas of law in social work including those relating to children, families and adult services. Social Work Law in Scotland is designed for use by students studying for a degree in social work as well as those in the profession.