Return to Social Work: Learning Materials

Module 4 provides an overview of current legislation that underpins children and family social work. Law is evolving, and the difference between statute, regulation, caselaw and guidance is clarified, together with an exploration of the important difference between duties and powers.

The module covers the Children Act 1989, children’s rights, and provides a summary of more recent children's legislation. Both public and private law is covered in the module. The overview provided in this module will be a useful resource as you work through later modules, particularly where you asked to consider case studies in activities.