Legal and Ethical Contexts of Practice (SCWK90055)

Knowledge 
On completion of the subject, students should be able to: 

• Describe the influence of ethical theory, codes of ethics, legal principles, legislation, personal values and professional values on ethical decision-making processes;
• Articulate the role and influence of international law and human rights frameworks in social work practice;
• Describe key elements of the Australian legal system including court and tribunal structures and processes, procedures for appearing in court, access to justice issues, development of legislation and law reform;
• Articulate key legal principles relevant to social work practice; and
• Identify the legal context, legislation and law reform issues in typical areas of social work practice.

Skills 
On completion of the subject, students should be able to: 

• Critically assess ethical issues and dilemmas and utilise steps in the ethical decision-making process;
• Assess the legal requirements on social workers in practice including legal principles such as duty of care and duty to protect; and
• Critically analyse the legal context and law reform issues in typical social work practice contexts.

Application of Knowledge and Skills 
On completion of the subject, students should be able to: 

• Apply the key steps in ethical decision-making processes to typical ethical dilemmas encountered in social work practice; and
• Apply the ethical and legal responsibilities of social workers in practice generally, and in a range of diverse social work practice contexts.