Legal and Ethical Issues and Decision Making in Social Work (SWK508)

SWK508 Legal and Ethical Issues and Decision Making in Social Work provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks that influence contemporary social work practice. It emphasizes the intersection of law, ethics, and professional judgment in complex situations that involve risk, rights, accountability, and moral dilemmas. Students will examine national legal mandates, regulatory policies, and the codes of ethics that govern social work practice. The course places a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making models, the balancing of competing values, and navigating the tension between professional discretion and legal obligations. Through real-world case studies and reflective exercises, students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to various practice contexts. By the end of this module, students will develop the skills needed to make informed, justifiable, and ethically sound decisions while working within legal and organisational constraints. They will also learn how to advocate for ethical practices and social justice in their professional roles.

• Introduction to law and ethics in social work
• Foundations of legal and ethical practice
• Professional codes of ethics in social work practice
• Professional accountability and conduct expectations
• Ethical theories and decision-making models
• Structured decision-making tools and ethical reasoning
• Legal obligations
• Ethical tensions in sharing information across systems
• Inform consents – legal standards for consent
• Mandatory reporting and safeguarding duties
• Social justice, advocacy, human right law
• Reflective practice and professional judgement

• Evaluate the legal and ethical frameworks relevant to social work practice across diverse social service settings.
• Apply ethical decision-making models to analyse and resolve complex practice dilemmas involving legal and moral consideration.
• Demonstrate understanding of professional responsibilities and duties, including confidentiality, informed consent, care and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Navigate tensions between ethical principles, legal mandates, organisational policies and client rights.
• Advocate ethically and legally for clients’ rights, autonomy and access to justice within institutional and systemic contexts.
• Reflect critically on personal and professional values and how they influence ethical judgement and legal compliance in social work practice.