For a community or society to function, there needs to be a range of structures around power, rights and responsibilities and processes that help define how individuals, communities and organisations behave and are regulated. Wherever social workers practice, they should have a good appreciation of the legal system and how it will impact on their clients as well as their professional practice. In this unit, students will be introduced to the fundamental features of the Australian and Victorian legal system and will interrogate critically reflect upon and analyse the roles and responsibilities of the social worker within these legislative, judicial and administrative contexts. Students will also research and analyse the various systems that are available to support people with legal issues and how the principles of social justice and human rights are applied. In addition, students will demonstrate their working knowledge of the Australian legal system and the importance of legal knowledge to competent social work practice through the preparation of report writing. Students will also consider the Australian Association of Social Workers Professional Practice Standards and Code of Ethics that guide professional behaviour in a range of social work scenarios.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
ASW3103

Prerequisites

96 credit points of first year core ABSW units.

Get help

Find a different unit

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Explain the principles and functions of the law as relevant to the social work context;  
  2. Identify and apply relevant legal frameworks in context and respond using appropriate professional communication skills;  
  3. Interrogate and analyse the legal, ethical and practice considerations and dilemmas confronting social workers when complying with their statutory obligations to the law; and  
  4. Critically review the role of legal systems in the context of social justice, human rights and cultural diversity.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Test Open-book knowledge audit (30 minutes) 10%
Report Case summary and critical commentary(750w) 20%
Assignment Critical analysis of frameworks guiding social work practice (1500w) 50%
Presentation 15 minute group presentation and individual submission of observational template. 20%
Recommended word allocation for this unit is purposefully at the lower end of expectations for a unit at this level because brevity, clarity and accuracy are key requirements of professional social work writing. The Analysis and Reflective Case Study provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate these developing skills. The previous assessment task provides the necessary scaffolding.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.