Includes index.

The legal system -- Law and ethics in social work practice -- Human rights and equality law -- Confidentiality and responsible information handling -- Capacity and consent -- Safeguarding children and interagency working -- The principles and purposes of the Children Act 1989 -- Local authority support for children and families -- Investigation and case planning -- Writing reports -- Applying to court -- Evidence -- Long term planning for children -- Children accused of crime -- The child as victim of crime-evidence and protection from the criminal justice system -- Overview-community care services and service users -- Assessment of need for community care -- Meeting assessed need for community care -- Admission to hospital or guardianship for mental disorder -- Vioence, harassment, and anti-social behaviour in and around the home -- Housing and homelessness.