This reader brings together newly commissioned pieces from academics and practitioners in the social work and social care field. It raises critical issues regarding the interface between the law and social work practice. Covering core conceptual and thematic issues, overviews of areas of law and practice, and the perspectives and experiences of a range of players in the field, it focuses on key legal issues and trends and draws out social work practice and policy issues. This is a useful text for all those undertaking, or thinking about undertaking, social work training.