detailed semester course outline for

BASOCW Social Work Law, Procedure, and Evidence (SWLAPE06)

(Designed for a 14–16 week semester, adaptable to hours/contact time)

Module 1: Introduction to Social Work Law

• Definition and scope of social work law

• Relationship between social work practice and the legal system

• Legal rights and responsibilities of social workers

• Ethical considerations and professional codes of conduct

Module 2: Legal Systems and Frameworks

• Sources of law: statutory law, common law, customary law, international law

• National and regional legal frameworks governing social welfare

• Key statutes affecting social work practice: child protection, family law, disability law, labor law

• Role of courts, tribunals, and regulatory bodies

Module 3: Social Work and Legal Procedures

• The legal process: investigation, litigation, and enforcement

• Filing and handling social welfare cases

• Court procedures relevant to social work practice

• Social worker’s role in mediation, negotiation, and advocacy

Module 4: Evidence in Social Work Practice

• Definition and types of evidence: documentary, testimonial, expert, and digital evidence

• Standards of proof: civil vs. criminal cases

• Collection, preservation, and presentation of evidence

• Confidentiality, privacy, and ethical handling of evidence

Module 5: Child Protection and Family Law

• Laws protecting children: rights, guardianship, custody, and adoption

• Social worker responsibilities in reporting and intervention

• Domestic violence and child abuse procedures

• Legal remedies and interventions

Module 6: Criminal Justice and Social Work

• Juvenile justice system and social work involvement

• Role in probation, rehabilitation, and restorative justice programs

• Victim support and advocacy within the legal framework

• Interaction with police, prosecutors, and legal representatives

Module 7: Human Rights and Social Work Law

• Human rights frameworks applicable to social work

• International conventions: CRC, CEDAW, UDHR

• Balancing individual rights and public interest

• Case studies on human rights violations and social worker interventions

Module 8: Courtroom Procedures and Social Worker Testimony

• Preparing reports and evidence for court

• Giving expert testimony and social worker statements

• Handling cross-examination and legal questioning

• Ethical considerations during court appearances

Module 9: Contemporary Issues in Social Work Law

• Technology, social media, and legal implications

• Ethical dilemmas in practice

• Challenges in enforcing social work law

• Innovations in social work legal practice

Teaching Methods

• Lectures, seminars, and tutorials

• Case study analysis (national and international examples)

• Role plays and mock court sessions

• Field visits to courts, legal aid offices, and child protection agencies

• Research assignments and presentations

Assessment Methods

• Continuous assessment: assignments, case studies, presentations (40%)

• Midterm examination (20%)

• Final examination or research/project report (40%)