Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400195

Coordinator Christine Lee Opens in new window

Description This subject aims to provide knowledge of human rights issues and laws which are particularly relevant to social workers, youth workers and community welfare workers. It provides an opportunity for students to reflect upon their powers, responsibilities and obligations in their professional roles and acquire skills to promote justice for disadvantaged individuals and groups through advocacy and law reform.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Social Work

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions

Successful completion of 40 credit points.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Apply a broad understanding of the Australian legal system with particular reference to NSW;
2. Describe how legal institutions and processes promote or undermine access to justice and law reform for disadvantaged groups in the community;
3. Identify areas of substantive law which are particularly relevant to social work, community welfare and youth work practice;
4. Employ advocacy skills using legal knowledge;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of international human rights instruments and process;
6. Write a professional report for legal purposes.

Subject Content

An overview of the Australian legal system with particular reference to NSW
Human service work: legal framework for practice
Human service work for courts and tribunals; writing reports for legal purposes, evidence, disclosure of counselling records
Anti discrimination laws; guardianship laws; mental health laws
Criminal justice; victims of crime, disability, prisoners rights
Civil and administrative laws : housing, consumer protection, employment, social security, education
Australian and NSW law pertinent to children & families
Young people in the criminal justice system
Advocacy strategies using legal knowledge
The international legal framework - Sources of international law, international courts and enforcement; examples of the development of human rights instruments;
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders?f human rights in Australia: constitutional and common law cases.