Law is a core subject of the social work degree and this title introduces students to the complexities and challenges of this subject. Now in its fifth edition, this well-established book looks at how the law in England and Wales interacts with key aspects of practice such as human rights, mental health, youth justice and community care. Fully-revised to include new information on youth justice, this text is essential reading for all social work students. The implications of the Social Work Task Force and ongoing changes to social work practice are also discussed and reflected upon.