Human Service Workers and the Law

This course will enable students to develop and apply legal knowledge and skills required of human service workers and to critical examine legal responses to social issues in contemporary practice. Students will gain an understanding of key pieces of legislation which directly impact the practice environment and the profession. Students will develop an introductory knowledge of the law, including child protection law, family law, youth justice, domestic violence, discrimination and human rights law, criminal law, employment and worker’s rights, housing law and the role of the coroner. As well as the understanding of the relationship between professional ethics and law. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to the legal protections and risks for human service workers, duty of care and confidentiality and the social justice and ethical issues involved.