The importance of legal literacy in adult social care: the origins and concept of legal literacy

Published: 10/01/2023

Legal literacy involves connecting relevant legal rules with professional priorities and the objectives of ethical practice. In this short video, Professor Suzy Braye introduces the origins, concept and importance of legal literacy, and its application to adult social care practice.

Citation:

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Braye S. (2023). The importance of legal literacy in adult social care: the origins and concept of legal literacy. Dartington: Research in Practice.

Legal literacy in adult social care involves connecting relevant legal rules with professional priorities and the objectives of ethical practice. Suzy Braye is an independent consultant in adult social care and safeguarding. Suzy is Emerita Professor of Social Work at the University of Sussex. In this short video, Suzy introduces the origins, concept and importance of legal literacy - examining the relationship between legal rules, professional ethics and principles of human rights, equality and social justice.

Talking Points

This video looks at: 

  • The origins and concept of legal literacy.
  • Legal rules, the ethical duty of care, human rights and social justice.
  • Why legal literacy matters. 

Reflective questions 

Here are reflective questions to stimulate conversation and support practice.

  1. How confident do you feel in your knowledge and application of legal literacy? 
  2. How do you understand the interaction of law, ethics and rights in legally literate practice? 
  3. How does your organisation support practitioners’ development of legal literacy? 

Professional Standards

PQS:KSS - The role of social workers | Effective assessments and outcome based support planning | Supervision, critical analysis and reflection | Professional ethics and leadership | Values and ethics | Developing confident and capable social workers | Promoting and supporting critical analysis and decision-making | Effective use of power and authority as a practice supervisor | Assuring good social work practice and development

CQC - Safe | Effective | Well-led

PCF - Professionalism | Values and ethics | Rights, justice and economic wellbeing | Knowledge | Critical reflection and analysis

RCOT - Demonstrate quality | Support development