The law can be a useful tool when countering discrimination, the Race Relations Act 1976 states that “it is generally unlawful to discriminate against a person on grounds of colour, race, ethnic or national origin or nationality”. The Children Act 1989 also “requires that any services provided for children by the local authority should be responsive to religious, racial and cultural needs”(workbook p.64). ” While you will find legislation preventing discrimination on the basis of race, sex or disability, you will not find similar legislation promoting anti-oppressive practice”(workbook p 12). Dominelli defines anti-oppresive practice as “practice that aims to provide more appropriate and sensitive services by responding to peoples needs regardless of their social status”(dominelli 1993:24 as cited in p6 Social Work Themes, Issues and Critical Debates). In order to empower service users and enable them to maximise their interests it is essential to be aware of the relevant laws available pertaining to discrimination and “practice in a manner that does not stigmatise or disadvantage either individuals, groups or communities”(workbook p22). The law also ensures that there is legal accountability and that the social workers are meeting relevant standards of practice and working in a lawful, safe and effective way. This could aid the service users if they needed to complain or challenge decisions that have been made. Also, “Some social workers have acquired a competence in operating in the court system and are thus able to advance the interests of service users”(reader p12). If the social worker has knowledge of the laws and entitlements they are more able to provide advice and advocacy.

In conclusion, the law provides a structure for social work with guidance, direction, the “framework within which individual social workers have to act (px111 reader) and “the framework within which social work knowledge is applied ( reader p.18). It provides social workers with the powers (authority) and duties (something social work is required to do by law) (workbook p41) they need to do their job properly as professionals. According to CCETSW “Social workers assist people to have control of and improve the quality of their lives, and are committed to reducing and preventing hardship and disadvantage for children, adults, families and groups. They intervene in the lives of people whose life chances may have been adversely affected by poverty, ill health, discrimination and/or disability” (K111 Aids to Practice Cards). The law enables them with the powers to intervene to both protect and serve their service users, helping to fulfil basic human rights through just legal processes. Social