Policy Press

Adult Social Care Law and Policy

Lessons from the Pandemic

By Jean McHale and Laura Noszlopy

Available Open Access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in adult social care and exacerbated pressures on people drawing upon or providing care and support. This book examines the tensions between legislation, policy and practice and identifies lessons for future pandemic preparedness and systemic reform.
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Available Open Access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

This book provides an in-depth sociolegal examination of adult social care law and policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the tensions between legislation, policy, and practice in what was already an under-resourced and overstretched sector.

The authors interrogate the vision and utility of the Care Act 2014 and explore the impact of emergency legislation and operational changes implemented during the pandemic. Detailing what happened to social care provision during this time of intense stress and turbulence – for people who draw on services, for informal carers, and for those who work in the sector – the book highlights fault lines in the system.

This is an invaluable resource offering timely lessons for adult social care reform and future pandemic preparedness planning.

“A fascinating and thought-provoking study of COVID-19’s impact on an already-stretched social care system. Its critique ought to be invaluable for those seeking to learn lessons from the pandemic.” Brian Sloan, University of Cambridge

Jean V. McHale is Professor of Healthcare Law and Director of the Centre for Health Law, Science and Policy at the University of Birmingham.

Laura Noszlopy is Research Fellow in Applied Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

1. Adult Social Care in England in a Time of Turbulence

2. Foundational Paradigms in Adult Social Care Law and Policy

3. Legal Regulation of Adult Social Care Provision in England

4. Pandemic Preparedness Planning and the Development of Emergency Legislation

5. ‘Easing’ the Care Act: Responding to COVID-19 in the West Midlands

6. Pandemic Legacies: ‘Living With COVID-19’ in Adult Social Care

7. Adult Social Care Law and Policy: Learning Lessons from the Pandemic