The Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 is the primary legislation for social work intervention in Scotland and creates the duty under section 12 to 'promote social welfare'.
The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 provides the range and scope of local authority intervention in the lives of children and their families and the duties and responsibilities.
The Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 sets out the framework for the care and protection of children by the imposition of compulsory measures of supervision.
The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 concerns children’s rights and services in Scotland.
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 aims to protect those adults who are unable to safeguard their own interests and are at risk of harm because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness, physical or mental infirmity.
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 defines specific rights and duties upon organisations for both adult and young carers.
The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 requires local authorities in Scotland to offer people four choices on how they can get their social care: direct payment; person receiving services directs available support; local authority arranges support; a mix of the other options.
The Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act 2005 and Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) place obligations on responsible authorities to cooperate in respect of Registered Sex Offenders and Restricted Patients.