Social Work Practice Law

Social Workers need an initial understanding of the legal policy frameworks and guidance that inform and mandate social Work Practice (PCF 5). In Social Work practice law plays a number of significant roles. Many social work clients are involved in legal systems such as, criminal justice, mental health or child protection. In order to support clients to navigate their way through these legal systems more effectively, social workers need to be aware of the laws that regulate each system. Knowledge of the law and social policy should provide social workers with a practical understanding of their clients rights and responsibilities. As a social worker you also need to remember that the profession itself is also regulated by various laws. (Barsky,