ABSTRACT
Many social work practitioners argue that the face of social work has dramatically changed over the last decade. Some social workers believe that the traditional skills of the social worker, based largely on good interpersonal skills, have become second place to business efficiency and costs. From a legal perspective, both need to exist and be exercised in order to ensure that the statutory duties are fulfilled and that the job is done successfully in the best interests of the client. As the contents of this text have demonstrated to be able to both communicate effectively, seek accurate advice from the right people and to ensure that you understand your client’s case and that your client understands your role and advice are the hallmarks of a professional social work practitioner. Above all, this text has sought to clearly show that a full and thorough understanding of the law, or at very least a knowledge of where to find the law or from whom to seek advice, makes for responsible social work practice and reduces the prospects of litigation against you and your employer.
