NCJ Number
48973
Date Published
1975
Length
2 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER SUGGESTS THE TEACHING OF LEGAL STUDIES TO SOCIAL WORKERS IN ENGLAND SO THAT THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF LAW AND PROCEDURE WILL HEIGHTEN THEIR AWARENESS OF THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF PROBLEMS COMMONLY AFFECTING THEIR CLIENTS.
Abstract
THE CONTENT OF THE TEACHINGS SHOULD ENABLE THE SOCIAL WORKER TO RECOGNIZE SITUATIONS IN WHICH THERE IS A LEGAL REMEDY SO THAT A CLIENT CAN BE ADVISED WHERE A SOCIAL PROBLEM ENDS AND A LEGAL PROBLEM BEGINS. THE IMPORTANCE OF A SOCIAL WORKER'S LEGAL KNOWLEDGE IS EVIDENT IN THE WORKER'S ROLE IN RELATION TO THE COURT. SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD KNOW WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THEM IN COURT AS A PROSECUTION WITNESS OR AS A COMPLAINANT, OR AS AN ADVISOR TO THE COURT OR SUPERVISOR OF AN ORDER. THE CASE METHOD AND MOCK TRIAL SITUATIONS ARE SUGGESTED AS THE BEST METHODS FOR TEACHING THESE PRACTICALITIES. SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD ALSO KNOW THE PROCESS FOR CREATING LEGISLATION AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCESS IS RECOMMENDED. (RBS)