Importance Of Social Work Practice

The title ‘social worker’ is now restricted by law to those who are registered with the social care council, having obtained a recognised qualification in social work (Williams 2009). One of the features of social work with people with learning difficulties that many social workers appreciate highly is the opportunity to work with people over the long term occasionally throughout their lives.

Social workers engage with law on a daily basis. The legal context of social work is important because it provides duties and powers for social work and it provides an understanding of the statutory and legal requirements for effective and fair social work practice (Brammer 2010). The knowledge of law is essential to social work practice and

Capacity according to Barlett et al (2003) is a requirement for consent, but he argues that capacity is really only called into question when the individual is refusing treatment. The social worker is able to apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to provide justification and guidance when assessing A’s mental capacity. The social worker will implement their professional judgement and accountability as well as work in a multidisciplinary manner and liaise with the GP, Psychiatrist, neurologist, community nurse and support workers. In principle, this should enable many people with learning difficulties to have a greater say in decisions affecting

When codes are not adhered to there can be serious repercussions involved for all (CCW 2002). Social work’s professional values are described in the British Association of Social Workers code of ethics. These are a set of moral principles used to set standards which regulates the social work profession. These offer a general guidance and as yet carry no sanction if broken (Shardlow 2002). An ethical code also contributes to the strengthening of professional identity. They add clarity to the tasks and should lead to greater ethical observance within the organisation, but the primary objective of the Code of ethics is the protection of clients (Banks