This article reviews the literature on political participation of social workers and the variables that promote or impede political advocacy. Early research in the 1980s and 1990s most often reported education, feelings of efficacy, having a macro-type job, and being a member of a national association as factors that determine greater political…

Changes in applying due process have ended the hands off policy of the courts regarding human service programs. These changes have important implications for social workers, whose actions may risk court involvement if practices are arbitrary. (Author)

Mental health legislation recently enacted has improved on older laws by recognizing new procedural rights for patients. In many instances, however, it has also prevented treatment for patients who are severely ill. The authors discuss the new laws and the way they have affected the cooperative efforts of social workers, lawyers, and…

Due process is a flexible concept that can serve as a model for responsible practice consistent with the notion of protecting client integrity. This discussion of the boundaries between governmental authority and individual rights can help planners, administrators, and practitioners in dealing with social programs and legislation. (Author)

Malpractice issues are often ignored when social workers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition). Physical disorders may be overlooked, practitioners may report less severe diagnoses than are indicated because of adverse effects of labeling, or they may increase the severity of diagnoses so clients can qualify…

Drawing analogies with areas of liability that exist in other professions, particularly psychiatry, the author calls attention to ways in which the social worker can protect himself against malpractice suits. (Author)

The interest in family policy on the part of academic and political leaders may offer new opportunities to enact social legislation. Serious violations of civil liberties may threaten individuals and nonconventional families. Risks implicit in the adoption of a national policy outweigh the possible gains. (Author)

To date, malpractice actions have not been applied to social workers. Emerging legal sanction for and recognition of social workers as mental health professionals, however, carries a concomitant risk of malpractice suits against them in a number of treatment practice areas. (Author)

The author describes the sex discrimination lawsuit she brought against Brown University, where she was employed as a psychiatric social worker. The legal, financial, and personal aspects of the action are discussed, as well as the general issue of sexism in the profession of social work. (Author)

The Supreme Court has ruled that certain professionals have immunity from civil rights lawsuits, but has not considered any cases involving social workers. A split view regarding the extent of social workers' immunity in investigating child abuse cases has appeared in two courts of appeals. Discusses immunity, the case in these two circuits, and…

Social workers are currently pressing to have the profession granted privileged communication. It is assumed that this special legal status will assure protection of clients' confidence. This article questions this assumption and points out that the profession must first adopt effective measures to ensure confidentiality. (Author)

Based on research findings, author recommends training of medical staff on how to identify child abuse cases and how to report latter to appropriate agencies. Legal rights and responsibilities should be explained for both hospital administrators and medical staff. An interdisciplinary approach to treatment of child abuse cases is advocated. (SE)

Reviews the research on dementia as it applies to patients suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Describes dementia as involving an acquired persistent impairment of intellectual function with compromises in mental activity, emotions and personality, and cognition. Identifies the unique social, emotional, and legal issues…

Presents information about the legal role and powers of the grand jury. Alerts social workers to the possible shift from being an informational witness to being the focus of inquiry. Guidelines for grand jury testimony are offered, and the legal rights of social workers are reviewed. (JAC)

Acceptance of a board position in a social service agency has always brought with it potential personal liability. However, private nonprofit agencies themselves are now losing their special status with regard to liability for legal damages. This trend has profound consequences for volunteers and regular staff alike. (Author)