Working together in social work law

Abstract

An earlier article identified and described the emergence of a new academic discipline - social work law. In identifying the unique relationship between social workers and the law, and the dilemmas this creates, it concluded by suggesting that social workers and lawyers should create a shared language. This article considers their relationship and how the constituent elements of social work law can be made accessible in order that participants can negotiate the complexities of practice. This process of translation will use familiar concepts such as welfare. A mutually recognized and comprehensible set of meanings, derived from sharing skills, resources, values and knowledge, will result in more effective services, but requires a reflective, critical and analytical examination and definition of core principles and characteristics.

Key Words:

• social workers
• lawyers
• interdisciplinary working
• language