The Practice of Social Work in Legal Services Programs

Abstract

Questionnaire data from 48 social workers (aged 24–56 yrs) employed by legal services agencies show that Ss' responsibilities included information and referral services, client advocacy, crisis counseling, psychosocial evaluation, and community needs assessment. Types of problems encountered included issues related to education such as school discipline and special education; mental health such as patient abuse, treatment rights, and commitment; and problems related to juvenile and family law such as domestic violence, abused and neglected children, and delinquency. Factors associated with job satisfaction included the variety of job responsibilities, professional autonomy, and identification with agency goals. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)