National Network for Equitable Library Service

Essential Law for Social Work Practice in Canada addresses the need for an up-to-date, hands-on legal information guide that social workers can use as they interact with the Canadian federal and provincial legal system. It includes a helpful overview of Canadian law and the implications for social workers, and a description of the structure of the court system. It addresses topics of current and growing importance such as citizenship and refugees, human rights, family laws, child protection, health care issues including mental illness and youth criminal justice. Other important topics covered include ethics, federal and provincial privacy laws and the implications for record keeping, and preparing to appear in court. A clear writing style is enhanced by a lack of legal jargon and clear definitions where legal terminology is needed.