Developing a New Model of Support and Empowerment to Families in Need: Overcoming Historic and Ethical Barriers to Interdisciplinary Practice

Deborah Weimer, University of Maryland School of Law

Document Type: Working Paper

Working paper.

Abstract

This article will briefly describe the history that has led to the present disconnect between social workers and lawyers, the ethical rules that have been perceived as a barrier to effective interdisciplinary practice, including rules about lawyer independence, defining who the client is and mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect. It identifies the importance of advance planning in structuring a truly interdisciplinary practice and anticipating and addressing ethical issues. And it describes the benefits to clients as well as social work and law students of engaging in interdisciplinary practice.

Keywords:

social workers, lawyers, joint practice, legal services

Discipline(s)

Law

Recommended Citation

Weimer, Deborah, "Developing a New Model of Support and Empowerment to Families in Need: Overcoming Historic and Ethical Barriers to Interdisciplinary Practice" (2009). All Faculty Publications. Paper 686.
http://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/fac_pubs/686