This new text is based on Frederic G. Reamer's key reference for practitioners, Social Work Malpractice and Liability: Strategies for Prevention. Rooted in his own experiences as an expert witness in court and licensing board cases, the volume introduces the concepts of negligence, malpractice, and liability before turning to the subject of risk management. Reflecting on recent legal cases and research, Reamer identifies a variety of problems in the social work field relating to privacy and confidentiality, improper treatment and delivery of services, impaired practitioners, supervision, consultations and referrals, fraud and deception, and termination of service. He also explores the unprecedented ethical challenges created by new digital technologies—such as online counseling, video counseling, and practitioners' use of social networks and social media—and describes current issues relating to HIPAA compliance and access to electronic health records (EHR) and health information exchanges (HIE).He concludes with practical suggestions for social workers named as defendants in lawsuits and respondents in licensing board complaints.

In the 1980s the abuse of drugs and alcohol became the number one social problem in America, affecting the lives of abusers, their families, and entire communities. Because of their knowledge of and skills in working effectively with the person-in-environment, social workers are essential partners in any successful campaign to eradicate this problem from our society. This annotated bibliography and resource guide was prepared to benefit the social work profession in the area of substance abuse prevention. It provides an important resource for the initial preparation of social workers and for the professional development of seasoned social workers.

Recognising that clients presenting with problems related to substance misuse represent a significant portion of most social worker's caseloads, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the substance misuse problem and how it directly affects clients. Research suggests that each user seriously affects the lives of four to six other people. This compendium was produced in response to the growing concern of social workers about the limited material written solely for work with this population. It grew out of a 5-year faculty development grant sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health Service and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.