Social Work

Practice Guidelines

Law, rules and regulations, not Guidelines, specify the requirements for practice and violating them constitutes professional misconduct. Not adhering to this Guideline may be interpreted as professional misconduct only if the conduct also violates pertinent law, rules and regulations, some citations of which are listed at the end of this Guideline.

6. Providing Access to Services

6.1

Provide a clear and specific plan for clients to contact you if an emergency arises. This plan, preferably in writing, should include a prompt response mechanism (usually within six hours) and accurate message system.

6.2

Enlist competent and appropriate colleagues to provide professional coverage for clients when you are ill, on vacation, or otherwise unavailable. Provide clear and specific information to the clients about how to contact those colleagues covering for you.

6.3

Provide colleagues covering your practice sufficient relevant information about any especially vulnerable clients and their life situations.

6.4

Professional space should be private, safe, and easily accessible to clients.