Responding to legal issues

When dealing with a legal issue, you will rarely be expected to deal with it alone. Discuss with your supervisor, or refer the person to another worker who has the appropriate skills. Before responding to a legal issue, check the facts. Be sure to collect objective information or evidence, check what the person who receives services wants to do, check what avenues are available and think any actions through. Follow your organisation’s policies and procedures and any legislative requirements. Keep in mind that you must support people’s rights in all your actions. Take into account the responsibilities and limitations of your work role and do not act outside these. Remember that you are not a legal practitioner. Always ask for advice and refer anyone with a legal issue to a properly qualified lawyer for assistance. Do not give legal advice to the people receiving services.