Law, Social Work and Professionalism: Israeli Social Workers' Attitudes Towards the 1996 Social Workers Act

Israel Doron, Haifa University
Yitzchak Rosner, Municipality of Haifa
Mirit Karpel, Haifa University

Abstract

In 1996, a substantial change occurred in the field of social work in Israel: the Social Work Act 1996 was enactment. For the first time in Israeli history, and after long years of political struggle, the social work profession was covered and regulated by direct legislation.

Ten years have passed by since this major change took place. Yet, very little attention was given to this legal change in academic research, empirical studies or professional writings within the social work field in Israel.

This research begins to explore the meaning of the legal change that took place in 1996. Based on sociological theories of professionalism, the research quantitatively studies the attitudes of 337 social workers toward the Social Workers Act of 1996.

The findings expose that in general there are positive attitudes and support by social workers in Israel to the Social Workers Act 1996, especially to its political and professional elements. However, the findings raise questions regarding the impact of the law on the rights of persons receiving the care or services from the social workers.