Written By: Tracy Melis
Over the last three months, I have experienced tremendous learning growth through life experience, research, case analysis assignments, and instructor feedback, in the “Social Work 350A Law and Social Services” course. I have opened my eyes to see how social work advocacy, politics, and law go hand in hand. I began this learning journey with a background in advocating for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, to help them find permanent housing, but I am leaving the SOCW 350A course with a better understanding of the meaning of advocacy in terms of law and social and restorative justice (Gumz & Grant, 2009).
First, let’s talk about the definition of advocacy in social work.
Social work advocacy is the dedicated practice wherein the advocate assumes the client’s position, striving to effect change as requested by the client, recognizing and addressing perceived injustices due to power imbalances between the client and institutions, acknowledging that advocacy often entails conflict and confrontation to uphold the client’s rights and well-being within oppressive societal systems and structures (Rempel, 2017). I have learned the most important aspect of advocacy in social work practice is to ensure that individuals, especially those facing challenges due to systemic injustices, have access to fair and equitable legal representation and support. Peer-reviewed scholars claim advocacy plays a pivotal role in upholding social justice and promoting the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations within the legal system (Briskman & Ife, 2018; Rempel, 2017).
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