Legal regulation of training of social workers in the Czech Republic

In recent times, the training of social workers in the Czech Republic has undergone extensive changes. From a content perspective, the authors have prepared a comprehensive overview of the legislation of the issue of training social workers in the Czech Republic, wherein mandatory training of employees is reflected in the activities of officials of both state administration and local authorities, whilst taking into consideration the specifics of the field of social work. This article is based on doctrinal analysis of the legal regulation in relation to defining terms such as social services, and of the authorities supporting the social and legal protection of children and their compulsory training. The subject of the doctrinal investigation is, in particular, the obligations established for employers and employees in social work regarding compulsory training in the social sphere. This article goes beyond the doctrinal analysis and evaluates qualitative interview research. The doctrinal legal analysis reveals that the newly adapted training concept builds on the extensive legislation associated with the preparation of Civil Code No. 89/2012 Coll., as amended, and its related legal regulations, which fundamentally affect all areas of social services, including an increased demand on the expertise of officials. The regulation of compulsory training has also become one of the important areas for evaluating social services standards. The application of the new legislation in specific conditions is monitored from an employer's perspective, and from the perspective of the employees, but also in terms of the professional umbrella organization - the Association of Workers in the Authorities for the Social and Legal Protection of Children (OSPOD).