Under the Mental Health Act 2007, the role of approved social worker has been abolished and replaced by that of Approved Mental Health Professional in England and Wales.[1] However, this role does still exist in Northern Ireland under the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986. [2]
Approved social workers were mental health social workers trained to enact elements of the Mental Health Act 1983.[3] They received specific training relating to the Mental Health Act 1983, usually lasting one year, and performed a pivotal role in the assessment and detention process of people with mental illness.