Values and Ethics in Social Work Chapter 8 Morales

Introduction Values in SW assist the profession in setting goals related to the client and society. SW set out to make a positive change in people’s lives. Social Programs are created to promote the general welfare. Agency values can have a direct impact on SWs. How do you think this is? SW must be aware of personal values and how they may be like or different from SW values. Self awareness is key in SW to avoid counter- transference.

The Nature of Values Values express what ought to be! “A type of belief, centrally located on one’s total belief system, about how one ought or ought not to behave, or about some end-state of existence worth or worth not attaining” 2 functions values perform- Instrumental values- how we should or should not behave. Moral and ethical guidelines to helps us determine how we conduct our lives Terminal values- as SW we perform; what is the bottom line of what we want to accomplish. Ensuring a safe environment for all, basic needs met for all.

Guides These values guide us in the decision we make on serving our clients and the community. Values vary for everyone. Values system – is what makes everyone unique. This is the constellation of all the person’s values. Values and beliefs become one central thought process and reality. This can make it difficult when values clash. Choosing between values can create internal conflict. Also values may appear good in theory but hard to apply in really life situation. Life is not black and white. Finally values can change overtime.

The Place of Values in Social Work Helping people is CLEAR! We must be aware of our client’s values and how that guides their ind goals. SW may have to assist client in identifying their values, but we do not impose our values on them. Self-Determination

Social Values in US Society Can you identify some values of the US today? Can you identify how these may have changed in the last 30 years? Values are different from needs and urges as humans. Our values though guide us on how we meet these needs. Us is very “me” focused.

Us values are rooted in 4 different sources. Judaism and Christianity- worth of all humans and responsibility to our neighbors. Democratic ideals-equality for all, “life, liberty and happiness” Puritan ethic- a moral person works hard and independent. Social Darwinism- survival of the fittest. SW become the mediator in society between ind needs and values judgments. This is why we must be knowledgeable of US society values There is great variation in our US society values because we are a diverse society. In a study by Kahle’s some consistent values were; security, respect. Socioeconomic standing gives variation. Values become our client’s strengths to help work thur problem.

Values Held by Social Workers 1.Commitment to the primary importance of the ind in society. 2. Commitment to Social change to meet socially recognized needs. 3.Commitment to social justice and the economic, physical, and mental well-being of all in society. 4. Respect and appreciation for ind and group differences. 5. Commitment to developing clients’ ability to help themselves. 6. Willingness to transmit knowledge and skills to others. 7. Willingness to keep personal feelings and needs separate from professional.

8. Respect for confidentiality of relationship with clients. 9. Willingness to persist on behalf of clients even when frustrated. 10. Commitment to a high standard and professional conduct. Based on these values NASW came up with code of ethic that clearly define SW expectations! If a SW is reported to violate the code then they are brought before a board of review. If founded corrective action.

Areas of Practice Addressed by NASW code of ethics 1 Standard related to SW ethical responsibility to client. 2. The SW ethical responsibility to colleagues. 3. The SW ethical responsibility in practice settings 4. The SW ethical responsibility as a professional. 5. The SW ethical responsibility to the SW profession. 6. The SW ethical responsibility to the broader society.

Case Studies Let read and review! What are some of the dilemma’s ? How are they handled? What do you think about the they are handles? Are there alternative ways to handle them?