VALUES & ETHICS in CHILD WELFARE Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, BCD

OBJECTIVES Identification of personal values and child welfare values Comprehension of the difference between Values & Ethics Cite at least 2-3 child welfare values

MORE OBJECTIVES How to process an ethical dilemma Value the importance of analyzing ethical considerations in practice Develop better understanding of how one’s own personal values may influence the decision making process in child welfare

Define: ETHICS the body of moral principles or values governing or distinctive of a particular culture or group a complex of moral precepts held or rules of conduct followed by an individual: the moral fitness of a decision, course of action, etc

VALUES & ETHICS Values Pertain to beliefs and attitudes that provide direction to everyday living Professional Spirit Ethics Beliefs we hold i.e. right vs wrong Guidelines for right conduct Are practiced daily and in all aspects of SW

“We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience." Martin Luther King Jr.

Let’s chat…has this happened to you?

Can you leave it at the door? Questions to ask yourself before you walk into the room

What’s in your head? Disgust Joy Sadness Fear Anger

Legal Definition of Neglect GENERAL: negligent failure of a parent/guardian or caretaker to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or supervision where no physical injury has occurred SEVERE: situations of neglect where the child’s health is endangered, including severe malnutrition

CHILD NEGLECT How does culture, ethnicity, socioeconomics, regions and areas effect the “legal” definition of neglect How do your values and your perception influence the application of your determination of “child neglect?”

Health Impacts of Child Abuse (ACE STUDY) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links adverse childhood experiences (which include other household dysfunctions along with abuse and neglect) with a range of long-term health impacts. Individuals who reported six or more adverse childhood experiences had an average life expectancy two decades shorter than those who reported none. Mental Health Disorders, Addictions, & Related Issues Risk for intimate partner violence Alcoholism and alcohol abuse Illicit drug abuse- Smoking & drinking at an early age Depression - Suicide attempts Sexual & Reproductive Health Issues and Risk Factors - Multiple sexual partners Sexually transmitted diseases - Unintended pregnancies -Early initiation of sexual activity Adolescent pregnancy and Fetal death

SITUATIONAL CONTROL Where an individuals actions are determined beyond his or her will by the organization and its structure, seriously jeopardizing individual freedom of choice and individual responsibility

What is important to you? Do you value the same things your parents value? Your co-workers? How does that impact you today?

Social Work Code of Ethics SMARTPHONE ACTIVITY Find one that really matters to you… What did you find?

CHILD PROTECTION VALUES

CHILD PROTECTION VALUES PROTECTION OF CHILDREN PRESERVATTION OF FAMILIES RESPECT FOR FAMILIES INDIVIDUALIZED INTERVENTION CONFIDENTIALITY - LOYALTY CLIENT SELF-DETERMINATION DIGNITY COMPETENCE