ETHICS IN PRISONS SOCIAL WORK PRESENTATION AT TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AT UNAFRI, NAGURU. 20 TH JANUARY 2012 By:Ssesanga N. Lydia

Objectives To recognize the need for observance of rules of professional ethics during the execution of Prisons Social Work Appreciate the importance of professional code of conduct Identify situations in which ethics can be breached

Definition Moral principles or set of moral values held by an individual or group (English Dictionary and Thesaurus) Ethics is a normative standard of judging what is right and wrong Ethics are put in place to provide guidelines for behavior/ professional practice

Prisons Social Work The cardinal duty of Prisons social workers is the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. We are also involved in promoting access to justice programs and observance of human rights of prisoners Social workers are also responsible for the social welfare of staff.

Purpose of Ethical codes: To protect members from practices that may result in public condemnation To provide a measure for self regulation To protect clients from incompetent staff To avoid civil litigation and internal disciplinary enquiries To protect the Prison staff from the public if they are sued for malpractice

Ethical codes of Prisons Social Work Professional competency: knowledge of our work and being conversant with the rules and regulations of the Prisons Service Discipline: Maintaining respect for our superiors and equals

Ethical codes contd Justice: Providing the same quality of service to everyone Integrity Upholding moral commitment and judgment on what is right and wrong ; i.e avoiding corrupt tendencies, relationships Reliability: Being accountable; available to work and accomplishing tasks in time Fidelity: Being trustworthy

Ethical codes contd Controlled Emotional involvement Acceptance: Accepting clients in their situations Non-judgemental attitude Empathy: Putting your self in the clients shoes so as to understand their problem better. Confidentiality; The preserve of keeping secret all information concerning a client. Leaking a clients information may cause the client to lose confidence in you.

Conclusion In order to be effective, social workers need to recognize and uphold the professional code of conduct, the rules and regulations of the Prisons Service and portray a good image of the service.