Human Problems, Human Service Values, or How Shall We Help? Bernstein Chapter #3 Human Problems, Human Service Values, or How Shall We Help?

Objectives Acknowledge that human problems have complex, multiple causes. Identify and avoid the pitfalls of blaming the victim and acting morally superior. Identify how cultural and ethnic differences can affect the delivery of human services. Acknowledge that you may disagree with current social policy as practiced by your agency.

Table Group Questions Is teen pregnancy a problem? What challenges does it pose for teen parents? What would you do to help a teen parent? What do you think that the human services should do or can do to address these challenges?

What would you do for Mary. (p What would you do for Mary? (p.42) What are some common assumptions about social problems? Can we assume anything to understand how a person acts? The reality is always more complex than is evident on one simple slogan or political point of view. Human service professionals look at: Innate biological characteristics Current biological state History (education, upbringing, cultural background) Current environment

Fitting Solutions to the Causes of the Problems Different causes = Different solutions p. 42-43… Mary’s problem is caused by: Lack of affordable child care? Provide subsidy for child care. Low-paying job? Assistance with job hunt, additional training for obtaining higher level of pay Child support? Deadbeat Dad law enforcement. Depression? Treatment for her depression.

Blaming the victim Moral superiority Two pitfalls to avoid Blaming the victim Moral superiority Identify the “solutions” to Mary’s situation that may represent “Blaming” When have you found yourself feeling morally superior to others? (Work ethics issues?)

Values for the Human Services A proactive approach Focus on results Empower the people you serve Avoid coercion Be sensitive to diversity Involves anticipating and preventing problems before they happen! (kinders w/o general info backgrounds lag behind those who do) Focus on outcomes… talk is cheap! How can you translate the inspiration, the mission, the caring into really doing good? Teach others the things they can do to be less dependent on you! (text p 49) Sisters philosophy… a meal, an address, an opportunity to learn work skills, a reference. More time-consuming to teach decision making… Does this mean it doesn’t get done? Is it possible to provide the right help without coercing? What strategies might be effective? What actions might you or your agency take to increase your sensitivity to diverse cultures, values, habits? (p. 51-52)

Conflicts About Values Public laws Policies Budget Decisions Goals Procedures Principles Strategies Tactics What are your Action Choices? What choices might you have to address values differences or disagreements? What questions might you ask in your Job Interview to gain more understanding about this potential problem area for professionals. Have you seen any practices so far that you have questions or concerns about?