Compliance with Ethical and Moral Values when Performing Social Work - Case Study Example

Ethics and Values in Social Work It has been an ultimate dilemma of our society to give least importance to the ethics and values that need to be prevailed while carrying out any form of social work. "Worker as a person has moral responsibility to make decisions."(Banks, Sarah 2005). As an extract of this quotation, Sarah conveys that even if Social Work agencies fail to recognize primary ethics of working for some benefit, a social himself is supposed to obey the rules and regulations that are set by several associations for instance regulations issued by British Association of Social workers, code of Ethics. When Gibb's family Scenario was presented in front of me, I was quite astonished to see some minor issues being made really big due to carelessness and lack of communication. Classism has become a nuisance to the society. As we see Mike coming from a working class, he is being facing ignoring behavior from the neighborhood that is in a better condition than him. Under the statement "Equal treatment and protection under the law" (BASW: code of ethics), people like Mike and Kylie should not be facing consequences of Disability because they are not disabled by choice rather they have been like this due to mistreatment and less care. As a worker, it becomes my responsibility to make people aware of laws regarding equality, take sessions and teach younger kids not to discriminate anyone on the basis of color, cast, living style or financial standard (Williams, 2006). Michael's parents are concerned but they have only been supporting morally. They need to be equipped with first hand knowledge of social justice. Since they have brought up Michael, they should be aware of social justice principles. As per the law, "The fair and equitable distribution of resources to meet basic human needs" (BASW: code of Ethics) is necessary. A discussion session can be arranged with them and the people of their age to provide first hand information about the rights and responsibilities of parents that should be catered in the upbringing of disabled children. Another value that is supposed to be considered is Human Dignity and Worth. I as a worker am responsible to "Show respect for all persons, and respect service users' beliefs, values, culture, goals, needs, preferences, relationships and affiliations". (BASW: code of ethics). It is very important for me to eradicate the prejudice first and then let the victims (in this case Kylie and Mike) be taken care of. As we saw, the most affected of all are the children. Competence is the value which helps to "Contribute to the education and training of colleagues and students, sharing knowledge and practice wisdom" (BASW: code of ethics). They lack manners and supposed to be guided to take care of their health and diet. As a worker, it's my task to tell pros on and cons of a poor hygienic environment to the parents as well as train teachers of the schools of these kids to handle the kids if they come to school without following the disciplinary rules. The latest referral is targeted to Tiffany who is a disturbed child because of her mother getting separated from her ex-husband. Not only Kylie and Mike are responsible but her siblings can also play a part here. I would arrange a counselor or a psychiatrist to deal with Tiffany's case personally. She needs to be given anti-aggressive behavior training as well Behavioral Change counseling as well so that her communication skills can build up and she can overcome the problem of sexualized behavior. Also I would provide her parents with detailed analysis of how to deal with adolescents since they are pretty touchy and sensitive at this stage of puberty (Trevithick, 2005). I as a worker will make sure to provide her with sessions in which I will ask her personal questions and as per the code of ethics, I will follow Integrity which says that "Respect service users' rights to a relationship of trust, to privacy, reliability and confidentiality and to the responsible use of information obtained from or about them" (BASW: code of ethics). She might not be close enough with any of her family members so will act as a friend to her and make sure she shares with me, what she feels and why is she showing sexual behavior at school. Let us continue with Tiffany's problem. If she is showing some immoral behavior then that is due to her weak belief over nature and divine. No matter what religion I practice, as a social activist I have to respect the beliefs of my client. I can use Competence as a social value which states that "Contribute to promoting culturally appropriate practice and culturally sensitive services" (BASW: code of ethics). For example if she is being aggressive and annoying, I can tell her about some scientific researches that tell consequences of this behavior and I might have to do a little bit of research from her origin of religion to quote something that will enhance her belief and let her change her behavior (Thompson, 2006). It is simple as that. If I pay respect to her opinion, she will respect my thoughts too and will take them under consideration. As a social worker it is important for me to build trust with each one of the family members, especially Kylie and Mike since they are the key stones of the Gibb's family. They need to learn how to manage a big family and give proper protection and health facilities to each one of them. I will ask them to list down their concerns so that I along with my social agency may work on this. They need to know how to be the best parents. I need to introduce integrity amongst them which is one of the important values of Social work scenario. A family is always connected to all (Banks, 2006). I have to make sure that Kylie and Mike give equal time to their kids and take measures for their health, education and behavior. This way kids will also approach them in case of any problem. Although Wayne and Jade are little but if they will see a sense of togetherness at home, they will pursue a happy life, making their parents happy. Utilitarianism is supposed to be introduced since this ethical value since every person under this school of thought is treated keeping moral values. As a worker, I have to play a part in it too (GSCC: Codes of practice). In Germany, emancipatory movement took place in which a group of people recognized by the name of Roma group started an awakening campaign that was against any external assimilation that decided their way towards leading political and social lives. They were an exit society which was pessimist and didn't get into any provoking activities in order to avoid conflicts and mishaps. They were entirely changed after taking up the movement since they came to the lime light of self acceptance and motivation to be recognized (Clark, 2000). Kylie and Mike in this case should not be leaned back; instead they should strive for their being and bring a change to their home. Virtue ethics can be added to the plan of action by listing the situations that are difficult to deal with and coming up with a solution to act in those situations. Now when I have gained the total understanding of the problem of the family and their scenario, I can now start up with the actual process of carrying out the work. First of all I will ask them to completely clean the house leaving no spot unattended since the unhygienic condition had become the cause of several diseases that are affecting their own kids. Neighbors can be invited to help in this regard since they will ultimately feel contended that, "Okay this house is getting cleaned and we don't need to ask them to move somewhere else". Mike can contact his parents and they can baby sit the kids while the house is being cleaned. After that, the hygiene of the kids is supposed to be taken in consideration. Since Kylie is not equipped with cooking knowledge, she might be given a session on cooking. I as a social worker has to keep in mind the choice of food but also ethically I should suggest her to eat and make her kids eat fresh food. As for the kids, let us see each on of them in detail (GSCC: code of ethics). Tiffany being the oldest is supposed to be a role model for rest of her siblings and as helper for her mother too. She needs a behavioral change therapy and can be sent to church occasionally to learn about morality. She and her brother are supposed to be taken to dentist to get the oral treatment and after the treatment is over, they should be given some attractive material to read on how to take care of their health. Wayne can be admitted in a different school where learning is made fun with the help of colorful objects, audios and videos. This will enhance his learning abilities and he can get admission in a much better school. Tracey is very young and she needs a lot of care. An expert physician can be contacted to regularly check her health conditions and keep a track of all the vaccines that have been given to her. Jade being the youngest, should be given intense care. She needs regular check up, healthy food and supplements to bring her health back to normal (Banks, 2006). As per code of ethics, Social workers "Strive to carry out the stated aims of their employing organization, provided that they are consistent with this Code of Ethics". (BASW : code of ethics). It is needed that if I intend to put a lot of effort in Gibb's family's betterment, I have to keep my social agency informed about everything I do. Or if they are asking me to work on this task then I should be fully responsible for all my actions and reactions. At times there are agencies which might lead you to work against the ethics of the society values and as a worker, you are responsible to resolve those conflicts. As a social employee, I have to declare that conflict and will take an appropriate action to resolve it, which should be justifiable legally and morally (Clark, 2000). I would really encourage Thompson's PCS model to be introduced while dealing with the case of Gibb's family since it deals with improving Personal level (which is the inner most circle) to become better in thinking and responding to others. Cultural values can be taught this way which are common between many people. Under structural level, oppression is tried to get omitted by using government and media issues. In Gibb's scenario, Kylie and Mike, both have to show self determination and bring up the level of self esteem to make their living better. Mike should strive to learn more skills and get a better job at some reputable place since he is young guy of 20's and is able to cope up with burden of education and work both. Kylie should also get household education (Thompson, 2006). As I quoted Sarah Bank's thoughts earlier that the conflicts should be resolved, this led me to the conclusion that we should place our own selves in the life of suffering people and then see the hardships from our eyes. When the worker's society won't be following the virtues of ethics and morals, then one shouldn't expect the client to follow the same. Since we abide by the rules and regulation of British Association of Social workers, we need to follow all the values stated in the code of ethics and try to implement them during the entire time we are involved with the concerned clients. As stated, "Social workers will in both their private and their professional life avoid any behavior likely to damage the public image of social work or bring the profession into disrepute." (BASW: code of ethics), all our actions should portray loyalty to our profession. Bibliography: Williams, P. (2006). Social Work with People with Learning Difficulties. Learning matters. Trevithick, P. (2005). Social Work Skills: A Practice Handbook. Open University Press Thompson, N. (2006). Anti-discriminatory Practice. Palgrave Macmillan. Banks, S. (2006). Ethics and values in social work. Palgrave Macmillan. Clark, C. L. (2000). Social Work Ethics: Politics, Principles and Practice. Macmillan. http://www.gscc.org.uk/codes/ http://www.basw.co.uk/ Read More