Ethical Practice in Social Work

Ethical exert in amicable WorkThe aim of this identification is to demonstrate links between different codes defining estimable normal, ordinance and the requirements of occupational conduct. The antecedent will withal discuss knowledge of traditional affable work look upons and recent changes in the measure viewpoint of affable work. The alliance of estimable themes and the cast of ethical theories will also be considered, concluding with the requirements of professional accessible work practice.Although social work is a profession laden with contradictions, the primary task within the social work profession is to ensure that the directives and prescripts enshrined in social work ethics, call on social workers to get to human rights and willingly be able to challenge unjust principles (Allan et al 2009).Moral codes and social structure is recorded as far back as the Ancient Greek Polis era with suppression of civic autonomy. The idea of lifetime of virtue and hu man fulfilment leading on to the parvenue course in ethics chartered during the Hellenistic era be the most discussed social structures discussed to meshing, regarding early ethics and values although forms of social structural developments were occurring in Egypt, Mesopotamia, China and India has slight recorded by historians (Bryant 1996). Bisman (2004) acknowledges that the core concept of lesson concerns drove social works development during the professions formative years. Although Jones (1997) cited in Bisman (2004) (pg 110) complains that the profession has been particularly silent all over the past twenty years about the shifting patterns in social well universeness and disadvantage and that this silence may be a direct trespass of the social work codes of ethics.The emphasis of social change was more evident during the settlement movement and the emphasis was on Toynbees philosophy that thither was a learn to unite the advocacy of social reform and the inclusion of various classes to ensure fiat performs those duties (Bisman 2004). Self determination is central to the social workers ethical responsibilities to invitees. Hepworth et al (2009) (pg 60.) shout out that codes of ethics ar the embodiment of a professions values. Acknowledgment for principals and standards for social workers behaviours ar imbedded in the Codes of Ethics circulated by the National crosstie of Social Workers addressing the range of responsibilities that social workers have as professionals to their clients, colleagues, employers, profession and to society as a whole (Hepworth et al 2008 ). Addams (1902) (pg 1) believed that ethics is but another word for righteousness without which life becomes meaningless.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child acknowledge that the values vary from country to country and the understanding of values universally be very problematic. However, it is not just the question of different values, but a question of relat ive power (Heintz 2009). Every Child Matters (2003) contains five outcomes which are be healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution as well as economic well-being have absorbed the UNCRC Articles into a comprehensible table. This ensures that practitioners are raddled to reflecting the ethical principles and value viewpoint when making their decisions regarding client needs.Wilks (2005) highlights that there are cardinal central conceptual strands that account for social work values these are social work ethics and anti-discriminatory practice. However although these two strands lie together there are conflicts. Strategies have been adopted to bridge the gap in principle by means of social justice or equality.Nash (2000) was also interested in the ethics of the individual self and understanding the power differences. Although seeing everyone as social actors, concerned with interaction through and through social behaviour idler at times be frag mented, unstable, fluid and fast changing. This unpredictability is why it is very central that social workers analyse each individual case thoroughly, reflecting on where and when to employ ethical and value establish decisions that will influence positive results.Clarks (2000) cited in Tovey (2007) acknowledges that there are five basic principles that promote ethical practice in social work are notice for and promotion of individuals rights to self-determination progression of welfare or well-beingEqualityDisruptive justiceDisciplineFurthermore, it is important that traditional social work values are employed, but it is also important that consideration for limitations of traditional social work values and how these values change at macro, meso and micro levels of practice. Dominelli 2004(pg 63) argues that although chargeing clients is seen as a way of moving forward, it is otiose to do more than deal with issues at the micro level of practice in the practitioner-client rela tionship, and has little impact on structural inequalities, which also need to be displaceed. By being involved in transforming the knowledge base and structure of clients current or future situation, the social workers has to rethink the epistemological base on which social work is founded and be a value base that aims to create a professional culture that can guide particular interventions (Dominelli 2004). Banks (2006) acknowledges that ethical issues are problematic in social work and that the codes of ethics and codes of conduct fail to explicitly address issues faced by those who are regulated by them. Practioners find themselves in difficult situations which at times results in ethical predicaments. It is still imperative to witness the requirements of professional conduct and that the deontological draw close creates a logic whereby professionals are duty-bound to fol confused their ethical code and where ethical practice without guiding principles is inconceivable ( co lour 2009 pg 2).The Scottish Social Services Codes of Practice (SSSC 2005) 2005 are a key step in a system of regulation for social service delivered along with setting standards for practitioners to be accountable for their actions. SSSC (2005) state that there are six codes of practice that social service workers are required to take account of these areProtect the rights and promote the interests of service Users and copers.Strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence ofService users and carers.Promote the independence of service users while protectingThem as far as possible from danger or harm.Respect the rights of service users whilst seeking to ensurethat their behaviour does not harm themselves or other people.Uphold public trust and confidence in social services.Be accountable for the quality of their work and takeduty for maintaining and improving theirknowledge and skills.Social work has undergone radical changes, in addition, the imperialistic approach has b een passing criticised as being stereotyped and culturally preoccupied with the blame culture. Raynor (1984) treasure that there was a difference in accountability, regardless of justification. His findings were that social workers are accountable for their take actions, although social workers were only protecting the weaker party in an imbalance of power. It is important that social workers draw on empirical approaches, although the focus should be on solving problems and narrowing the problematic gap in cultural differences between social worker /client relationship working within a moral rational manner.A postmodern approach in social work has highlighted areas in the welfare state that acknowledge that specific welfare resources are being cut due to rationalisation. Social services need to look at the way economic, social structures and regional injustices in impoverished communities are constructed and adapt to meet their individual needs. Postmodernism argues for the grand or universal social change on which social work was founded, but now ultimately social work mustiness refocus its attentions on exposing global economical inequalities and oppressive gender and ethnicity-based relationships across the globe (Noble 2004).The Kantian philosophy encourages that we should treat others as a being who has excerption and desires along with a being is those who are capable of rational thought and self determined actions should have the ability to make decisions and act accordingly to their own choices and desires (Banks 2006).Although deontological and utilitarian approaches tend to dominate social work ethics Lovat and Gray (2008) dispute that within this postmetaphysical age Habermas declare oneselfs a form of proportionate ethics through the Aristotelian and Thomistic thinking offering a new and practical approach which is particularly appropriate to a modernately post-scientific, postmetaphysical age. Lovat and Gray (2008) (pg 1101) also recognised within the pretty post-scientific age, although the thinking had a heavy reliance on science they were aware of the limitations of science in addressing adequately all of lifes demands and providing all of its answers. Lovat and Gray (2008) also proposed a new approach to ethical deliberation and judgment that has potential to meet the needs of those seeking greater ontological certainty than science can provide.By implementing a Proportionism approach, which is an ethical and moral approach and holds promise for a more balanced perspective in that social work is both science and art. boilers suit the proportionist approach is comfortable with the inconsistent position in whatever ethical dilemma and by applying wisdom, common mavin and probing scientific explanations an ethical decision can be made. The value of a proportionist position is best captured when we realise that any ethical decision which runs counter to accepted or popular norms cannot be underestimated in terms of its potential to create tension, fear or recrimination( Lovat and Gray 2008 pg 1107).Changing Lives (2006) highlights the ethical and value base by means of four tier approach negotiating a balance between care and control, although the practitioner is under statutory obligation and the nature of the situation is complex the focus should be with avoiding any ethical boundary disputes working in a multi disciplinary approach foc exploitation on the value base work with the client.Pitts (2000) discusses the Federation International des Communautes Educatives 1998 (FICE 1998) describes that a sound ethical practice is of critical importance. A code of ethics establishes good practice and offers guidance to individual workers in difficult situations, along with playing as a template against which to test conduct and target reform of modifications that need to be made. This in turn guides the practitioners to think about best practice and new answers to ethical issues that may arise.Wi thin Getting it Right for Every Child (2006) Big Words and Big Tables section 2.6 Consent/Ethics, ethically empower the child or youthfulness person regardless of age to educate and promote the best services available by informing the chid or newborn person of all resources available. The FICE 1998 is dedicated to promoting the lives and future of children and young people around the world creating and promoting global standards for looked after children, The British Association of Social Workers has a Code of Ethics key principles reinforce what service providers should be doing to meet the needs of children and young people these areHuman Dignity and WorthRespect for human dignity and for individual and cultural diversityValue for every human being, their beliefs, goals, preferences and needsRespect for human rights and self-determinationPartnership and empowerment with users of services and with carersEnsuring protection for vulnerable peopleSocial JusticePromoting fair access to resourcesEqual treatment without prejudice or discriminationReducing disadvantage and extrusionChallenging the abuse of powerServiceHelping with in-person and social needsEnabling people to develop their potentialContributing to creating a fairer societyIntegrityHonesty, reliability and confidentialityCompetenceMaintaining and expanding competence to provide a quality serviceHarris (1998)(pg 843) highlights that in the new social services departments, social work was to exist, not simply as another branch of local authority administration, but in its own right as a state-mediated, bureau-professional labour process. comity for Biesteks casework principles, individualisation, purposeful expression of feelings, controlled emotional involvement, acceptance, non-judgemental attitude, service user self-determination and confidentiality were the early foundations of principles that have paved the way for influencing present date values in social work (Banks 2006). Tovey (2007) insist s that the principles are open to interpretation and practitioners should be aware of the limitations in ethical decision making and the focus on rules and duties influence determining actions in particular situations.The legal textile within the Children (Scotland) twist 1995 (Act 1995) underpins what practitioners are required to do to ensure children and young people are provided for and looked after by parents, guardians or their local authority. The Act 1995 chapter 36 section 19 advises that the plan for services has to take into consideration relevant services to be provided.ReferencesAddams, J. 1902. Democracy and Social Ethics. Macmillan London.Allan, J., Briskman, L., Pease, B. diminutive Social Work Theories and Practices for a Socially Just World. Allen Unwin NSW.Banks, S. 3rd Ed, 2006. Ethics and Values in Social Work. Palgrave Macmillan Basingstoke.Bisman, C. 2004 Social Work Values The Moral message of the Profession. British daybook of Social Work 2004. 34, 109 -123.Bryant, M,J. 1996. Moral Codes and Social Structure in Ancient Greece A Sociology of Greek Ethics from Homer to Epicureans and Stoics. New York conjure up USA. in stock(predicate) on line Changing Lives Report of the 21st Century Social Work Review http//www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/02/02094408/8 Accessed October 2009. easy on line Children (Scotland) Act 1995 http//www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts1995/ukpga_19950036_en_3pt2-ch1-pb2-l1g19 Accessed October 2009.Dominelli, L. 2004. Social Work theory and Practice for a Changing Profession. Polity shorten Cambridge.Available on lineEvery Child Matters (2003) http//www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/strategy/strategyandgovernance/uncrc/unitednationsconventionontherightsofthechild/ Accessed October 2009.Available on lineGetting it Right for Every Child (2006) http//www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/06/20135608/56098 Accessed October 2009.Gray, M. 2009. Moral Sources and Emergent Ethical Theories in Social Work. Brittish Jour nal of Social Work, September 22, 2009.1-18.Harris, J. 1998. scientific Managment, Bureau-Professionalism, New Managerialism The Labour Process of call down Social Work. British Journal of Social Work. (1998) 28, 839-862.Heintz, M. 2009. The Anthropology of Moralities. Berghahn Books United States.Hepworth, H, D., Rooney, H, R., Rooney, D,G., Strom-Gottfried, K., Larsen, J. 2009 8th Ed. Direct Social Work Practice Theory and Skill. Cengage Learning Canada.Lovat, T., Gray, M. 2008. Towards a Proportionist Social Work Ethics A Habermasian Perspective British Journal of Social Work 2008.38, 1100-1114.Raynor, P. 1984. Evaluation with One Eye closed(a) The Empiricist Agenda in Social Work Research. British Journal of Social Work 1984. 14, 1-10.Available on line Pitts, J. 2000. Committee on the Rights of the Child State Violence Against Children. http//www.crin.org/docs/resources/treaties/crc.25/pitts.pdf Accessed October 2009.Noble, C. 2004. Postmodern Thinking Where is it Taking Socia l Work? Journal of Social Work. 2004. 4, 289-304.Nash, K. 2000. Readings in Contempory Political Sociology. Blackwell Publishers Ltd Oxford.Available on line The British Association of Social Workers has a Code of Ethics http//www.basw.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=64 Accessed October 2009.Available on line The Scottish Social Services Codes of Practice 2005 http//www.sssc.uk.com/NR/rdonlyres/3A6C6F84-EB11-4DE2-90FF-5E143610C2B7/0/SSSCCodesofPracticebookletSept09.pdf Accessed October 2009.Tovey, W. 2007. The Post-Qualifying Handbook for Social Workers. Jessica Kingsley Publishers London.Wilks, T. 2005. Social Work and Narrative Ethics. British Journal of Social Work 2005. 35, 1249-1264.Case StudyIn this assignment the author had to take into consideration any ethical and value based factors before exploring a workable therapeutic intervention that would meet the needs of the client within this case study. The ethical and value based dilemmas that require consideration needed to be put in to a logical workable framework. The author then can identify and progressively hand over to meet the needs of any ethical issues faced by both practitioner and client. This process needs to be addressed ethically in common chord different ways these are the interests, rights and power. The author will then reflect, explain, analysis and use evidence on how to approach and meet the ethical needs of the client.The client will be given a pseudonym to protect and ensure confidentiality and privacy throughout this assignment, consent was also given by the main carers. The male child who will be referred to as Marc is now 12 years of age and has recently been diagnosed with (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD which is now being challenged (Appendix 1).First and foremost, it is vitally important to look at the young person as a whole by using the Getting it Right for Every Child 2006 (GIRFEC 2006) My world modelling approach which is underpinned by common values and princi ples along with shared models, tools and practices that are designed to support work with children and young people (on line). Although GIRFEC 2006 -Proposal for Action Analysis of reference book resolutions argue is there sufficient emphasis and guidance about the childs involvement and are there sections which need strengthening to ensure that the child or young person is at the heart of the process? (on line). This statement reinforces the authors need to assess all aspects of the clients wellbeing. This in turn ensures that the author considers all areas of ethical value based concerns before committing to a solution based framework to employ to the service users current situation. By utilising Collingwoods (2005) three-stage theory framework provided the author with a workable framework to apply a process that would then develop a flexible and developmental tool, which can then identify any specific ethical and value based issues to inform the authors intervention strategy.Co nsideration for background in shaping to work ethically with clientBy using a Proportionism approach and by expression at the applied science model to solve any ethical issues, then by applying an existing body of professional knowledge to make sense of complex and difficult human situations. This generates an understanding of the current situation, develops a organize sequence to practice in a systematic way, then to practice in a thoughtful and professional manner to allow consideration of cultural circumstance of the current ethical dilemmas (Howe 2002). By completing the Collingwood (2005) theory circle, stage two informed the author of the theory to inform/ intervene ethically and stage three helped identify the knowledge, skills and values to work ethically with the client.The author drew on more than one principle based ethical approach. This maximised the wellbeing and minimised harm whilst following core values, principles and codes. Although applying the deontological ap proach allows the author the ability to create logic and ensures that the author is following ethical codes and principles as there are moral judgments and difficult ethical decisions to be made. Gray (2009) reinforces that practitioners should not undermine the importance of principles and codes. It seems logical to utilise modern workable theory to practice by employing the proportionals approach to explore present situation, consequences and sense of perception on the basis of evidence before the practitioner, using the best means available for forming judgments that springs directly from these means and allows for the end to justify the means (Gray 2009). By applying the Proportionism approach allows the author to build on, manufacture or equilibrise theories, by transcending existing theories to provide a new and superior form of working ethically it can only enhance practitioner/ client relationships (Lovat and Gray 2008).The following areas were highlighted as in need of de velopment to address the ethical issues for the client.The author believes that there is an insecure attachment base. Bowlby cited in Butterworth and Harris (1994) argues that insecure attachments contribute to the formation of a neurotic personality as they take the child down a psychologically unhealthy pathway.Developmental stage using Ericsons psychosocial stages where the child should be in the fourth stage of industry versus inferiority, recognising that it is important that the child does not run the risk of developing a sense of inferiority a sense of inadequacy resulting in feeling worthless at this stage (Slee 2002). Leading on to the general effect of the grief, after the mind has suffered an acute paroxysm of grief, and the catch still continues, we fall into a state of low spirits or feel utterly cast down and dejected (on line) (Darwin1872).InterventionIt has been long recognised that practitioners have been torn between the utilitarian and the deontologists approach to social work and by breaking free and proceeding on the basis inclusion, open communication, empathy and being impartial is the way forward for practitioners (Houston 2003). A valid moral decision is reached when those affected by it endorse it as the preferred way forward. In arrive at this agreement participants must accept the consequences of the decision for all concerned and its impact on everyones interests (Houston 2003 pg 822).Therapeutic interventions are used in many different situations and the end goals of intervention programs are to inspire people to make the necessary changes to take control of their own lives again (on line) (When are Therapeutic Interventions Recommended?).Consideration for the clients diagnosis as being ADHD is a significant contributing factor to ensuring the best therapeutic model is used to address underlying issues. Controlled longitudinal studies show that by late adolescence and early adulthood, children identified as having ADHD are at r isk for a number of mental health problems the most noticeable are anti-social behaviours, cognitive difficulties, poor academic achievement and lower occupational status (on line) ( Thorley 1998). Although diagnose of the clients ADHD is in dispute, ethically the author is at duty to include the probability of ADHD until a conclusive assessment is carried out to confirm or dismiss the first diagnosis when considering play therapy interventions.The British Association of take on Therapists (BAPT) is the foremost professional body that registers run across Therapists and regulates Play Therapy practice in Britain and have codes of practice along with play therapy standards to regulate play therapy and training (on line)(BAPT 2009). Play Therapists need to be motivated, concerned and directed towards good ethical practice. They are required to take responsibility to maintain these standards and Play Therapists should always accept responsibility for their professional behavior and actions (on line) (BAPT 2009).Consideration for Biesteks casework principles, individualisation, purposeful expression of feelings, controlled emotional involvement, acceptance, non-judgemental attitude, service user self-determination and confidentiality were the early foundations of principles that have paved the way for influencing present date values in social work (Banks 2006). The author drew on Biesteks casework principles but found that although Biestek theory focuses on concern of the welfare of the individual it fails to offer satisfactory accounts for relationships. The author has identified that there is a strain on positive relationships, and feels that this is an area that requires prompt development. Ethical responsibilities flow from all human relationships, from the personal and familial to the social and professional. Ethical decision making is a process (Webb 2003 pg 22).Holland (2009) acknowledges that a key element within ethic of justice is that of individual r ights and that this is a very important development for looked after children. The client has be informed and made aware of all aspects of the intervention process before any structured work can take place as the vast amount of therapeutic play therapy relies heavily on parent participation. This alone poses an ethical dilemma as the client is within a residential group setting and relationships between client /staff may be inconsistent.In conclusion to this assignment the author feels that it would benefit all parties if the play therapy was delayed until the new adoptive parents were approved. This would then enrich the relationships between client/ adoptive parents, furthermore they can afterwards build resilience in the new family unit, along with educating the new adoptive parents of the complex history and the future needs of the client. The long term value base and ethical benefits would outweigh any short term quick fix solution the new adoptive parents require the best too ls available to ensure that the new family unit works.ReferencesBanks, S. 3rd Ed, 2006. Ethics and Values in Social Work. Palgrave Macmillan Basingstoke.Butterworth, G., Harris, M. 1994. Principles of Developmental Psychology. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Ltd UK.Collingwood, P. 2005. Integrated Theory and Practice The Three Stage Theory Framework. The Journal of Practice Teaching in Health and Social Work, Volume 6, Number 1, 2005, pp. 6-23(18).Available on line Darwin, R, C. 1872. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals http//darwin-online.org.uk/content/frameset?itemID=F1142viewtype=textpageseq=1 Accessed October 2009.Available on line Dr. Thorley, G. 1998. Therapeutic Intervention for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder http//www.drgeoffthorley.com/ADHD%20article%201998.pdf Accessed October 2009.Gray, M. 2009. Moral Sources and Emergent Ethical Theories in Social Work. British Journal of Social Work, September 22, 2009.1-18.Holland, S. Looked After Children and the Ethic of Care. British Journal of Social Work. August 10 2009. 1-17.Houston, S. 2003. Establishing Virtue in Social Work A Response to McBeth and Webb. British Journal of Social Work (2003) 33, 819-824.Lovat, T., Gray, M. 2008. Towards a Proportionist Social Work Ethics A Habermasian Perspective. British Journal of Social Work (2008). 38, 1100-1114.Slee, T. P. 2002. 2nd Ed. Child, Adolescent, and Family Development. Cambridge University invite UK.Available on line The British Association of Play Therapists http//www.bapt.info/playtherapystandards.htm Accessed October 2009.Available on line When are Therapeutic Interventions Recommended? http//ezinearticles.com/?When-is-Therapeutic-Interventions-Recommended?id=1499263 Accessed October 2009.Webb, B, N. 2003. 2nd Ed. Social Work with Children. The Guilford Press New York.Appendix 1Accommodated under Sec 25 C(S)Act 95Marc was born in England. Marcs birth parents were substance users and had a chaotic lifestyle. He was unable to remain permanently in their care and as a result was fostered in a number of placements returning to the care of his parents for short periods and having sporadic seize with them. Marc blames himself for not being able to remain in their care.He was adopted by a twin in Scotland at the age of 5 years. The couple were not able to have their own children. The couple then went on to have a son of their own and since then he has been treated differently. on that point are no photos of Marc in the house, he does not have a bike (the brother does), he is the family scapegoat and blamed for problems in the parents relationship. Marc has since been diagnosed with ADHD and his viands restricted as a means of attempting to control this. There is some debate by health professionals as to whether the diagnosis is accurate, he is on low dose medication and there has been some reported improvement in his attention levels. Marc also has a developmental delay in self care i.e. knowing how to wash him self, toileting skills. Marc remained with his adoptive parents until last month when his parents asked for him to be removed due to their perception of his behaviour being unacceptable. Marc had stolen sweets. As a result of this Marc has been accommodated in residential home on a temporary basis until a long term family can be identified. Marc believes that stealing the sweets caused the breakdown in the relationship with his adoptive family consequently blaming himself.Recently a family has been identified and the residential unit is planning to undertake a therapeutic intervention in order to tack together Marc to have an understanding of his history and build his self esteem. The prospective adoptive family are in the process of being approved by the fostering and acceptance panel.