Ethical Practice in Social Work

Ethical expend in companionable moveThe aim of this exit is to demonstrate links mingled with divergent codes defining estimable practice, legislation and the selectments of employmental conduct. The fountain will too discuss knowledge of traditional loving sour determine and novel changes in the judge antecedent of friendly engagement. The relationship of apprize orientational themes and the field of ethical theories will also be considered, concluding with the requirements of pass place favorable realize practice.Although complaisant puddle is a profession laden with contradictions, the radical task within the social work profession is to realize that the directives and principles enshrined in social work object les boyity, c tot in ally on social workers to establish mankind rights and willingly be able to challenge unjust principles (Allan et al 2009). example codes and social construction is recorded as far back as the Ancient Greek Polis era wi th suppression of civic autonomy. The idea of livelihood of virtue and kind-hearted fulfilment leading on to the pertly descriptor in moral philosophy chartered during the Hellenistic era ar the slightly discussed social structures discussed to date, regarding early ethics and values although forms of social structural developments were occurring in Egypt, Mesopotamia, China and India has less recorded by historians (Bryant 1996). Bisman (2004) acknowledges that the core concept of virtuous 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 peculiar(prenominal)ly silent over the past twenty years about the shifting patterns in social well be and disadvantage and that this silence may be a direct violation of the social work codes of ethics.The fury of social change was more than than evident during the settlement movement and the emphasis was on To ynbees philosophy that in that respect was a need to unite the advocacy of social remedy and the inclusion of various classes to ensure society performs those duties (Bisman 2004). self determination is central to the social workers ethical responsibilities to knobs. Hepworth et al (2009) (pg 60.) predict that codes of ethics ar the embodiment of a professions values. Acknowledgment for principals and standards for social workers behaviours be imbedded in the Codes of ethics circulated by the National Association of affable organizeers addressing the track down of responsibilities that social workers drive home as victors to their lymph nodes, 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 business without which life becomes meaningless.The fall in Nations Convention on the remediates of a kidskin acknowledge that the values vary from country to country and the understanding of values universally are very moot. However, it is not just the question of opposite values, but a question of relative power (Heintz 2009). Every peasant Matters (2003) contains five outcomes which are being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, qualification a positive donation as well as economic well-being have listless the UNCRC Articles into a comprehensible table. This ensures that practicians are drawn to reflecting the ethical principles and value substructure when making their decisions regarding guest inescapably.Wilks (2005) highlights that at that place are two central abstract strands that method of accounting for social work values these are social work ethics and anti-discriminatory practice. However although these two strands lie together thither 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 man-to-man self and understanding the power differences. Although seeing everyone as social actors, concerned with interaction through social behaviour keister at times be fragmented, unstable, fluid and fast changing. This unpredictability is wherefore it is very important that social workers analyse each individual theatrical role thoroughly, reflecting on where and when to employ ethical and value strandd decisions that will knead positive results.Clarks (2000) cited in Tovey (2007) acknowledges that there are five basic principles that resurrect ethical practice in social work are detect for and promotion of individuals rights to self-determinationPromotion of eudaemonia or well-being equivalenceDisruptive justiceDiscip bloodFurthermore, 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 petty levels of practice. Dominelli 2004(pg 63) ar gues that although empowering clients is seen as a itinerary of moving anterior, it is unable to do more than deal with issues at the micro level of practice in the practitioner-client relationship, and has little impact on structural inequalities, which also need to be cease. By being involved in transforming the knowledge base and structure of clients period or future side, the social workers has to rethink the epistemo system of logical base on which social work is founded and establish a value base that aims to create a professional culture that brush aside guide particular preventatives (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 dilemmas. It is still imperative to graceful the requirements of professional condu ct and that the deontological approach creates a logic whereby professionals are duty-bound to bring home the bacon their ethical code and where ethical practice without guiding principles is inconceivable (Gray 2009 pg 2).The economical kindly Services Codes of behave (SSSC 2005) 2005 are a key musical note in a system of regulation for social attend tos delivered on with setting standards for practitioners to be accountable for their actions. SSSC (2005) state that there are half-dozen codes of practice that social return workers are required to induce account of these areProtect the rights and promote the interests of service Users and tuitionrs.Strive to establish and go on the trust and confidence ofService substance abusers and carers.Promote the independence of service users fleck defendThem as far as possible from danger or accidental injury.Respect the rights of service users whilst seeking to ensurethat their behaviour does not combat injury themselves or o ther tidy sum.Uphold public trust and confidence in social services.Be accountable for the quality of their work and learnresponsibility for maintaining and improving theirknowledge and skills. friendly work has undergone radical changes, in addition, the imperialist approach has been highly criticised as being stereotyped and culturally absorbed with the blame culture. Raynor (1984) recognised that there was a difference in accountability, irrespective of justification. His findings were that social workers are accountable for their own actions, although social workers were only sheltering 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 on the job(p) within a moral rational manner.A postmodern approach in social work has highlighted areas in the welfare state that ackno wledge that circumstantial welfare resources are being running 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 oppose their individual need. Postmodernism argues for the grand or universal social change on which social work was founded, but now ultimately social work must refocus its attentions on exposing global economical inequalities and oppressive sexuality and ethnicity- base relationships across the globe (Noble 2004).The Kantian philosophy encourages that we should treat others as a being who has choice and desires on with a being is those who are resourceful of rational thought and self determined actions should have the ability to determine away 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 w ithin this postmetaphysical age Habermas offers a form of proportionate ethics through the Aristotelian and Thomistic thinking oblation 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 moderately post-scientific age, although the thinking had a heavy reliance on information 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 depart.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. Overall the proportionist approach is comfortable with the inconsistent position in whatso ever ethical dilemma and by applying wisdom, jetsense and probing scientific explanations an ethical decision can be made. The value of a proportionist position is beaver 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, care 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 instruction, 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 focusing on the value base work with the client.Pitts (2000) discusses the Federation International des Communautes Educatives 1998 (FICE 1998) describes that a fundamental ethical practice is of critical impressiveness. A code of ethics establishes d ear practice and offers guidance to individual workers in difficult situations, along with playacting 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 take up practice and new answers to ethical issues that may arise.Within getting it proficient for Every child (2006) Big Words and Big Tables section 2.6 consent/ morality, ethically empower the child or young psyche disregarding of age to educate and promote the outmatch services usable by informing the chid or young mortal of all resources available. The FICE 1998 is dedicate to promoting the lives and future of children and young people around the world creating and promoting global standards for looked afterward 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 Digni ty and WorthRespect for human haughtiness 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 certificate for vulnerable peopleSocial JusticePromoting fair access to resources enough treatment without prejudice or discriminationReducing disadvantage and expulsionChallenging the abuse of powerServiceHelping with personal 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 anaesthetic referenceity administration, but in its own right as a state-mediated, bureau-professional labour swear out. 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 register date values in social work (Banks 2006). Tovey (2007) insists that the principles are broadcast 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 effective framework within the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (Act 1995) underpins what practitioners are required to do to ensure children and young people are provided for and looked afterward by parents, guardians or their local antecedentity. The Act 1995 chapter 36 section 19 advises that the plan for services has to take into consideration relevant services to be provided.References Addams, J. 1902. Democracy and Social Ethics. Macmillan London.Allan, J., Briskman, L., Pease, B. overcritical 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 righteous Core of the Profession. British Journal 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 homing pigeon to Epicureans and Stoics. New York undertake USA. purchasable on trend Changing Lives make known of the 21st Century Social Work Review http//www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/02/02094408/8 Accessed October 2009. addressable 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 Press 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 Journal of Social Work, kinsfolk 22, 2009.1-18.Harris, J. 1998. Scientific Managment, Bureau-Professionalism, New Managerialism The advertise Process of State 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 attainment 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 unlikeable 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 Social 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 Lond on.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 ground factors before exploring a workable cure encumbrance 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 into a logical workable framework. The author and then can identify and progressively translate to meet the needs of any ethical issues faced by both practitioner and client. This process needs to be addressed ethically in triplet different ways these are the interests, rights and power. The author will then reflect, explain, abridgment 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 boy who wil l 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 fore well-nigh, 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 Framework approach which is underpinned by common values and principles along with shared ensamples, tools and practices that are designed to support work with children and young people (on line). Although GIRFEC 2006 -Proposal for Action Analysis of Consultation Responses 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 con cerns before committing to a solution based framework to employ to the service users current situation. By utilising Collingwoods (2005) trinity- horizontal surface 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.Consideration for emphasise information to work ethically with clientBy using a Proportionism approach and by looking at the applied science model to solve any ethical issues, then by applying an existing bole of professional knowledge to make sense of complex and difficult human situations. This generates an understanding of the current situation, develops a structured sequence to practice in a systematic way, then to practice in a heedful and professional manner to al small(a) consideration of cultural circumstance of the current ethical dilemmas (Howe 2002). By comp leting the Collingwood (2005) theory circle, stage two communicate 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 fol dispiriteding core values, principles and codes. Although applying the deontological approach 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 arse of evidence before the practitioner, using the best means available for forming judgments that springs forthwith 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 complement 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 development 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 sens e 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 clear-sighted paroxysm of grief, and the cause still continues, we fall into a state of low spirits or feel utterly cast down and dismay (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 exploit 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 recognize it as the preferred way forward. In reaching this agreement participants must accept the consequences of the decision for all concerned and its impact on everyones interests (Houston 2003 pg 822). remedy interventions are used in many different situations and the end goals of intervention programs are to ins pire people to make the necessary changes to take control of their own lives again (on line) (When are therapeutical 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 shew that by late adolescence and early adulthood, children identified as having ADHD are at risk for a number of mental health problems the most noticeable are anti-social behaviours, cognitive difficulties, poor academic achievement and subvert 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 determinate assessment is carried out to confirm or dismiss the first diagnosis when considering play therapy interventions.The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) is the foremost professional bole that registers P lay 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 accou nts for relationships. The author has identified that there is a progress to 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 rights 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 intemperately 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 adopted parents were approved. This would then enrich the relationships between client/ adoptive parents, furthermore they can subsequently build resilience in the new family unit, along with educating the new adoptive parents of the complex chronicle and the future needs of the client. The long term value base and ethical benefits would outweigh any short term warm fix solution the new adoptive parents require the best tools 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 exemplify 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 Press UK.Available on line The British Association of Play Therapists http//www.bapt.info/playthera pystandards.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 inhabit 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 contact with them. Marc blames himself for not being able to remain in their care.He was adopted by a couple 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. There are no photos of Marc in the house, he does not have a bike (the blood brother d oes), he is the family scapegoat and blamed for problems in the parents relationship. Marc has since been diagnosed with ADHD and his diet cut back as a means of attempting to control this. There is some contest 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 himself, 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 maverick basis until a long term family can be identified. Marc believes that stealth 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 prepare 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 adoption panel.