Social Work in Canada Midterm Review PDF

Social Work in Canada Midterm Review Week 1 Powerpoint Summary: What is social work? Introduction: Traditions of 3 cultures contributed to the development of Canadian Social work ○ Indigenous approaches to helping and healing ○ French traditions and influence of the Roma...

Social Work in Canada Midterm Review Week 1 Powerpoint Summary: What is social work? Introduction: Traditions of 3 cultures contributed to the development of Canadian Social work ○ Indigenous approaches to helping and healing ○ French traditions and influence of the Roman Catholic church ○ British roots of social welfare in english Social Welfare: An organized system that provides social services/programs to assist individuals and families Midgley (1995) - the degree to which programs are managed, the extent to which needs are met, and opportunities for advancement are provided All societal responses that promote the well-being of a population (education, health services, counseling) Indigenous approaches to holistic helping and healing Medicine wheel is the most common element ○ It is an ancient symbol that signifies a holistic method of helping/healing individuals, families and communities ○ Corresponds with the 4 directions (North, East, South, West) ○ 4 Sacred medicines: Tobacco Sage Cedar Sweetgrass ○ Different physical or spiritual components such as mental, physical, emotional health ○ Varies between clans across Canada Medicine Wheel: Foundational Principles Wholeness: ○ 4 directions of the wheel ○ Interconnections for holistic well-being Balance ○ Wholeness and balance in ones physical, emotional, mental and spiritual elements Connection ○ Relationships among people and with nature ○ Ones internal and mental health  Harmony ○ Harmony with oneself, nature and non-humans Growth ○ Lifelong process of motion toward the center of wheel Healing ○ Healing is to know yourself ○ Through person responsibility, individuals, families and communities can attain “the good life” in Cree Traditional Teaching: Indigenous elders often provide these teachings They share knowledge, abilities, spiritual paths and experiences, role modeling, storytelling, ceremonies and sharing circles Traditional teachings are given as a gift by an Elder through a specific cultural context Helping and Healing from generation to generation Historical knowledge once passed down by elders through oral traditions is at risk of loss ○ Residential schools ○ Systematic removal of children (60’s scoop) ○ Denial of identity, language and spiritual belief ○ Diffusion of cultural characteristics ○ Colonization Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Inuktitut - term for traditional or indigenous knowledge of the Inuit or that which has long been known by Inuit Formally adopted by the government of Nunavut Foundations of IQ… ○ 4 laws (maligait) that contribute to living a good life 1. Working for the common good 2. Respecting all living things 3. Maintain harmony and balance 4. Planning and preparing for the future ○ 6 guiding principles that support the practical application of IQ in Inuit communities 1. Service (Pijitsiramiq) - service to others and leadership contribute to the common good 2. Consensus decision making (Aajiiqatigiingniq) - healing process when clients, counsellors, leaders and community work together and value each others ideas (Solutions reached by consensus are strongest) 3. Skills and knowledge acquisition (Pilimmakasarniq) - use of all sources of info to correct social and spiritual wrongs and work towards balanced and strong society  4. Collaboration (piliriqatigiingniq) - working together for the common good, making judgments and decisions that benefits everyone 5. Environmental stewardship (avatittinnik Kamattiarniq) - requires healthy links between mental, physical and spiritual sides of people 6. Resourcefulness (Qanuqturrniq) - use of creativity, flexibility and adaptability to find solutions French Historical foundations of SW: Poverty relief and the involvement of the roman catholic church Family as primary institution for providing relief Church as secondary institution Value-laden relief provision based on assessment of character and ability to fit into social norms ○ “Deserving or undeserving” Defining the poor Deserving poor: those living in poverty (not by choice) - widows, orphans, chronically ill Undeserving poor: those considered physically capable of work in some form or another but are unemployed (unemployed men, unmarried women, migrants) Benevolent societies and other ways of helping Benevolent societies - supported by private donors and public and private fundraising run by middle-class or wealthy women Hospitals and hospices organized along religious lines (catholic & protestant) Mutual benefit societies (union saint-joseph) provided for workers/families in case of sickness or death Public charities act of quebec (1921) - first social assistance legislation mandating that the government was required to help those in need English historical foundations of SW Early approaches to addressing needs of vulnerable populations: Early poverty relief was based on the Elizabeth Poor laws - focused on local poor relief in forms of ○ Poorhouses ○ In home assistance ○ Removal of children to orphanages or apprenticeships Central to addressing the needs of the poor were oversight Belief that poverty was the result of individual character flaws Assistance provided by private charities or religious entities Resulted in care being provided in 2 ways ○ Indoor relief - assistance provided in institutional setting (poorhouse, aimshouse, workhouse)  ○ Outdoor relief - material assistance given to individuals/families in their own homes Principle of less eligibility ○ A requirement that indicated that the standard of living for a person who is receiving public assistance or the conditions of work had to be less than what a labourer would receive ○ Principle of less eligibility (1834) amendment from the Elizabethan poor laws ○ This principle addressed the fears of relief providers who feared that giving relief would create a class of need recipients ○ Influences the idea that those in need are deserving or undeserving of receiving assistance Social Reform - Post confederation Poor families viewed as dysfunctional within a well functioning society Used a scientific approach to poor relief Mary Richmond and social casework ○ Collection of detailed data and social evidence ○ Application of objective - evaluation of cause ○ Influenced by social darwinism ○ Emergence of social casework Social casework defined: addressing an issue by systematically gathering data regarding an individuals environment and analyzing the data, followed by making data-based diagnosis and treatment plan Social Darwinism defined: (related to poverty) - the belief that indiscriminate relief would weaken a persons moral character, leading to the weakening of society Settlement house movement Families seen as sufficiently functioning but living in a society thats in need of reform Educated volunteers that lived in settlement houses worked together to improve conditions through social, economic and political means Jane Addams and Hull house Toronto: Central neighborhood house - St Christopher house Religion and provision of relief Social gospel movement ○ Integrated theological and social movement centered on social development and change ○ Roots of social work lie in religious congregation members  ○ Religious organizations are integral in provision of social services and access to community programs Women and Poverty Social rights for men grounded in labour market Social rights for women grounded in status as mothers or caregivers Treatment of women based on how their lives related to family ethic Family ethic defined: began in the colonial era defining that a womans role solely as a wife and mother Contemporary version of this definition requires women who work full-time outside the home to also be primarily responsible for caring for the family and running the house Major social legislation from the depression onwards Canada as a welfare state ○ Stock market crash (1929) and agricultural failures ○ Many people out of work ○ Previous approaches to relief were no longer sufficient Welfare state developed in response to national crisis ○ Welfare state - a country in which the government assumes the responsibility for ensuring that its citizens basic needs are met Public charities Act (1921) ○ Mandated government to intervene and help those in need (previous responsibility of the church) Assistance for needy mothers (1937) ○ Provided assistance to mothers Labour relations act (1944) ○ Favoured rights of workers to collective bargaining Boucher Report (1963) ○ Removed evaluation of morals as eligibility for assistance Vision of contemporary canadian social work Schneider (2002) - if SW’s do not exert policy leadership, they allow others with less commitment to the well-being of vulnerable and oppressed people to shape the human deliveries system Multiple paths ○ Clinical social workers, case workers, community practitioners, researchers and policy analysts Week 1 Reading Summary: Social workers on the front line Social workers and sense of altruism Social workers that are under pressure derives from 2 causes ○ From above (including government policies and managers) ○ From below (being from clients) ○ Some of it also comes from the unprecedented expansion od SW in the post world war 2 era Statistics ○ Membership in the canadian professional social work association: Grew form 600 in 1940 to 16000 in 1999 Social workers and agencies Social workers are employees of social agencies They are influenced directly or indirectly by the welfare state and practice of those agencies Where social workers work May work voluntary or private sector for agencies Agencies in this sector are designated as voluntary because they are governed by the voluntary boards of directions Many agencies in the voluntary sector receive funding from donations collected through charities Quasi-government sector (settings that have voluntary boards are partially autonomous as organization structures) ○ E.g; CAS - social workers obtain authority from provincial legislation Public assistance known as “welfare” or “workfare” provide programs for payment of limited amounts of income for individuals who have little to no financial resources How clients find SW’s Problems such as ○ Wife battering ○ Poverty ○ Child abuse ○ Alcoholism, drug addiction ○ Martial stride ○ Conflicts in workplace/school Involuntary social services: provided by government agencies Voluntary sectors: offer services that clients are free to accept/reject or approach on their own How Sw’s mean to help Offer access to financial aid Provide counseling and other services (subsidized housing, finding a nursing home, employment, summer camps SW’s develop interpersonal relationships with clients, creating a sense of empathy and establish rapport SW’s consider it an important skill to ask appropriate questions, observing, listening and focusing on heavy/painful topics The skills of social work practice are rooted within social work values such as value and importance of the individuals dignity Frustrations of Social work Some Sw’s use their professional role to gain a sense of power We reinforce victim status by playing the role of the benefactor and exploiting the power differential between ourselves and service users Cutbacks and Caseloads: the professional bind Sw’s experience a sense of not only powerlessness - with respect to management and control of the job but also of futility as they face inertia of their institutions Power-sharing is being implemented in some other counseling agencies Source of conflict ○ Difference of opinion held by the social agency managers and supervisors about the reasons for front-liners stress Thinking about Social Work in Practice Summary Emphasizes the need for social workers to engage in reflective practice Constantly thinking about and evaluate their actions in the context of their values and specific situations they encounter Proposes that social workers are active theory-makers who must integrate their knowledge with practical experience Creativity and improvisation are essential KEY POINTS: Reflective practice: social work is not jsut about applying learned skills but involves deep reflection on one's actions and experiences. Reflecting both in and on action is crucial to developing as a practitioner Artistry in Social Work They must be able to improvise and think creatively, adapting toe ach unique situation that they are faced with Integration of Theory and Practice advocating for a more integrated approach where theory informs practice and vise-versa. Social workers are seen as theory-makers, not just appliers of academic knowledge Praxis social work practice is described as "praxis" informed, committed action that is guided by both theory and values. This involves a continuous interplay between thinking, feeling and acting Importance of values the actions of social workers are deeply influenced by their values and beliefs about what constitutes human well-being. Reflective practice helps in aligning these actions with core values like social justice Role of supervision supervision plays a critical role in the bridging the gap between espoused theories (what we say we do) and theories in use (what we actually do). Open dialogue and reflection in supervision can help social workers better understand their practice Challenges in modern SW the impact of bureaucratic structures and legislative changes on social work practice, noting a shift towards management and risk assessment that may distance workers from direct, reflective practice Social work as a process instead of a linear, outcome-focused approach, the document advocates for viewing social work as a dynamic process, where goals and methods are continuously re-evaluated based on the situation and dialogue with clients Practice In social work, practice refers to the actual work that social workers do. It is the combination of action, though and feeling which are all guided by underlying theories and values. ○ This holistic approach means that practice is connected to the intentions and reflections of the social worker Professional Artistry: The ability to creatively and skillfully navigate the complexities of social work. A social worker is seen as an artist who must improvise and adapt to the unique needs of each situation. This requires flexibility, creativity and a deep understanding of both the situation and the relevant knowledge Theory Vs Practice Theory (ideas, principles and knowledge) is seen as separate from practice (the application of theory). Theory and practice are considered to be intertwined. Social workers are not just applying theory, they are constantly creating and modifying theory as they engage in practice. This integrated approach means that every action is both informed by and contributes to theory Espoused Theory Vs theory in use: Espoused theory is what we say we do, our publicly stated beliefs and strategies Theory in use is what we actually do in practice These may differ because our actual behaviour is influenced by unconscious beliefs and the realities of the situation Reflective practice Reflecting in action ○ Process of thinking and making decisions while engaged in practice ○ As you work with clients, you continuously interpret their reactions and adjust your approach accordingly - “thinking on your feet” Reflecting on action ○ Involves analyzing what happened, why it happened and how it can inform future practice ○ This involves discussing the event in supervision, writing case notes or thinking it over later ○ It helps to deepen our understanding and improve future practice Steps of reflection: 4 main steps 1. Engage with the situation: be fully present and aware of what is happening 2. Review experiences and feelings: think about what happened and how you felt 3. Evaluate: compare the experience with your previous knowledge and understanding 4. Develop new understanding: use this reflection to build new insights or strategies for future actions Social work as Praxis Praxis is described as informed, committed action  Its about doing something with awareness of the underlying theories and values that guide that action Praxis involves constant reflection and adjustment, ensuring that actions align with both theoretical understanding and ethical commitments Role of supervision Supervision in social work provides a space for SW”S to reflect on their practice, discuss challenges and get feedback It helps bridge the gap between espoused theory and theory in use It often involves discussing cases but its also about exploring feelings and actions to improve practice Impact of bureaucracy and legislation How social work is increasingly influenced by bureaucratic processes, legislation and risk management These changes can shift focus away from direct, reflective practice toward more managerial tasks Importance of values Values such as social justice, human dignity and wellbeing These values guide good decision making and actions in practice Reflective practice helps to ensure that actions are aligned with the core values of social work Common features in SW Individualization ○ Treating each client as a unique individual Relationship based practice ○ Building and maintaining strong relationships is key to effective social work Advocacy ○ Social workers often act as advocates for their clients, helping to navigate systems and access resources Understanding through knowledge ○ Social work decisions are informed by psychological, social and empirical knowledge Organizational context ○ Social work is carried out within organizations which influences how practice is structured Process-Oriented approach This model advocates for a process oriented approach that sees social work as dynamic and responsive to the situation This means being flexible and open to changing your approach Reflective questions Reflecting you yourself as a SW How well actions align with values or considering how they handle difficult emotions in practice Role of critical thinking Involves questioning, assumptions, considering multiple perspectives Not just accepting things at face value but critically analyzing situations Week 2 Powerpoint Summary: Where Does Social work stand on Social justice? - Social work is located on the margins between inclusion and exclusion - This results in social work being ambiguous in nature; - Social workers muct be actively engaging in…relationship, process and status Citizenship - Consists of both status and practices: - Status: services you have a right to as a citizen - Practices: the way in which individuals are treated in social and political relationship, includes behaviours and discourses that shape experience - "Full members of society" - Central to practicing social work in the margins is attending to the excluded and improving their status AND changing the practices or ways in which institutions operate and affect both the excluded and included What is social justice - A framework of political objectives, pursued through social, economic, environmental and political policies, based on an acceptance of difference and diversity, and informedff by values concerned with: achieving fairness, and equality of outcomes and treatment; recognizing the dignity and equal worth and encouraging the self-esteem of all; the meeting of basic needs; maximizing the reduction of inequalities in wealth, income and life chances; and the participation of all, including the most disadvantaged. - Social workers describe social justice as - Reflecting the emphasis in the literature on social justice - Equality and fairness were the 2 explicit definitional terms used widely Social Justice as Equality - Spectrum of equality - Used to refer to equil treatments and access, treating everybody the same way - The pursuit of equality and therefore inclusive citizenship requires different rather than the same treatment - Exercise caution in the pursuit of equality - Equal opportunity seems to be about equal opportunity to get into a position of dominance while denying that systems of dominance exist - Equality of access requires an institutional review of the regulations determining services - Strive for equitable outcomes for all - Challenging policies and practices Social Justice as Fairness - The concept of fairness has 3 elements 1. Non-discriminatory treatment of individuals and of disadvantaged groups generally for some this included historical redness 2. Having access to resources which ensured adequate opportunities 3. Promotion of rights of indigenous, minority and disadvantaged groups These three elements are interconnected: - Right to self-determination - Context of social norms, social capital, human rights - Equitable and fair access to resources - Equity of access that doesn’t rely on influences such as wealth, power, gender, and culture Social Justice in Social work - Professionalization of social work practice - How does the concept of social justice come up against the professionalization of social work practice? - “Social work practice becomes explicitly social policy practice as is in every single moment of intervention the right of the participants to belong and the form in which that belonging can be realized are at stake.” - Different in Oppressions Some types of oppression can include, Class, Gender, Race, Sexuality, Ability, Age - Categorized as visible or invisible - Visible groups have greater progress made on visible oppression issues as presence and size cannot be ignored - Invisible groups have the ability to blend in for the purposes of employment, housing, education - Envy between groups creates further division - Invites us to play "my oppression is worse than yours"  - Oppression is dynamic and charging; meaning we can be oppressors in some parts of our identities while being oppressed in others. - Additionally, the form that oppression takes is greatly affected by the particular history of the group in question Class and oppressive structures - CLASS is the layering of our society into different levels according to how much access people have to wealth and power - Class can be analyzed from a cultureal or structural perspective - Culturally, class is simular to other forms of oppression in that class is an ideology, or a perception that one group is better than another - Structurally, class is different from other oppressions bc it is a hierarchy that results in inequality - Class is a political and economic structures Privilege - Important to recognize the various ways in which we are privileged - We can be oppressors in some pares of our identities and oppressed by others Ethnocentrism - The tendency to see things from the perspective of your own ethnic group culture, and to see your cultural symbols as being somehow preferable - The assumption that what is true of your ethnic group culture is also true of other cultures - Dominant culture as the “norm” Prejudice - An unfavorable attitude based on an uninformed judgment, having preconceived opinions that are assumed to be true before having been tested - A set of biased and generalized beliefs (stereotypes) about out-groups derived largely from inaccurate and incomplete information Racism - The uncritical acceptance of a negative social definition of a colonized or subordinate group typically identified by physical features Individual Racism: - the negative attitudes that individuals hold regarding others Institutional/Systemic Racism: - Exists when established policies, rules, and regulations of an organization or institution systematically reflect and produce differential treatment of various groups within that organization or institution, and in society in general Structural/Cultural racism: - refers to the way in which rooted inequalities of society operate to justify the allocation of racial groups to particular categories and class sites Discrimination - The act that results from attitudes and ideologies (Etthnocentrism, prejudice, racism) - Process of putting negative cognitions into practice - Applied prejudice in which negative social definitions are translated into action and political, social, and economic rights 4 types of discrimination - 1 Differential treatment - the difference in treatment from one group to another, how groups are treated differently. - 2 Prejudice - Preconceived negative attitudes about a group, selectively serving others based on prejudicial beliefs. - 3 Disadvantageous Treatment - treatment that occurs when individuals are placed at some disadvantage that is not merited by their own misconduct - 4 Denial of Desire - unfairly denied access to and opportunities in education, jobs, housing, etc Stereotypes - Refers to a highly exaggerated picture, the intervention of supposed traits, and the formation of incomplete images leaving little room for change or individual variation - Serve to categorize, organize, and simplify the amoung of information we receive - Satisfy needs for individuals to view themselves in a positive light - In-group vs. Out-group dynamics - Positive Stereotypes (ie. “model minority”) - Week 2 Reading Summary: Understanding Different Oppressions. Becoming and ally: Breaking the cycle of oppression in people. Halifax: Fernwood. Pgs 78- 94.? Week 3 Powerpoint Summary: Ethics in Social Work Ethics in a professional context Professional ethics relate to the duties of professionals in their relationships with other persons. They represent a set of obligations in the role and status of a professional ○ Includes clients, professionals and the general public Why Ethics are important in Social work SW is a profession with a distinct value base grounded in the pursuit of social justice and eliminating oppression It ecompasses work with individuals, groups and communities (in practice, research settings, etc) Different paths supported by different parties may be in conflict with eachother Ethical Dilemma Emerges when social workers find themselves positioned between competing demands ○ Best course of action Vs right course of action ○ May need to compromise one ethic over another History of Ethics (Morality Period) Early 20th century Social problems and challenges believed to be the result of individual moral failures The role of social workers - To lead clients to a better life by strengthening their morality The Values Period Early 1950’s Increasing focus on the morality, values and ethics of the profession and its practitioners Emphasis on the need for social workers to examine their own values Debated the need for a core mission and core professional values Social work associations within North america began to develop ethical standards/guidelines Ethical theory and decision making period 1970s - a surge of interest in ethics across professional disciplines Technological developments, social movements and evidence of professional misconduct Termination of life support, organ transplant =, genetic engineering, test-tube babies sparked ethical debate  Increasing literature and theories in regard to ethics 2 types of ethical theories Utilitarian theories (consequence based) Actions are right and wrong according to their outcomes rather than intrinsic features ○ Telling teh truth because there could be negative consequences from lying) Deontological theories (duty based) Certain acts are intrinsically good or bad irrespective of their consequences ○ Telling the truth because its the right thing to do The ethical standards and risk management period Early 1990s - present Expansion of ethical standards to guide practitioners conduct Increased knowledge concerning professional negligence and liability Creation and formalization of a comprehensive code of ethics for the profession Ethical code development designed to protect clients and prevent ethics complaints and litigation Canadian Association of Social workers’ code of Ethics Code of ethics core values Respect for inherent dignity and worth of persons ○ Social workers are to uphold clients human rights and their right to self-determination, respect diversity among clients and ensure client choices are voluntary Pursuit of social justice ○ Social workers must provide services, resources and opportunities that work to benefit humanity and protect individuals from harm Service to humanity ○ Social workers must aim to promote the personal development of individuals and groups as outlined in the Code Integrity of professional practice ○ Social workers must respect and promote the values, purpose and ethical principles of their profession and field of practice Confidentiality in professional practice ○ Social workers must respect their clients right to privacy and the importance to trust their clients have placed them in Competence in professional practice ○ Social workers must respect their clients right to be offered the highest quality of service possible Strengths and limitations of the CASW - code of ethics Strengths Provides direction and guidelines when ethical dilemmas arise Assits in creating and maintaining professional identity Establishes norms related to professions mission and methods Ensures public accountability and protect clients from malpractice Public declaration that professionals should maintain relevant Limitations May lead social workers to adopt an overly cautions relational style May overlook alternative ethical systems Code of ethics are informed by a liberal democratic philosophy and may favour certain mindsets/people in certain positions Code appears to be ambiguous Formal codes are not timeless and are subject to revision Addressing ethical dilemmas - process of reflexive decision making Process of reflexive decision making Describe the case and context ○ Describe factors that are key to understanding the case Define the ethical problem ○ Separate out competing values (confidentiality vs duty to warn) Explore values and biases ○ Examine personal, agency, professional and societal values and biases ○ The resolution of an ethical dilemma should be compatible with the clients values Gather information: research, theory and the code of ethics ○ Refer to relevant research, laws, theories and the code of ethics to guide decision making Evidence based practice Bring practice and research together to strengthen the scientific knowledge supporting social work intervention Practice-based evidence Calls on practitioners to think about the outcome they and their clients hope to achieve and represent the outcome in a measurable way The Person and the Process Emphasizes that a code of ethics provides only a guideline, not a set of rules  Social workers will also be influenced by their own ○ Cultural background and beliefs ○ Biases ○ Value orientation ○ Decision making style Abuse of Power Can happen when social workers have legal power to impose requirements on the people being served Choosing the least intrusive services possible when using power to force people into services Ethical practice - Compton and Galaway Dual relationships Can cause ethical dilemmas A dual relationship exists when you know a client in another capacity (neighbor, employee, colleague) Common in rural settings and small communities Need to use ethical decision making to decide how to manage these Importance of advocacy Social work advocacy - to influence systems Case advocacy - on behalf of clients Ethical social work practice and self-care Occupational exposure to stress can lead to Burnout ○ Physical and emotional state of exhaustion and depersonalization (negative outlook) Compassion fatigue ○ Outcome of long-term exposure to clients suffering that can result in desensitization towards clients issues Vicarious trauma ○ A profound shift in worldview through indirectly experiencing a clients traumatic stressors Practicing self care can be an effective counter measure to the realities of occupational stress ○ Self care - strategies used to support ones emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual well-being Week 3 Reading Summary: Operationalizing the Cardinal Social Work values reading The interaction between personal and professional values Definition of Values Values are “preferred conception” about how things ought to be Both individuals and the social work profession have values that guide actions/decisions Value conflicts Social workers must be self-aware of their own values and how they align or crash with the professions values Self-awareness Recognizing personal biases and maintaining the distinction between personal beliefs and professional obligations is critical in effective social work The Cardinal values of social work Access to resources All humans deserve access to resources that help them deal with life problems and achieve their own potential SW”S are committed to securing these resources including advocating for and developing policies to meet unmet needs Challenges in practice ○ Social workers may face dilemmas and must balance empathy with the responsible use of resources Intrinsic worth and dignity Everyone has intrinsic value regardless of past or present behaviour, beliefs or status Respect is essential and should approach clients with non-judgmental acceptance SW’s should avoid judgment and instead focus on understanding clients difficulties Challenges ○ It can be difficult for SW’s to avoid judging clients involved in behaviours like child neglect, criminal acts or substance abuse ○ Maintaining empathy without condoning harmful behaviours is key Uniqueness and individuality Everyones uniqueness including their physical/metnal characteristics is valued  SW’s must attempt to walk in the shoes of clients, understanding lived experiences to better support individuality Culturala competence ○ Sw’s must be aware and sensitive to cultural differences without applying prejudices or stereotypes Challenges ○ Prejudice or stereotyping can impair the ability to engage with clients effectively Capacity for growth and change Human beings are capable of growth and change if given appropriate resources and support Social workers foster growth by increasing clients choices in solving their problems/helping them direct their lives Challenges ○ Practitioners must avoid imposing their own values/solutions on clients Examples of ethical dilemma ○ A social worker pushing a client toward a decision may lead to guilt, resentment or even termination of the client practitioner relationship Ethical principles in social work practice Self determination The clients right to make their own decisions and choices as long as these decisions to not pose a serious risk to themselves or others Social work role: ○ Instead of giving direct solutions, social workers guide clients through self-exploration, helping them analyze their options/consequences Paternalism ○ Avoiding paternalism (making decisions for clients) is crucial unless the clients decisions poses serious harm Challenges ○ Social workers may find it difficult to balance respect for self-determination with the need to intervene in high-risk situations Informed consent Clients must be informed of the purpose of the services, risks, alternatives and their rights including to withdraw Informed consent is an ongoing process throughout the relationship Communication barriers ○ For clients with disabilities or language barriers, social workers should use interpreters or alternative methods Challenges  ○ Ensuring informed consent when clients are temporarily or permanently incapable of understanding such as in cases of mental illness or extreme distress, requires sensitive handling, sometimes involving third parties (legal guardians) Professional boundaries Boundaries define the professional nature of the relationship, preventing exploitation, conflicts of interest and inappropraite emotional/physical involvement Dual relationships ○ Social workers must avoid dual relationships that could imap objectivity or exploit the client Challenges ○ Even well-intentioned behaviours (offering gifts, self-disclosure) can create slippery slopes toward boundary violations (sexual misconduct) Maintaining boundaries ○ Social workers must stay alter to potential boundary violations, discussing concerns with supervisors when necessary Confidentiality Client confidentiality is fundamental to helping the relationship Clients must be assured their personal info will be kept private unless legally or ethically required to disclose it Exceptions to confidentiality ○ Social workers must breach confidentiality in case of imminent danger to client ot others but must do it in a way where it minimizes harm to the client Challenges ○ The rise of digital communication introduces new complexities ○ Social workers must ensure that all communication whether in person or electronic remain secure Navigating value conflicts and ethical dilemmas Value conflicts ○ Social workers often face conflicts between their personal values, clients values and societal expectations Sw has personal experiences with particular issue (child abuse) and struggles to maintain objectivity with clients involved in similar situations Supervision and support ○ When value conflicts arise, practitioners are encouraged to seek supervision or peer support Ethical decision making ○ Social workers must consider both legal responsibilities and ethical standards ○ Some ethical principles may conflict with legal obligations (confidentiality and reporting abuse)  ○ Resolution: when conflicts arise, thoughtful examination, consultation and adherence to both the law and the professions ethical principles are required to guide decision Week 4 Powerpoint Summary: Values - Values are preferred conception or beliefs how things ought to be - As social workers, we hold values on multiple levels, including; - Personal values - Professional values - Client values - Societal values - Developing self-awareness is a critical skill in sorting out the challenges and dilemmas that arise when values clash - The cardinal values of social work 1. All human beings deserve access to the resources they need to deal with life's problems and to develop their potential 2. All human beings have intrinsic worth and dignity 3. The uniqueness and individuality of each person is of value 4. Given appropriate resources, human beings are capable of growth and change and should be supported in increasing their choices in solving their problems and directing their lives Access to resources for self-development - Attend to environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living - Belief that people have the right to resources - and as a social worker, you have a commitment to securing these resources (advocacy) - However, personal values and biases often conflict with this value in practice Intrinsic worth and dignity - All persons have intrinsic worth regardless of their past or present behaviour, beliefs, lifestyle, or status in life - Essential concepts - Unconditional positive regard - Non-possessive warmth - Acceptance - respect - Build trust in the development of the therapeutic relationship - Avoiding judgements, demonstrating consistent respect and acceptance - Support clients to take responsibility Developing openness and acceptance - Acceptance can be conveyed by: - Listening attentively - Responding sensitivity to feelings manifested by clients - Using facial expression, vocal intonations, and gesture to coney interest and concern - Extending countries and attending to the client's comfort - View difference as an opportunity to enrich yourself as you experience someone else's uniqueness Value of uniqueness and Individuality - Empathy helps us gain a full appreciation of the rich and complex individuality of the people we work with - Validate another’s experiencing fosters a person’s sense of personal identity and self-esteem. - Ultimately, social workers demonstrate respect for and acceptance of the unique characteristics of diverse populations Capacity for growth and change - Operating from a strength-based perspective enhances this value - You must be realistic - Avoid assuming that the client's situation is susceptible to change - Avoid assuming that the client possesses the capacity to implement the actions that are required Imposing value systems on clients - Problems resulting from imposing solutions or beliefs on clients - Coercing clients to behave against deeply held values may create intense feelings of grief - Clients resent and oppose attempts to impose values upon them, and may discontinue services - Rushing in with advice may prohibit clients from making their own decisions - A social worker may represent organizational or cultural values that are in conflict with a client’s culture Ethics - Codes of ethics are the embodiment of a profession’s values. They set forth principles and standards for behavior of those in the profession. - Primary areas of ethical responsibility in social work: - Self-determination - Informed consent - Maintenance of boundaries - Confidentiality  - Good practice requires knowledge of both the applicable ethical principles and the relevant laws Social work values: CASW code of ethics 2005, - Consistent with IFSW code - Values: - Respect for Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons - Pursuit of Social Justice - Service to Humanity - Integrity of Professional Practice - Confidentiality in Professional Practice - Competence in Professional Practice Self Determination - Defined as the practical recognition of the right and need of clients to freedom in making their own choices and decisions. - May limit clients’ right to self-determination when clients’ actions or potential actions pose a serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others. - Paternalism: infringes on autonomy or self-determination. This is the overriding of a person’s wishes or actions through coercion, deception or nondisclosure of information, or for the welfare of others. - “The type of relationship that affirms self-determination and fosters growth is a partnership wherein practitioner and client (whether individual, couple, or group) are joined in a mutual effort to search for solutions to problems or to promote growth. Informed Consent - Requires that workers use clear and understandable language to inform clients of: - The purpose of services - Risks related to the services - Limits of service - Costs and Alternatives - Right to refuse and withdraw consent - Time frame covered by consent - Should be an active and ongoing part of the helping process Boundaries - Refer to clear lines of difference that are maintained between the social worker and client so that the working relationship is preserved - Limits of confidentiality requires a strong commitment and constant vigilance - Limits of confidentiality: - Danger to self or others - Suspicion of child or elder abuse - Subpoenas and privileged communications Managing Ethical dilemmas 1. The right to life, health, well-being, and necessities of life takes precedence over rights to confidentiality and opportunities for additive “good” such as wealth, education, and recreation. 2. An individual’s basic right to well-being takes precedence over another person’s right to privacy, freedom, or self- determination. 3. People’s right to self-determination takes precedence over their right to basic well-being. 4. A person’s rights to well-being may override laws, policies, and arrangements of organizations Steps in ethical decision making 1. Identify the problem/dilemma and gather information. 2. Identify potential issues involved. 3. Review the relevant codes of ethics. 4. Review the applicable laws and regulations. 5. Obtain consultations from colleagues, supervisors, or experts. 6. Consider courses of action. 7. Examine the consequences of various options. 8. Deciding on a particular course of action, weighing the information you have and the impact of your other choices Week 4 Reading Summary: Chapter 3 - delves into the essential guidelines for ethical behavior in social work, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional proficiency. The Canadian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics underscores that social workers must continuously enhance their knowledge and skills, applying new insights in line with their professional training and competencies. This chapter outlines contemporary ethical standards, highlighting the need for consultation and supervision when faced with complex situations. It concludes with a vital discussion on self-care, emphasizing its role in sustaining social workers' overall well-being—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual—as an integral part of ethical practice. Why are ethics important in social work - Social work is a profession with a distinct value base grounded in the pursuit of social justice and the elimination of oppression. - Social workers’ personal, professional, and organizational commitments to social justice are shaped by adherence to core values and principles that promote ethical behaviour and guide work with clients. - Social workers may find themselves positioned between protecting clients’ interests and addressing “societal demands for efficiency and utility  - Social work ethics encompasses work with individuals, groups, and communities, and should be woven into the interactions with those with whom we work whether in a practice or research setting. - Research and practice are interdependent and the ethics to which a social worker adheres spans work across spheres. - It is integral to our commitment to providing clients with competent services that social workers are aware of contemporary, progressive discourse in their issue area, are able to critically analyze study findings that relate to their client population, and reflect on the use of those findings for clients. Moreover, it is an ethical imperative that social workers “learn as much as possible about the historical and current experiences and analyses of groups who are oppressed. For social workers who want to practice in solidarity with their clients, this is essential learning” A Brief History of Ethics in Social Work - has suggested that the profession’s concern with ethics reflects four, often overlapping, periods; the morality period, the values period, the ethical theory and decision-making period, and the ethical standards and risk management period. utilitarian theories Theories that suggest actions are right and wrong according to their outcomes rather than their intrinsic features. deontological theories Theories that maintain certain acts are intrinsically good or bad in and of themselves, irrespective of their consequences. The Canadian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics The Code states that social workers have “a responsibility to maintain professional proficiency, to continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills, and to apply new knowledge in practice commensurate with their level of professional education, skill and competency, seeking consultation and supervision as appropriate” Code of ethics values 1. Respect for inherent dignity and worth of persons 2. The pursuit of social justice 3. Service to humanity 4. Integrity of professional practice 5. Confidentiality in professional practice: 6. Competence in professional practice - The Code provides general principles and a framework to help guide the conduct of social workers and thus holds many important strengths. Addressing Ethical Dilemmas: The Process of Reflexive Decision-Making - Major ethical issues may be inherent in the work of any profession, yet social workers often confront complex problems, situations, and realities. For example, a social worker may be confronted with a situation where a client’s behaviours are in conflict with their own personal belief system as well as professional mandate. Evidence-based practice An approach that “bring[s] practice and research together so as to strengthen the scientific knowledge base supporting social work intervention” Practice-based evidence Calls on practitioners to think about the outcome they and their clients hope to achieve and represent the outcome in a measurable way Burnout Over time, a physical and emotional state where one feels exhaustion and depersonalization along with a negative outlook. Compassion fatigue An outcome of long-term exposure to clients’ suffering and traumatic experiences that can result in desensitization toward clients’ issues, thus impairing the workerclient relationship. Vicarious trauma A profound shift of one’s worldview through hearing, providing empathy toward, and indirectly experiencing a client’s traumatic stressors. Week 5 Powerpoint Summary: What is theory? ***Theory drives practice*** - A theory represents an explanatory framework that aims to help us make sense of the complexity of human lives and behaviour - Theory is useful to structure and organize thinking - Theory is a “way of seeing” – each theory is like a “lens” that helps to frame a phenomenon in a particular way - Theories hold particular worldviews and are embedded in assumptions - Theories are also fluid, changing and shifting as new knowledge emerges Approaches to selecting theories - Purist approach: - when a particular theory or theoretical perspective is regularly drawn upon regardless of the nature of a client’s presenting issues - Eclectic approach: - when a social worker draws upon a range of theories and techniques from different theoretical perspectives Power and politics in social work theory - Theorizing is a value-laden exercise  - Theories are influenced by and express the social, historical, geographic, cultural, political, and economic contexts within which they emerge - A critical perspective is essential when considering knowledge creation - Who developed major theories and theoretical ideas? - Whose voices, knowledge, and ideas are largely missing? - How do you think power and privilege may have impacted social work theory and practice? Theoretical perspectives 1. Ecosystem theories 2. Onion-peeling theories 3. Faulty-engine theories 4. Storytelling theories 5. Mountain-moving theorie 1. Ecosystem theories - Focus on the fundamental interactions between people and their social and physical environments - Look beyond individual malfunction - Integrate social and psychological elements of practice - Acknowledge reciprocal influence of individuals and their environment - Assessment and intervention focus on improving the relationship between people and their social environments - Uri Bronfenbrenner’s four interrelated, reciprocally influencing layers of social systems: - Microsystem: A pattern of activities, roles, physical and mental abilities, and interpersonal relations experienced by the developing person - Mesosystem: The interrelations among the systems in which the developing person participates (e.g., school, work, family) - Exosystem: Systems that indirectly influence or are influenced by the developing person (e.g., parent’s workplace, working conditions of a healthcare provider) - Macrosystem: Broader systems that exert influence on all other systems (e.g., policies, norms, values) 2. Onion-peeling theories - Focus on peeling back the layers of past experiences for people to gain insight and awareness into what prevents them from moving forward in their lives - View human behaviour as influenced by complex relationships, drives, personality development, and the conscious and unconscious mind - Psychodynamic theory is at the core of onion-peeling theories - Originally introduces by Sigmund Freud in the 1920’s  - Key themes: - The role of the past in the present - Inner drives and motivations - Organization of the inner self - Organization of the inner self - ID refers to one’s unconscious, composed of powerful forces of drives, instincts, and desires - Superego acts as “the conscience” and develops during one’s childhood through socialization. It is the internalization of values and norms of society, taught by parents and caregivers. The superego is meant to control the drives and desires of the id. - Ego balances and mediates the desires of the id and the external demands of the superego - Person-centred approaches - Emerged from the work of Carl Rogers - Put the clinic at the centre of the practice and focus on client self-determination - focus on clients sharing their inner world experiences in a non-directive, safe and empathic relationship - Trauma-imformed social work practice - Trauma: exposure to an extraordinary experience that presents a physical or psychological threat to oneself or others and generates a reaction of helplessness or fear - Trauma-informed care provides services that recognize the impact of early adversity in clients’ lives, looking for symptoms of maladaptive coping in everyday functioning - The therapeutic relationship - Transference: the translocation of past experiences to the present without conscious awareness. Transference reactions involve projecting attitudes, fantasies, desires, and conflicts from historically significant object relationships onto the therapist. - Counter-transference: the therapist’s emotional reaction to a client, whether conscious or unconscious. Examples during practice include unusual interest, admiration, boredom, anger, anxiety, or dread in relation to a client that becomes an obstacle to effective clinical work. - Key elements of psychodynamic practice: - Establishing a trusting relationship and fostering a corrective emotional experience - Providing a safe space to talk - Enabling interpretive exploration - Containment, boundaries - Humanistic values in practice 3 Faulty-engine theories - Shift the focus of practice attention to the here and now  - Tend to be more structured and directive - Include behavioral approaches and cognitive- behavioral approaches - Focus on changing problematic thinking and behaviors with well-defined techniques and behavioral measurements - Behavioral approaches - B.F skinner was the key figure in leading behavioral approaches - Behavior is acquired through learning, and can also be unlearned - Behavior therapy aims to alter an individual’s maladaptive reactions to particular stimuli using rewards, punishment, reinforcement, and biofeedback - Cognitive-behavioral theories - View behavior as learned and shaped by our interpretations of the world (cognitions) - Three fundamental assumptions: - 1. Thinking mediates emotions and behavior - 2. “Faulty” thinking leads to psychological distress and dysfunction - 3. Altering distorted thinking and behavior can reduce stress and dysfunction - Challenging cognition and reframing - Identify and assess cognitions that may be contributing to undesirable behaviors or a lack of well-being - Challenge negative cognitions and faulty thinking by contradicting the faulty thinking patterns - Develop and reinforce alternative positive cognitions (for example, through reframing) 4 Storytelling theories - Focus on how stories can be reinterpreted to enable more positive and rewarding life outcomes - Narrative therapy: focuses on assisting people to create empowering stories about themselves and their lives - Solution-focused therapy: a present- and future-oriented approach that focuses on goals and capacities rather than problems and constraints - Strength-based: an approach asserting that people have inherent strengths and are motivated towards well-being and optimal functioning 5 Mountain-moving theories - Focus on eliminating disadvantage and empowering people to realize their hopes for themselves, their families, and their communities - Aim to connect the personal with the political - Seen as transformational - Include feminist theories, anti-oppressive practice, critical race theory, structural social work, and Indigenous approaches to social work practice - Partnership - Engaging clients throughout the assessment process - Building partnerships and allies with broader social causes and movements  - Empowerment - Using the least intrusive interventions - Supporting clients to realize their own power and to take action for themselves - Participation - Involving clients in service design and delivery - Feminist theory - Liberal feminism - Seeks equality between men and women - Marxist feminism - Highlights unequal distribution of power - Socialist feminism - Emphasizes interpersonal and relational aspects of women’s oppression (patriarchy) - Radical feminism - Asserts that women’s freedom depends on the elimination of patriarchy - Black feminism - Points to diversity of women and different forms of oppression - Postmodern feminism - Focuses on how discourse shapes women’s experiences - Questions discourses and categories rather than accepting them - Anti-oppressive practice - Recognizes forms of oppression that exist in everyday experiences - Goal of AOP is to reduce unequal power differentials - Aims to provide a pathway to critical theorizing to overcome oppressive relationships at the individual, institutional, or societal level and contribute to social justice - AOP social workers both provide services and help people understand how their problems are linked to social inequality 10 core themes of AOP (Baines, 2011) 1. Macro- and micro-social relations generate oppression. 2. Everyday experience is shaped by multiple oppressions. 3. Social work is a highly contested and politicized practice. 4. Social work is not a neutral caring profession, but an active political process. 5. Social justice-oriented social work assists individuals while simultaneously seeking to transform society. 6. Social work needs to build allies with social causes and movements. 7. Social work’s theoretical and practical development must be based on the struggles and needs of those who are oppressed and marginalized. 8. Participatory approaches are necessary between practitioners and “clients.” 9. Self-reflexive practice and ongoing justice analysis are essential components of AOP. 10. A multi-faceted approach to social justice provides the best potential for politicized, transformative practice. - Critical race theory  - Aims to deconstruct the complex relationship between race/racism and power and the way racism is constructed and embedded in society - Ultimate goal is to reform racist relations to instill positive social change - Intersectionality: recognizes the multiple systems of inequality and oppression, and the further points of distinction within groups - Structural social work - Sees society as a struggle between social groups with competing interests, with a consistent and systematic bias in social relations toward the interest of dominant and privileged groups - Wider social structures - Racism, homophobia, patriarchy - Secondary structures - Family, community, bureaucracy - Key themes of structural social work: - The role of the state - Operates to reproduce oppressive social relations - The relationship between the individual and structures - For social problems to be resolved, it is the social structures that must change - The nature and role of social work - The dominant order must be challenged or resisted - Practice strategies include empowerment, consciousness- raising, normalization, and dialogical relations - Indigenous approaches to social work practices - Grounded in Indigenous epistemologies 1. Recognition of distinct Indigenous worldviews with the understanding that there is diversity of perspectives and beliefs across Indigenous communities 2. Development of Indigenous consciousness regarding the impact of colonialism 3. Emphasis on the importance of cultural knowledge and traditions 4. Use of the concept of Indigenous empowerment and self- determination Dennis Saleeby, Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice - A strengths approach emphasizes the resources and resourcefulness of clients. - Seeks to develop abilities and capacities in clients, and assumes that clients already have a number of competencies and resources that may be used to improve their situation. - Moves away from problem based lens. - Social worker is a collaborator with client as much as possible. - Empowerment from within Karen Healy, PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACHES Focusing on Task-centred Practice - Task centered practice is time-limited, structured, focused intervention. - Grew out of research showing promise with more structured, short term approaches.  - Four Steps: - 1. Defining Target Problem: arrive at a shared understanding of the issues of concern and to begin to narrow down the focus of intervention. - 2. Contracting: reach an explicit agreement about the target of their intervention and how the target problem(s) is to be addressed. - 3. Problem Solving Implementation: support and review task performance - 4. Termination: review overall progress towards addressing the target problem and to point to the future Week 5 Reading Summary: