Substance Use – wilful addiction or innocent tragedy?

Substance Use – wilful addiction or innocent tragedy?

Asylum Seekers or Drain on Resources?

Maxine Carr-Victim or Monster?

Sectarianism – Hero or Terrorist?

Personal crisis – Weak or Strong?

The Forgotten – Vulnerable or Lazy?

The Oldest Trade or Exploitation?

Self Harm – Waste of Life or Escape?

Disability – Needy or Independent?

Each one of those pictures asks questions. They ask questions of us, of the organisations that work with those people illustrated and who you may be employed by, of the society to which we belong. Our answers whether individual, corporate or societal will be dependent upon VALUES

Where do our values come from? Are they learned or acquired? Who and what influences them? Do they influence us? Can they be adjusted? Changed? Or are they fixed and if so at what age?

What are values? Beliefs which influence actions Lie behind what we think others or ourselves should do Personal or shared A sense of morality which informs what we believe is important, worthy of standing up for, upholding

What are ethics As the study of morals in human society The embodiment of moral philosophy Ethical ‘sets’ by profession? A formal expression of values?

What do we mean by Moral actions Amoral actions Immoral actions

What do we mean by the term: Equality (in the context of this module) Equal opportunity or opportunities? The promotion of equality of opportunity, within an inherently unequal society? The extent to which we think there ought to be equality between us is in itself an expression of a value

Inequality and having a social conscience A quote from ‘Crossing Continents’ BBC radio 4 Egypt Broadcast 14/09/09 It is the desperation in their eyes, it is the futility, when life becomes insufferable you can see something in the soul goes away ( the interviewer is surprised at the degree of concern she has for the poor and asks why she is so concerned, she answers “because the minute I walk out of my door I enter another world. Whatever affluence you are talking about is not going to save me while I have no country. I have no idea why the poor don’t just throw stones at us, I have no understanding why a man, a father or a mother can see their child die because they cannot afford the medicine and not spit at me, I don’t understand what kind of forgiveness or cowardice is in their hearts”

18 Values and Ethics in Social Work Practice, lester Parrott 2006 18 Why act morally? Why act morally? Act from a sense of fairness Follow your conscience To be a good person To make the World a Better place Act because People have rights My Religion Instructs me

Characteristics of Values When we consider what is meant by someone having certain values these are likely to be; The product of our upbringing (where, when and by whom) Based on some measure of reflection (thinking). Have an affective/emotional content (feeling) Be ones that a person has consciously adopted (Choice) Ones that a person is willing to own (communicate) Actually influences behaviour, not merely speech (act upon them)

What does this mean? This illustrates the point that values are not a straightforward concept. They; Guide our decisions both as a citizen and a professional. Values are central to our work with people. The quality of the service they receive from us is going to be significantly influenced by our values The challenge is to identify our values, be aware of their influence and ensure they can promote good practice.

Purpose of Social Work and Social Care Values Values act as a guide to professional behaviour Maintain a professional identity Protect service users (and ourselves) from malpractice

What is the Relevance to Social Work? Social Care? When working with people we are continually faced with decisions. In making these decisions we are influenced by what we would like to happen (desire/s) and these desires express something of values and our value system. Therefore our decisions are influenced value judgements and visa versa

Key documents for Social Work GSCC Codes of Practice www.gscc.org.uk BASW Code of Ethics www.basw.co.uk National Occupational Standards for Social Work –Value requirements www.topssengland.net

Seminar Groups Group A: 2-3: Phil Musson (MB1003) Group C: 2-3: Ian Mathews (MB1008) Group B: 3-4: Ian Mathews (MB1003) H&SC D: 2-3: Valeria Carroll (MB1006) H&SC E: 3-4: Valeria Carroll (MB1008)