Social Care Theory for Practice

Social Care Theory for Practice

I will offer and explanation of my understanding of the term anti-discriminatory practice and provide some examples of how I would apply this in a social care setting. I will outline the legislation, which underpins anti-discriminatory practice and how this would influence my own practice. 2 All care workers require recognising the importance of the two core values for care practice as suggested by “Janet Miller and Susan Gibb Care in Practice 2nd edition 2007” the value of respect for the worth of dignity of every individual. he value of according social justice and promoting the social welfare of every individual. Adopting and implementing these values recognises that each individual service user needs are met socially, physically, emotionally, cognitively without stereotyping, pre-judging or discriminating the service user, according to “Janet Miller and Susan Gibb Care in Practice 2nd edition 2007” The two core values appear to be paramount to both the service user and carer.

It becomes clear that the application of the two core values enables the service user to realise their full potential and advocates promoting social welfare of each individual. Because of the carer, applying the values without doubt contributes the principles of social care values achieved; “Social care values are underpinned by the principles of dignity, privacy, choice, safety, realise full potential and equality and diversity” My own values were primarily because of my family and my social surroundings.

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Social Skills and Values

The social skills and values adopted at an early age enabled me to progress through school, social groups and friends. Adopting secondary values, shaped by culture, rules and values particular to social influences and settings Some aspects of the secondary values are an indication that as a member of a civilised society, the expectations is to conform and adhere to certain rules, regulation, and share the same opinion as my peers, not unlike the social care values.

My values have been changed and evolved from all areas of my life, but the values learned from my family when younger have laid the foundations for what I deem 'acceptable' and 'unacceptable' This is called primary socialisation. My family were 3 my primary socialisation, they taught me what was 'right' or 'wrong' and what an acceptable way to behave or conduct myself was and what was unacceptable. Although my values have changed with time these basic values learned from my family have remained.

Own Values Along

My own values along with the social care values and principles will enable me approach all service users as individuals in a professional, competent manner. However diverse or multicultural we may be doesn’t always mean we are diverse and considerate in our approach to specific groups, cultures, religions, etc Having been subjected to direct/indirect prejudices’, I am mindful to consider all members of society and strive not prejudge people, and to avoid discrimination at all cost.

Certain standards are expected in a standards expected of social care workers that were first published in the “Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001” A key standard underpinning social care is ‘anti discriminatory practice’ which means that as a social care worker I should not treat anybody differently regardless of their, gender, sexuality, age, disability, political, religious spiritual beliefs. It is important as a social careworker to consider if I have any values or opinions that could be considered as prejudiced.

Having an opinion of a certain individual or group based on hearsay, stereotypes or assumptions and without knowing them personally is a prejudice. As stated in “HNC Social Care (2009) by Bingham et al “Prejudices can be categorised into personal prejudices, cultural prejudices and societal/structural prejudices” and although some prejudices could be considered positive to some people, most prejudices are negative and if acted upon will result in discrimination. Social care is an integral part of any society; practice and legislation are a fundamental part of our society and social services.

Codes of Practice and Principles Aims

Promoting and applying the Codes of Practice and principles aims to educate care workers, providers and  service users. Anti-discrimination laws and acts such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 enable us to aware of legislation and the need to adhere to the codes of conduct which regulate the social care profession. Working in a social care environment would require me to regularly review my own personal values or opinions and to consider at all times the social care values and codes.

Keeping up to date with current legislation would ensure I am compliant, not prejudging or stereotyping service users. It is also important to reflect and consider whether I could have approached a similar situation differently with a certain individual compared to others, and if there was any differences why? Having personally experienced discrimination, I appreciate the negative effects discrimination can have on an individual and understand the importance and application of anti-discrimination laws and legislation. The SSSC have an extensive literature called ‘induction guidance for social care workers in Scotland”.

Disability Discrimination

This literature includes the principles and values expected of social care workers but also makes clear the relevant legislation that is specific to my role to assist me in implementing ‘anti discriminatory practice”, such legislation includes; Disability Discrimination Act 1995  Human Rights Act 1998  Sex Discrimination Act 1975  Race Relations Act 1976 and 2000 It is important to review such legislation as what I may consider to be only an opinion that is harmless and inoffensive to all may actually be considered as discriminatory  by others whether direct or indirect discrimination.

Direct discrimination is easily identifiable and blunt, using race discrimination as an example direct discrimination in a social care setting would be someone of a different cultural or ethnical background being treated less favourably than someone of the same culture who may share similar society/structural beliefs. Indirect discrimination is less direct but equally offensive, an example of indirect discrimination in a social care setting would be a social care provider ignoring religious and cultural beliefs by expecting a ‘muslim’ service user to eat during the daylight hours at Ramadan.

Although the legislation does not state each individual requirement of a certain group or individual, it does make it more than clear what is unacceptable. According to “Bingham et al (HNC Social Care Scotland)2009” these legislative guidelines promote positive practice across the sector and also empower workers to ensure they are supported to carry out their duties with robust policies and procedures”. By adhering to the SSCC codes of practice and also regularly reviewing relevant laws surrounding discrimination I should be more than equipped to deliver ‘anti-discriminatory social care ‘. From my essay, you will see I have studied the values and principles that influence practice. In view of this, I now have a clearer understanding of my own values as well as the social care values and principles recognising and realising the overall impact they have when applied in a social care environment. In a professional capacity, it is crucial that social service workers are protected and regulated by the Codes of Conduct. The codes are a clear guide of the standards required to work in a social care environment.

Conclusion

The codes of practice and principles provides employees, employers and service users a with clear set of standards, ensuring regulation and guidelines are applied in a consistent, compassionate manner. Regulation and consistency in the application of the Codes of Conduct and principles throughout the care profession will result in the service users being provided with the appropriate choices and services they require. In my opinion, being able to make informed choices regardless of age, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, etc. n a safe environment by care workers who have empowered them to realise their full potential is possible when all aspects of personal and social care values, laws and legislation are applied.

References/Bibliography

1. Janet Miller and Susan Gibb Care in Practice 2nd edition 2007 Publisher: Hodder Arnold, (2nd edition 2007).
2. Bingham,  E. (2009) HNC Social Care Scotland Publisher: Heinemann; 1 edition (6 Nov 2009) .
3. www. sssc. uk. com www. scotland . gov. uk

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