Resolving Value Issues in Social Work Practice: A Case Study Analysis

Outline the main values issues presented to a social worker by one of the case example given, with reference to the CCETSW statement of Social Work values. Discuss how you would attempt to resolve the issues in line with the CCETSW value position.

Case Study: Ethel, Alan, Marion

In this essay I will be outlining the importance of social work values, by looking at the social work values. I will be focusing on the value issues within the case study which are relavent to the CCETSW's statement of values, to understand and integerate the values of social work. In the assignment I will try to resolve the arising value issues in the accordance of CCETSW's statement values as a social worker. In this assignment by using the term' social work' it will be refering myself.

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In  The meanings "value" are divers and varied. 'Values' are a combination of our beliefs, views on which we act upon. Initially, all individuals have some personal values. A social worker has social work values, which are linked with his/her duties and responsibilities. Therefore, the agency also imposes some values on social workers. In some terms social worker's personal values can conflict or compete with others' values. As "Values are concerned what's good and desireable"(Loenberg and Dolgoff 1992, quoted in Meyer and Mattain, 1995:p.51).

The social work is a well know agency and institute, which provides help, support and advice to those people who are deprived, vulnerable and needy such as poor, elderly, women, children etc. The social work services are reliable, confidential, and equally availiable to all individuals and groups. However, the social work is highly criticised to use their power wrongly, for example removeing children and adults from home. On other hand, the occurance of neglegence and abuse in the residential care. We should not forget that it is individual's act and it is not a fault of all members of institution. Thus to pervent abuse and misuseing of power, a social worker should practice on the basis of CCETSW's values, rules and regulations and use them as a guidence.

Ethel is 93 years old, which is a fragile age. She may be discriminated and oppressed because of her age as statistics show

Family and society:

As often seen in our society, people's views about old people are negative. For example they labelled them as 'burden' ' clumsy' 'rages' 'slow and lazy' 'useless' 'fussy' 'childish'and even 'mad'. Ethel's son, Alan, passed comments " but that's old woman for you, isn't it"? On the other hand, Alan's wife Marion is reluctant to answer the questions and burst into tears. Alan pays little attention which makes you think Marion is depressed for some reason. Which require assessment and communication to evaluate the situation. "It is also important to "identify, analyse and take action to counter discrimination, racism and disadvantages, inequality and injustice, using strategies appropriate to role and context; and practice in a manner that does not stigmatised or disadvantage either individuals, groups or communities. (CCETSW 1995;P18)

Physical and emotional concerns:

Ethel is fit and healthy for her age but she is may be at risk, (perhaps she is not). But she had bruises and burnt the kettle. In my opinion it is important to assess the situation, circumstances, knowledge of available and existing resources and assistance which is 'concerned with the enhancement of human well being", (BASW 1986) "Social workers have a responsibility to relieve and prevent hardship and suffering." (CCETSW 1996) and "communication to promote opportunities for children, adults, families at risk or in need to function, participate and develop". (CCETSW 1996; p: 16)

Choices and options:

It is necessary to know about Ethel's concerns. Social work gives clients 'respect', 'options', and choices.

The options for client (from available resources) to choose from such as residential homes, care worker, health visitors, community nurse, age concern and others.

As 'choices available to users are often limited.' (Nocon, A. et al 1996p: 51) Although 'case worker have a correspondent duty to respect that right, recognise that need' (Biestek, P.et al 1950, principle 6) 'respect their clients as individuals and will seek to ensure that their dignity, individuality, rights and responsibilities shall be safeguarded.'(BASW 1986; 10:ii)

"Regardless of whether they are provided in the home or out side the home,"(Lowy, L.1979; p: 429)

'However only 5% living in any institution: most elderly people prefer to live with or near their families. Because of lack of community resources Many people are forced out of their homes, but not because the family wishes to be get rid of the older members. (Lowy, L. 1979;p: 65)

Partnership:

It is essential to communicate with the client, family, friends, or other person or authorities (if involve) to work in partnership. In this case Ethal's son, daughter-in-law or other family, care manager and friends at the day centre and GP (to find out if she have had any sort of injuries or bruises before).

Emotional and Health issues:

It is stated that Ethel is being confused on occasions, and her short- term memory is poor but she can recall her memories from the past, which is clearly a rough and difficult existence. It also has been acknowledged that she was a victim of domestic violence. She used to get beaten by her drunken husband. A programme, broadcasted by Channel 2, showed that 87% of domestic violence victims are women. According to Unison 1 October 1997, new domestic violence legislation in England and Wales came into force under the Family Law Act. While there remain loopholes in the Act. It does not make the civil law simpler and clearer, allow greater protection to more individuals and strengthen the use of powers of arrest. Despite this, a victim can live in trauma of fear and it also psychologically effects the personal abilities and qualities.

It can affect victims for a long- term and blunt their abilities to operate their lives with confidence. And they can see it as a norm of their life, may be Ethel have accepted it as norm that's why she is not unhappy. In our society, people are hesitate to talk about it, or discus about it in the public or with friends which leave them isolated, alone, scared and helpless. It also develops a sort of sense of guilt. The longer you live in that situation the worst outcomes could be. Ethel described, as she was a victim of domestic violence, is she still a victim? Counselling could be a good solution for her if she requires it. But if she is still a victim of domestic violence (Statistics show that if a woman is being beaten by her husband then it could be possible that it can carry on by her son as he see himself 'Dominate or head') then there is a need of 'family therapy'.

Non-judgemental:

We can't make judgements about others but for assessment we should consider each and every possibility and chances of risk and inequality. We are concern that personal help (individually and collectively) is offered within an acceptable personal and cultural context to increase the range of choices open to them and power to make decision, including the participation of client in ensuring and defining that the services are appropriate for them. (BASW 1986; 10)

Access to resource: (care, finance, support, and Accessibility)

Ethel' home looks tidy but are there adequate support, resources and care available? Ethel's family is living in a rented property and the house is in need of repair. Possibly, the land- lord can arrange to repair the property under the Tenancy Rights. May be Local Authorities can help to provide easy access to and out of home. One more issue, which clicks me, is why Alan took the electricity off! Was it due to financial problems or are they neglecting Ethel. If Ethel needs to get up at night for her needs or she is not having enough sleep then her GP can advice her. Mostly it has seen that the sleeping of the elderly people do change and also getting confused or short-term memory are related to old age. Lowy argues that chronological ageing alone does not account for such changes but, instead, that they are connected with a number of other life's circumstances. (1979; p: 65)

"Persuading and cajoling of clients can range from the 'informal' admission to a psychiatric hospitals to the gentle pressure on an elderly to enter residential care" ( Thomas, & et al.) On the opposite, Tony Novak and Chris Jones (BASW 1993;p: 196) argue that "social workers have found themselves with even few resources to meet the needs of more desperate clients. At the same time social worker has faced increasing criticism and ridicule, not only from the media but also from the state itself, which has challenged its legitimacy and sense of identity".

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