Biestek's Principles Of Social Work

 Biestek developed traditional values in the late 50s (Biestek, 1961) based on his religious beliefs as a priest. Biestek’s constructed seven points’ traditional social work principles, these are Individualisation of every person, treating them as individual. Purposeful expression of feelings, this allows individuals to freely voice their thoughts and express their feelings. A social worker will then be expected to use Controlled emotional involvement principle to show empathy and professional interest. Showing unconditional acceptance to individuals promotes equal citizenship, the individual is accepted for who they are not by their personal circumstance. A social worker shows a non-judgemental attitude by respecting individual’s choice
Biestek’s principles were developed nearly fifty years ago and remains significant in social work today. There are controversies in individuals and confidentiality principles, confidentiality has its limitations when enforced. Social workers have a duty of care to safeguards individuals, family members(codes of practice) and the public and often confidentiality is disregarded in there is a risk of harm .confidentiality is one of the important values in social work yet individuals information is shared between colleagues, store in a database that can be accessed by other, social workers have regular supervisions where individuals are discussed, individuals information can be used against or to advocate for them in court. The question to be asked is, is the social workers primary care for the individuals who can also be seen as vulnerable or to the employers and state. Biesteks principles can promote false hope and security to the vulnerable individuals who believes in the meaning of confidentiality. .---preventative measures It is clear Biestek saw a need for the principles to be developed, he offered his grounded religious beliefs to guide social workers professional behaviour in their daily
Thompson believes that human needs, problems and solutions are shaped by different circumstances (Thompson, 2015). Thomson recognised inequalities in society and believes that social workers should not treat every individual the same but treat individuals based on their personal circumstances. Individual’s culture and structural levels should be taken into account. This is also recognised by the Equality Act 2010 and its protected characteristics. Social workers must use a principle of Social justice to work towards change that already exist in society by representing and empowering individuals to have a voice and challenge discrimination. This can be achieved when social worker and individuals work in partnership. Individuals are the expert to their own problems and together with the social worker they can work together to produce a good assessment of the problem, how and when to intervene and when to review the outcome. This can be done by delegating tasks between individuals, social workers and engaging with external agencies. Individuals have citizenship therefore they have a right to be active participants, individuals rights should not be ignored regardless of any