Notes

Sarah Banks (2001) defines social work values as: “a set of fundamental moral/ethical principles to which social workers are/should be committed.”(Banks, 2001, p. 6). Social work adheres to high principles and standards of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) codes and ethics while recognizing, respecting and applying relevant legislation. These core values shapes the way practitioners operate in the society. Social work promotes social justice ensuring individuals with special needs are treated fairly in an anti discriminatory and anti oppressive way whilst observing a person’s basic human and liberty rights. Social work follow a person centered approach in which the needs of service users are at the core of practice. Every person has to be valued, treated with dignity as individuals who are unique and different. Individuals are made aware of all choices available to them, this then gives them the opportunity to make informed decisions. The freedom to choose gives service users the power to remain in control of their life, health and social care. Social work is all about improving the quality of life of individuals to live life to the full in safe and conducive environments. Service users are given the opportunity to develop and reach their potential in an empowering way and at the same time promoting their independence. GSCC Codes of Practice.

Learning disabled adults is one section of the society that benefits from social work. Adults with learning disability have problems with learning and performing day to day activities if compared to persons of the same age. The level of learning disability ranges from low to severe. (M. Freeman). Any help given to learning disabled individuals has to be in service user’s best interests. An assessment is used as a determination of needs tool on a learning disabled adult. When doing the assessment, the practitioner has to be open minded whilst being non-judgmental and avoiding stereotypical