Social care values and principles
Social care values and principles and their influence in practice
INTRODUCTION
In this essay I will explain the importance and relevance of values to social care, while describing how they impact on care practice. I will also offer my interpretations of ‘Social Justice’ and ‘Individual Worth’, considering the influence of psychology and sociology on these social care values.
IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF VALUES
In social care, ‘values’ can be regarded as particular types of beliefs that people hold about what is regarded as worthy or valuable (Banks, S. 2012 cited in BASW, 2012a) and social care workers should act at all times in accordance with the principles and values of the profession (BASW, 2012b). The importance of these principles are perhaps best summed up by Bisman, C (2004) who wrote; “values are central to the profession; without them there is no social work”.
I feel the relevance of these values in social care practice is paramount, in learning these concepts you begin to understand how to be a more efficient, tolerant and respectful care worker. They also provide a sense of assurance to service users and their families that employees have undertaken relevant training and study based on industry-standard values as well as the principles of social justice (SSSC, 2009a; The Scottish Government, 2005a).
Social Justice & Individual Worth
The principles of social justice are fundamental to social work (IASSW / IFSW, 2001) as they imply we have a mutual obligation to ensure that all have equal chances to succeed in life (RSA, 2013). Social justice is about promoting a more socially inclusive society for all people and in particular for groups of people in vulnerable situations (DLG, 2010).
Promotion of social inclusion for everyone is the starting point, participating in community activities and using skills all contribute to social inclusion (SCIE, 2010a). Ensuring effective access to and participation in cultural activities for all is an
INTRODUCTION
In this essay I will explain the importance and relevance of values to social care, while describing how they impact on care practice. I will also offer my interpretations of ‘Social Justice’ and ‘Individual Worth’, considering the influence of psychology and sociology on these social care values.
IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF VALUES
In social care, ‘values’ can be regarded as particular types of beliefs that people hold about what is regarded as worthy or valuable (Banks, S. 2012 cited in BASW, 2012a) and social care workers should act at all times in accordance with the principles and values of the profession (BASW, 2012b). The importance of these principles are perhaps best summed up by Bisman, C (2004) who wrote; “values are central to the profession; without them there is no social work”.
I feel the relevance of these values in social care practice is paramount, in learning these concepts you begin to understand how to be a more efficient, tolerant and respectful care worker. They also provide a sense of assurance to service users and their families that employees have undertaken relevant training and study based on industry-standard values as well as the principles of social justice (SSSC, 2009a; The Scottish Government, 2005a).
Social Justice & Individual Worth
The principles of social justice are fundamental to social work (IASSW / IFSW, 2001) as they imply we have a mutual obligation to ensure that all have equal chances to succeed in life (RSA, 2013). Social justice is about promoting a more socially inclusive society for all people and in particular for groups of people in vulnerable situations (DLG, 2010).
Promotion of social inclusion for everyone is the starting point, participating in community activities and using skills all contribute to social inclusion (SCIE, 2010a). Ensuring effective access to and participation in cultural activities for all is an