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Hepworth 4

The document outlines the cardinal values of social work, which include access to resources, dignity and worth, interpersonal relationships, integrity, and competence. It also discusses the challenges social workers face in upholding these values, particularly in relation to ethics, informed consent, professional boundaries, and confidentiality. Key ethical principles such as self-determination and paternalism are highlighted as essential considerations in social work practice.

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Raquelle ketchejian
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94 views5 pages

Hepworth 4

The document outlines the cardinal values of social work, which include access to resources, dignity and worth, interpersonal relationships, integrity, and competence. It also discusses the challenges social workers face in upholding these values, particularly in relation to ethics, informed consent, professional boundaries, and confidentiality. Key ethical principles such as self-determination and paternalism are highlighted as essential considerations in social work practice.

Uploaded by

Raquelle ketchejian
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Operationalizing the

Cardinal Social Work


Values
HEPWORTH
CH. 4
THE CARDINAL VALUES OF SOCIAL
WORK
• 1. Access to Resources. All human beings deserve access to the resources they need to deal with life’s
problems and to develop their full potential. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed
information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision
making for all people”.
• 2. Dignity and Worth. The importance that social workers place on the dignity and worth of their clients
is demonstrated through respect for the inherent value of the persons with whom they work and in
efforts to examine prejudicial attitudes that may diminish their ability to embrace each client’s
individuality.
• 3. Interpersonal Relationships. The value placed on human relationships affects the way social workers
relate to their clients and the efforts that social workers make to improve the quality of the relationships
in their clients’ lives.
• 4. Integrity. The value of integrity means that social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. They treat
their clients and colleagues in a fair and respectful fashion; they are honest and promote responsible
and ethical practices in others.
• 5. The Value of Competence. The value of competence requires that social workers practice only within
their areas of ability and continually develop and enhance their professional expertise. As professionals,
social workers must take responsibility for assuring that their competence is not diminished by personal
problems, substance abuse, or other difficulties.
CHALLENGES IN EMBRACING THE
PROFESSION’S VALUES: ETHICS
• The Intersection of Laws and Ethics: social workers must know both
the law and ethical principles to practice effectively.
• Key Ethical Principles:
• Self-Determination: the practical recognition of the right and need of clients
to freedom in making their own choices and decisions.
• Paternalism: preventing self-determination based on a judgment of the client’s own
good - infringes on autonomy
• Paternalistic beneficence: the social worker implements protective interventions to
enhance the client’s quality of life, sometimes despite the client’s objections
• Providing Informed Consent: lays the groundwork for future actions
the social worker might need to take.
…CONT.
• Preserving Professional Boundaries
• Boundaries refer to clear lines of difference that are maintained between the
social worker and the client in an effort to preserve the working relationship
(pp 72 NASW Code of Ethics points addressing boundaries)
• Safeguarding Confidentiality: Without the assurance of confidentiality,
it is unlikely that clients would risk disclosing private aspects of their
lives that, if revealed, could cause shame or damage to their
reputations.
• Supervision and Consultation
• Client Waivers of Confidentiality
• Danger to Self or Others
• Suspicion of Child or Elder Abuse

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