Australian Social Work Values & Theories
The existence of social work in any society is extricably permissive of the presence of ethics and values. The values central to social works such as the human rights call for a highly idealistic praxis that define the contemporary bets practice. Social workers operating in various sectors in Australia continue to experience dilemmas concerning the policy frameworks that promote a good and a conducive work environment. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission cited that the historic colonization seen in the invasion of the indigenous people destroyed the culture by imposing the alien laws, religion, and socioeconomic arrangements. The resultant effect has rendered the indigenous Australians to be seen as the most marginalized people in Australia, with numerous social problems including domestic violence, increase in poverty index, and the childcare. The social work values and theories in Australia give the overreaching approaches underpinning the social work practice and examine the approaches needed to incorporate the theoretical and ideological practices based on the theories relevant to the case study of Halima and Brad.
The Case Study: Halima and Brad
The Presenting problems
The case study of Halima and Brad present some problems that present tough decision making for a social worker enshrined within the provisions of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The AASW is committed to the pursuit and the maintenance of the overall wellbeing. Halima’s wellbeing is greatly hampered by the fact that her husband is unable to provide for the family due to the back injury he has (AASW 2010, pg. 12). The family is finically disadvantaged, thus presenting the first problem. Halima has no money for food even though they are on Centrelink benefits. The payment that would cater to basic needs such as food for the family is in the next two more days, and they cannot go hungry. According to the context of social work, the aims, and commitments of social work is to work with people and support them to achieve the best possible levels of personal wellbeing as well as the social wellbeing.
Being a foreigner who fled her country due to feuds, Halima is distressed whenever she flashbacks to the conflicts. She suffers insomnia culminated by lack of adequate food. Possibly, she is also suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Besides, her marriage is recognized by her father, and she is consequently estranged from him. This is a case of social alienation due to her marital decision with a foreigner. Halima feels very isolated and abandoned. The AASW stipulates that social works aim to achieve and promote human rights and social justice through social development. Besides, such achievements of human rights can be realized through a social and systematic change and ethical conducts. Halima is under siege of suffering from the denial of human rights. Halima became an orphan and brought by a single parent. Her mother passed when she was only ten. The pain of growing up without a mother is also a presenting problem in this case. Social work aims at addressing inequity and justices affecting the clients, and the socially disadvantaged.
Social Work Theories Relevant to the Case Study
Trauma and Informed Care
Many types of trauma come in different forms. The experience of trauma in a woman impacts on many areas of functioning. Such areas include behavioral, physical, mental, and social (Boyle, 2014, pg. 174). Halima is traumatized from the experiences she had in Somalia during the conflicts that made them escape to Australia. She is supposedly suffering from PTSD. Additionally, the death of the mother also traumatized her, and she contemplates getting help from her if she were alive. Her mother died when she was only ten. According to the theory of trauma and informed care, trauma affects the mental capacity of people if the cases occurred during childhood periods. The experience of family dysfunction because of the mother’s death continues to affect her wellbeing years later. According to the AASW, social work operates at interlink between people and their sociocultural, physical environment (AASW 2010, pg. 22). In so doing, social work engages interpersonal practice that including clinical approaches, counseling, advocacy, and social interventions to address personal difficulties.
The AASW upholds the democratic values that work in compliance with the code of ethics, belief in the equal worth of all human beings, and respect for others including compassion, fairness, equity, and justice. On this regard, the Halima’s case that might be considered the main cause of trauma needs to be looked at from the perspective of the AASW provisions (Boyle 2014, pg. 179). The various structures of the families in Australia and communities are valued under the AASW as well as the fundamental functioning and the wellbeing of individuals in the society. Halima’s father perhaps needs to be enlightened on some of these policies of the AASW provided they comprise of the social workers’ structure of Australia as the daughter. Besides, Brad is a social worker in Australia despite his physical condition that rendered him unproductive. However, the provisions of the AASW avails the social protection and the overall wellbeing of the Australians (AASW 2010, pg. 14). Thus, the cases of trauma and inflamed care can be tackled from the perspective of the AASW and other underlying social work pedigrees.
Narrative Theory
The narrative theory allows one to describe their life experiences in their own words, which a social worker can easily understand the situation from the perspective of the narrator. The narrative theory requires essential skills such as active listening, and not regarding what may seem to be a rumbling or going off the topic (Herman 2010, pg. 37). The narrative theory places importance on recognizing the life-experiences. The narrative theory provides the required ambient platform for Halima to outline her life problems to me without interference. Halima recounts her ordeals the led to them fleeing Somalia while narrowing to the real issue that required the intervention of a social worker. The narrative theory allows people to recount and document what they can remember.
In the case of Halima, we see the narrative theory in practice. She recounts and documents that her mother passed on when she was ten. She also recounts and documents the conflicts in Somalia and remembers her critical condition without the mother who would bail her out of the situation. In the narrative approach theory is always objective in term of holding a story or something tangible they narrators like Halima can hold on and share with the people they choose (Herman 2010, pg. 44). From the concept of the narrative approach, the social workers will maintain the dual focus on assisting the human functioning and identifying the system issues that create inequality and injustice. From this approach, the acceptance of the uniqueness of each as provided in the AASW is guaranteed.
Strengths-Based Perspective
Strengths-Based Perspective frameworks provide paradigms of a shift away from the central focuses of the problem approaches to social work practice. This approach emphasizes the personal growth, empowerment, and copying skills by considering ideas that focus on the strengths rather than pathology (Boyle 2014, pg. 177). The integration of the Strengths-Based Perspective can follow the strength-based frameworks and their infusion in case of management like in the case of Halima. As a social worker, I would be much interested in providing social care to Halima. Using the strengths-based approach to social care, I would develop the understanding of the needs, and the difficulties that Halima highlights based on a case manager role and the client-case manager relationship as well as her perceptions.
The practice of social work in Australia has always been confounded on the frameworks of legislation and policies relating to adults and their families. Some of these policies are embedded in the constitution of AASW of 2010 (AASW 2010, pg. 23). The inclusion of this part in the constitution allows the social workers in Australia to value families and communities as social structures fundamental to the functioning of the wellbeing of individuals in society. The strengths-based approach also ensures there is a high quality of social work service provision, with the individuals has their privacy rights respected while promoting human rights (AASW 2010, pg. 10). The strengths-based practice is doe in a collaborative approach between the person supported by the process and those supporting them so that they work in unison to achieve a common outcome based on the strengths and the assets. Therefore, the case study of Halima and Brad can also be best understood based on this framework.
Task-Centered Model
The task-centered model is also known as the Task-centered practice is a psychodynamic practice that uses a brief problem-solving approach to assists clients to reach the solutions to their problems. The model works on collaborative and achievable measurable goals of social care intervention (Healy 2014, pg. 35). The design of the model is meant to be brief but can be used by both families and individuals and couples. The model has matured into a generalized tool for solving a variety of problems. The model involves four steps that train the social work practitioner to work closely with the clients in establishing distinct and achievable goals. This type of model would be appropriate in designing goals for Halima, especially with regards to how she can overcome the isolation and eventually standing in for her husband in difficult times.
The model is applicable in devising ways through which Halima can eliminate unnecessary distress. Halima is a mother of one child, and such distress can go a long way affecting the child just like she was affected in her childhood (K Hopper 2010, pg. 334). As a social worker, to prevent such transmitted effects to the child, applying the use of the task-centered model would help Halima overcome some of her situations.in so doing, the model also contributes to the overall wellbeing as enshrined in the Australian social work values in the AASW. The TCP will be a good tool for discharging Halima after identifying the behavioral and the social or emotional goals that bring the desired positive change about the development of human beings.
Other Aspects of Learning Relevant to the Case
Diversity and Social Inclusion
Social work targets creating an inclusive society for the overall wellbeing of all the members. The society structured to consist of people of different races, cultures, ethnicity, and religion. Therefore, social work must look into the possible ways of integrating all these diversities and channeling them into a common course objective as stipulated by the social worker (Healy 2104, pg. 35). The ethical practice and decision making of social work must also be diverse. This is because a society must understand the overlying principles that guide the sound, rigorous, and reflective decision making, and this includes the observance of relevant cultural considerations and paying attention to the issues of diversity.
This topic will be good for this case of Halima and Brad because these are two individuals who are culturally, and ethnically diverse and are brought together by the bond of marriage and love. However, this marriage is recognized by the father to Halima and urges her daughter to estrange Brad for reasons not mentioned by Halima. However, speculations may revolve around the nature of the Somali culture as the main reason. Applying the topic of cultural diversity and inclusion will enable me to articulate my ethical decision-making process providing justifications for the importance of social inclusion in this case (Banks 2012, pg. 46). In this case, social inclusion will be best understood by Halima as the process by which efforts are made to ensure equal opportunities matter for every person regardless of the background. When diversity is enhanced, social cohesion is easily achievable and thus the realization of the wellbeing as stipulated in the Australian social work ethics.
Culturally competent, safe and Sensitive Practice
According to the Australian work ethics and values in the AASW, culture is defined as customs, skills, technology, arts, and ideology, religious or political behavior that define a group of people. The same AASW constitution section 5 says that social workers will develop the culturally sensitive practice by acknowledging the significance of culture in their practice, and recognizing the impact of their own cultural identities. Therefore, cultural competence in social work is the development of abilities and skills to respect differences and effectively uphold the interaction with different people from all cultures. Effective cultural competence is defined by safe and sensitive practice (Grinnell, 2010, pg. 21). The sensitive practice enables the social worker to place a client in specific cultural backgrounds that form the basis for understanding the case at hand. Without a safe and sensitive practice, a social worker may not be culturally competent.
Halima’s case requires a culturally competent social worker who would be able to integrate various cultures of the Somali people in assigning the best practice for Halima to ethically deal with the demands of her dad as far as her marriage is concerned. A culturally competent social will give the most applicable advice in Halima’s case on how to go about the father’s issues with Brad. The social workers require this knowledge to work within the cultural context of the clients. The provisions in the AASW provides for the respect for human dignity and worth respecting other peoples’ beliefs, religious or spiritual world views, needs, desires, kinship, and communal bonds within the framework of social justice and human rights (AASW 2010, pg. 28). These ethical responsibilities require a culturally competent social worker who employs sensitivity in safe practice.
Compassion
Compassion is one of the core values in social work. This is a higher level of mental faculty. Practitioners acting compassionately to others characterize commonly held stereotypes of social workers. Nevertheless, the practice of compassion receives little attention in the social work literature or the competency framework documents. Compassion can be defined as positive thoughts and feelings that give rise to essential things in life, such as hope, courage, determination, and inner strength (Wagaman 2015, pg. 202). A compassionate social worker will notice, feel, and respond to the claims raised by client and devices effective methods of finding the solutions to the problem. Compassion has become a vital tool in studying positive psychology. When a social worker has a positive attitude that is aimed at helping a client, that worker will develop the desired levels of compassion. A compassionate social worker will view no case as a minute or little, and thus give all the case the required level of attention.
The case of Halima and Brad requires a compassionate social worker, and this is why the topic is very important in this case. With compassion, the social worker will listen attentively to the narration being given. This topic effectively connects to the narrative theory (AASW 2010, pg. 32). The social workers should, therefore, focus on applying the concept of compassion-focused therapy, which is the underpinning theory and process of applying the model of compassion in psychotherapy. The distressed Halima requires effective psychotherapy approaches aimed at giving frameworks for finding the solutions to some of her problems.
Self-Care for the Social Worker
Self-care is a widely recognized social work practice, but no amount of adequate research has been done to support the existence of its practical guidance. The social workers who wish to maintain healthy and balanced lives are advised to practice self-care (McGarrigle 2011, pg. 215). The prevalence of burnouts in the field of social work is a real challenge that social workers encounter. Expressing self-care practice is necessary for addressing the burnouts. The social workers who practice self-care are presumably bound to provide the best services. Much research work still needs to prove the relationship between self-care and efficient service provision among social workers. Therefore, self-care is important from the aspect of ethics and personal standpoints. Individuals need to develop their self-care plans, which do not compromise the time slotted for social work.
The case of Halima and Brad also requires the development of proper self-care plan because the interviews may be exhaustive. Self-care plan will also enable me to develop strategies for regular meetings with Halima to monitor her conditions and the progress. Through the self-care plans, I will be able to make use of the coordinated care plan approach by setting limits, and maintaining the boundaries between Halima and I as required in the Australian code of ethics for social work.
Ethical considerations in the Second interview
The ethical considerations in this second interview will be subject to the ethical practices and responsibilities outlined in the AASW. The constitution of the AASW recognizes the acquisition of the informed consent. The ethical consideration in the second interview will first regard the respect for persons, and the development of preconceived ideas about a person. The respect for persons will prevent indulgence in unnecessary issues with Halima. I will ensure I obtain Halima’s informed consent before making her to participate in the study. I will secure confidentiality and consider the possible consequences of interviewing Halima, given that the husband may not be pleased with the interview (Haahr 2014, pg. 8). Besides, I will consider the location of the interview and offer alternatives if need be.
The fact that I know Brad is also an ethical issue in this case. Since Brad in my former school mate, developing from preconceived ideas about him is an ethical issue. Perhaps he has changed and I do not need to judge him the way I used to see him in high school. Outlining the procedure for the interview will be another aspect of ethical consideration (Ponterotto 2010, pg. 581). From the pictures Halima showed me, I could recognize Brad as my former school mate. At this point, one of the ethical consideration is to show a lack of informed consent about Brad. Therefore, the interview will be conducted on neutral ground and enable Halima to share more during the interview.
As a social worker in Australia, I will first ensure my client understand the principles of the informed consent and the circumstances under which it may be required. I will provide information in cases where Halima may not be able to comprehend the contents of the informed consent. I will respect the rights of Halima to a relationship of trust, confidentiality, and privacy of her information. Privacy and security thus come first for interviewees so that they are assured the information they will share will not be leaked out. Security accompanies privacy. I will ensure I interview a closed building so that no intruder gets into the room. I will obtain the informed consent of Halima by informing her of what the interview entails in advance before beginning the interview. This may encompass the rational application of the previous advice home. Halima admits the situation back at home has changed a little, and they no longer starve as before. This implies something has changed regarding their lifestyle. For me to obtain the informed consent, I will thus first inform her of the starting point of the second based on the previous interview.
From the look of bruises on her face, Halima may possibly be undergoing domestic violence, and this is another ethical issue in the society, and this case in particular. Perhaps it is the husband upon realizing she came for the first interview. To prevent any of the similar occurrences, I will ensure the relationship between Brad and is not known at the initial stages. If Halima realizes Brad and I were in the same school, she may develop the fear of the unknown and not share some important information. The location of the interview will also be situated in a private place away from the locality of Halima because Brad may also seek my services since he knows my workplace. It will be important to change the venue for the interview.
Even though preventing the preconceived ideas about an individual may be difficult, I will avoid prejudgment as well. I will not presumably connect the actions of Brad in high school to the bruises on Halima’s face because human characters are bound to changes. I will outline the procedure for the interview so that Halima will get to know the steps one after the other. I will use paperwork only and no recording of any voice. This action will work by creating an ambient temperature for the interview. However, I will take notes on the wishes of Halima. She will also get her assent in writing and an explanation given where necessary. I will ensure the material is not exposed to secondary consumption based on the nature of Halima’s husband, who is proud and would possibly get angry when he realizes the wife attended the interview.
References
AASW, 2010. Code of ethics. Australian Association of Social Workers. Pp. 1-58
Banks, S., 2012. Ethics and values in social work. Macmillan International Higher Education. Pp. 45-78.
Boyle, C., 2014. Professional and interprofessional ethical considerations for practising psychologists in Australia. Exploring the dynamics of ethics in practice: Personal, professional and interprofessional dilemmas, pp.167-179.
Grinnell Jr, R.M. and Unrau, Y.A., 2010. Social work research and evaluation: Foundations of evidence-based practice. Oxford University Press. Pp. 11-75.
Haahr, A., Norlyk, A. and Hall, E.O., 2014. Ethical challenges embedded in qualitative research interviews with close relatives. Nursing ethics, 21(1), pp.6-15.
Healy, K., 2014. Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice. Macmillan International Higher Education. Pp.35
Herman, D., Manfred, J.A.H.N. and Marie-Laure, R.Y.A.N. eds., 2010. Routledge encyclopedia of narrative theory. Routledge. Pp. 32-52.
Hugman, R., 2013. An ethical perspective on social work. Social Work: A Reader. Pp. 1-56
K Hopper, E., L Bassuk, E. and Olivet, J., 2010. Shelter from the storm: Trauma-informed care in homelessness services settings. The Open Health Services and Policy Journal, 3(1). Pp. 334
McGarrigle, T. and Walsh, C.A., 2011. Mindfulness, self-care, and wellness in social work: Effects of contemplative training. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 30(3), pp.212-233.
Ponterotto, J.G., 2010. Qualitative research in multicultural psychology: Philosophical underpinnings, popular approaches, and ethical considerations. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 16(4), p.581.
Wagaman, M.A., Geiger, J.M., Shockley, C. and Segal, E.A., 2015. The role of empathy in burnout, compassion satisfaction, and secondary traumatic stress among social workers. Social work, 60(3), pp.201-209.