Running head: VALUES PAPER

Values Paper Wayne State University SW 3010 February 14, 2014 004389872

VALUES PAPER Values Paper This paper is about values as they pertain to my feelings. I thought this was difficult to

begin but, once I reviewed the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (NASW) I felt more confident. The NASW Code of Ethics is in place for Social Workers to have a guideline on how they are to treat their clients. We the students are being taught how to conduct ourselves toward our future clients. This is taught through the enforcement of the NASW Code of Ethics. The values that would be congruent and conflicting for me are 1.02 Self- Determination is each individuals right to make his or her own decisions.(Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2012, p. 397). This is congruent for me because I would apply this to my clients by making sure that they have resources, and know exactly what their options are in all situations. The value that is conflicting for me would be 1.14 Clients Who Lack Decision Making Capacity, the social worker should always keep the clients rights and well-being in mind at all times.(Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2012, p. 402). This would be conflicting for me because as a social worker you want to always protect your clients, but depending on the severity of their problems and the possible inability to fully comprehend, I may not have the answers that they are willing to agree with. Yes, I will do everything in my power to find the answers, but if doing so, does not help my client to fully understand, this is where I would become conflicted. Was there a better choice, could I have made myself more clear on the options and circumstances? The values I see being helpful as I practice social work would be 1.02 SelfDetermination and 1.04 Competence. I believe these two values to go hand and hand. Again, I want what is best for my clients and you cannot provide the best if you are not making your first

VALUES PAPER priority concern for the clients well-being. You as social worker cannot be successful in that goal if you are not competent in your field of practice. I would have to say that a life experience that helped shape my values and support my beliefs in the social work value as described in the text and the NASW Code of Ethics was an unwanted visit to the Friend of the Court (FIC). The year was 1996 and I was in the middle of a horrible divorce and custody battle. The judge ordered my then husband and I to see a mediator. I remember feeling very intimidated when I walked into the building and got off that elevator.

The room was filled with people and I was like why am I here. I was there because at the time of my divorce I worked part- time and there was no way that I could support my son and myself on my salary. The biggest insult at the time was the judge initially making my then husband pay only 25 dollars a week. I thought are you SERIOUS! Lets reflect here, my son attended Catholic School to the tune of 400 dollars a month, he had horrible allergy problems he is a finicky eater, and he was growing like a weed. Needless to say, the FIC agent I finally spoke with alone was a god send. She made me feel comfortable. She actually listened unlike the judge. The agent agreed that 25 dollars would not help my son and I , that she would immediately put in a change and because our son was 4 years old at the time that we had to be counseled to make sure that this divorce was the right choice and that there was no way we would reconcile. Well, I could appreciate her taking the time to help me see and understand the suggestions she had made for the next 6 months to be followed through the courts and the FIC pertaining to our situation. You could not imagine the shame and embarrassment that a woman goes through when divorcing, you do a lot of soul searching and reevaluating of your life. But, I would have to say on the chance that I got an agent who showed competence, respect, empathy, sympathy, I could go on and on, but in a nut shell she applied the NASW Code of Ethics toward me and my situation.

VALUES PAPER The population that I would have the most difficult time serving or advocating for is a

Child Abuser. What I have learned about this population has occurred in my place of occupation, which is an emergency department. When you find out that a child has been abused, you immediately want to help that child. I am fortunate to work with some wonderful physicians, social workers, and nurses the process of discovery is the most upsetting, because you feel so bad for the child already and then they have the uncomfortable questions, the tests and the kits that are performed. It is especially disheartening when you find out it may be one of the parents there with the patient. No there is no religious or spiritual reason I would not be able to help a child abuser. The way I would assist a child abuser in a non-judgmental way is to definitely apply the NASW Code of Ethics 4.02 Discrimination, actively thwarting any cruelty, unfairness, or discrimination workers observe is their responsibility. This standard really places the ultimate responsibility upon the individual worker to make certain that service is provided fairly and people are treated justly.(Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2012, p. 408) and Integrity and Profession, social workers should strive to maintain and enhance professional knowledge, values, and ethics. (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2012, p. 409). I would demonstrate these ethical codes by doing exactly as stated. I am to actively advocate for this person to try to get them the help needed so they will hopefully not hurt anyone again. Also, if given the opportunity I would respectfully refer this client to someone elses care by letting them know that at this level of treatment I would need to refer you to a specialist, someone more qualified to help you with this issue so that you are not shorted on treatments available to you. In conclusion, my decision to become a social worker has been affected by this assignment, by the fact that it makes me want it even more. The questions of values made you

VALUES PAPER have to go deep within yourself, for what I felt would be right to be able to practice social work affectively. My future plans are to continue to receive this quality education from Wayne State

University so that I may one day become a Social Work Practitioner. I want to make a difference in someones life because I cared enough to apply the NASW Code of Ethics in everyday values toward my clients and community.

VALUES PAPER References Kirst-Ashman, K., & Hull, G. (2012). Understanding Generalist Practice Custom Edition for Wayne State University (Sixth Edition ed.). Wayne State University, MI: Brooks/ Cole.