Service User Perspectives: Losing sight of the value base
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource you should understand the impact on others when professional values are not observed.
Values in social work are significant for many different reasons including helping us to maintain a sense of identity, highlighting dilemmas, understanding the dangers of being judgemental, and helping to see the wider context in which social workers operate (Thompson and Thompson, 2008, p.128). Moreover, working with people who are experiencing a difficult and often constantly changing and evolving situation, it could be easy to lose focus of what's important.
In the following case study, Liam talks about working with his social worker Petra after the death of his wife, and the effects on him when, in her actions, Petra lost sight of the value base.
Reflective Questions
- What values are in the professional value base?
- Which professional values has Petra lost sight of in the example Liam provides?
- If you were Liam's social worker, how might you have handled the situation when you heard about the accident in light of the professional value base?
- How might the professional value base be challenged by the personal values of those you are working with? How might these challenges be overcome?
Reference:
N Thompson and S Thompson (2008) The Social Work Companion. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.