•Social work practice principles

•Principles are the guidelines to work with clients

•The principles of social work are applied in establishing:

•close relationship between social worker and the client

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•Contd…

•Relationship is the medium through which changes are brought in the behavior and personality of the client.

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•The term “relationship” in social casework was used  for the first time time by Virginia Robinson in her book, A changing psychology in social casework” in 1939.

•1.Principle of self- determination

•Social worker recognize the “right and need of clients to freedom in making their own choices and decisions” (Biestek, 1957)

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•Self – Determination acknowledges that sound growth comes from within or, as Hollis Taylor(1967) says:

•For this growth from within to occur there must be freedom –

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•CONTD…

•Freedom to think

• freedom to choose

• freedom from condemnation,

• freedom from coercion,

• freedom to make mistakes as well as to act wisely

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•Contd…

•Self –Determination means not being coerced and manipulated

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•Freedom or liberty to make choices, choices depend on alternatives

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•Responsible social workers create working relationship in which client’s exercise choices

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•Contd…

•Imposing solutions

• Treating clients as subordinates( treating clients as less important)

•  Manipulating client’s decisions are all coercive behaviors that limit client’s self-Determination

•Contd…

•According to Biestek (1957)

Limits of self- Determination are :

•Legal restriction

•Agency rules

• Standards(moral principles)

•Eligibility requirements and client's ability to make decisions

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•CONTD…

•Social workers guide the helping processes, rather than maneuver clients.

•Clients needs travel guides, not directive travel agents (Reynolds, 1951)

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2.Principles of Non- judgmental attitude

    An important quality that a social worker must possess

    Foundational to effective working relationship

  It is imperative that social workers communicate a non- judgmental attitude towards others

   Acceptance  of others and a belief  in the worth and dignity of every human beings are values that the social work profession holds.

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•Contd…

• It signifies worker's non blaming attitudes and behavior

•Social worker “does not blame the client, as good or bad, worthy or unworthy

•Nonjudgmental social work excludes:

• Assigning guilt or innocence, or degree of client responsibility for causation of the problems or needs

•CONTD….

•The social workers do make professional judgments or decisions every day about alternative approaches and appropriate solutions.

•Nonjudgmentalism is important throughout the helping processes, it is especially crucial in the initial stages.

•Contd..

•First impression do counts! And first impression have a lasting effects

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•As they act as a screen through which people filter subsequent interactions.

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•Non judgmental attitudes  during initial contacts set the stage for developing ongoing, effective working relationship

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•Contd…

•Non judgmentalism is a principle that should be applied universally

• 3.Principle of acceptance

Treat the client humanely and afford them Dignity and worth(understand human uniqueness)

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•Accept the client as she/he is and with all her/his limitation

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• Include his/her congenial and uncongenial qualities

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•Include her/his strength and weakness

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•Include  his/her positive or negative feelings

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•Contd…

•Express general concern

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•Listen receptively

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•Acknowledge client’s points of view( welcome theirs views and perspectives)

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•Create mutual respect

•‘Love the sinner and hate the sin’

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•Barriers for Acceptance

•Lack of self awareness

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•Insufficient knowledge of human behavior

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•Projection of personal perspective onto client’s situations

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•Prejudicial attitudes

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•Unwarranted reassurance

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• 4.Principle of Individualization

•“Starting where the client is”

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•Individualization is based on the right of human being to be individualized

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•Treat clients as person with right and needs rather than as object, “case” or “yet another appointment”

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•To be treated not just as a human being, but with his/her personal difference

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•Contd…

•The social worker must understand the unique nature of each individual and each change situation

•Understand the ability of clients to successfully use selected intervention strategies

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•Individualization allows social worker to make judgment about where and how to begin

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•Contd…

Avoid bias , prejudice, labeling and stereotyping

Communicating respect for the specialness of the clients that social worker is serving

The mode of helping (Technique) must be according to the Intellectual level, socio-economic situation and ego strength, one’s capacity and resource.

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•5.Principles of purposeful expression of feelings

•Emotion are integral part of human beings

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•People experience a range of feelings

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•Clients need to have opportunities to express their feelings freely(Biestek,1957)

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•Social workers need to direct clients to express their feelings  purposefully

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•Contd…

•The purpose may be to relieve pressure or tension in a way that releases the client for positive or constructive  actions

•By listening attentively, asking relevant questions, encourage clients to share both facts and feelings

•Expression of feelings solidifies relationships, brings feelings into open and provides opportunities for demonstrating psychosocial support.

•Expression of feelings serve a purpose in the process of discovering solutions

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•6. Principle of controlled emotional involvement

•Understand client’s feelings and emotion but does not involve in his/her problem

•Social caseworkers achieved controlled emotional involvement through their expression of empathy

•Workers “feel with” others- that is they sense and respond to others feelings

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•Contd…

•Empathy is the healing balm

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•“Put yourself into the shoes of your clients”

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•Empathy empowers client to work toward goals and make plans for change

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