British Journal of Social Work : Scenario - Reflective Writing

Internal Code : MAS961

Reflective Writing

Task 1: The Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics states,‘Ethics is concerned with the conditions for the flourishing on human societies, with power sharing and avoidance if possible of causing more harm than good (AASW, 2010). Upon reflecting on my values and the Australian Association of Social Work, I found that my personal values and the social work professions values were very closely aligned. For example, I strive to act in a way that is inclusive of others, values each and every person’s individuality by showing respect and accepting people’s differences (including their personal values). I value honesty and strive to act in a way that is accountable to service users, my employer and the social work profession, as well as my own personal conscience. As a social worker I must have an understanding of the social, political and historical context in which decisions are made, the human relationships, the management decisions and the involvement of multiple interests, all of which impact on decisions and the situational context in which they are made. With these values in mind, tensions may occasionally arise between observing the Code and complying with legal or organisational requirements although acting in accordance with the law and organisational directives is above all (AASW, 2010). My values have been influenced by factors such as being Euro-Australian, female, Catholic, a member of generation Y and my lived experiences. I believe my caring empathetic nature has been influenced by my Catholic primary education and religious beliefs, which were imposed upon me from my family. I highly value family bonds, which I believe comes from the lack of strong family bonds in my own life. As a social worker I must remain aware and always critically reflect on how this value may be both beneficial and detrimental when working with families and more importantly, when a child is at risk from their family. As in the case of Seth Atley-Haines, ethical practice often requires us to make tough decisions in arenas that are fraught with difficulties and in which emotions and differences abound. The choice is not often what is right or wrong but rather what is best or worst in the situation (Harries, Lonne  Thomson, 2006). Question :  Critically reflect on my personal values and how these may impact my practice if I were assigned to be the Child Protection Worker for Seth after he is admitted to hospital (In Chapter 6, pp. 105-113, I came to say Goodbye) and consider how the AASW Code of Ethics may guide my practice with consideration to the values I hold and the legal requirements. Task 2: The key theories that make up my vision for practice include an anti-oppressive approach while also acknowledging the cultural assumptions in which the approach is based, a holistic Indigenous framework and the use ofGibbs Reflective Cycle (1998) (Chenoweth & McAuliffe, 2012).I am drawn to use an anti-oppressive framework in which I structure the relationships I have with service users in a way that aims to empower the individual and reduce the negative effects of hierarchy I possess as a worker. I strive to share the power as equally as possible by involving clients throughout every decision and by making the processes and outcomes transparent and informative for the client. (Connolly & Harms, 2015). I am drawn to use anti-oppressive practice as it is a client-centred, emancipatory approach with aims to empower the service user by taking control of their own lives and situations whilst being equipped in the necessary skills and knowledge to accomplish their goals (Dominelli, 2002). This approach can legitimately be applied within statutory and interpersonal practice settings, and does not assume that practice within these settings has to be intrusively oppressive (Connolly & Harms, 2015). Critical reflections and discourse can be used as a way for decolonization and, to reduce replicating or empowering colonialism and Eurocentric hegemony (Absolon, 2010). My vision for practice requires my commitment to consciousness raise, politicize and critically analyse the existing unequal power structures and reject hegemonic belittling within society. I believe having interpersonal skills such as honesty, warmth, and empathy are vital qualities to help build and maintain helping relationships, particularly important when working with children and adolescents. These qualities are core skills in listening and questioning and is involved in techniques of change, as a component of persuasiveness or social influence which can be beneficial when working with children and families, helping them feel more comfortable in a statutory situation. (Lishman, 1994). I am inclined to these approaches because they can legitimately be adopted within this statutory setting in order to ensure and promote equality and empowerment for the service user (Connolly & Harms, 2015). Furthermore, as a White worker I strive to practice appropriately and respectfully with Indigenous peoples in order to achieve positive processes and outcomes for Australia’s most disadvantaged Peoples. Question : Discuss the key theories and skills that make up my vision for practice and critically reflect on and discuss why I am drawn to these theories and how these will assist in achieving socially-just rights-based practice. Task 3: In this scenario, (See Chapter 16 pp. 213-235, I came to say goodbye), the Child Safety Officers (social workers), whowere acting on behalf of the State,were at the hospital to take Savannah immediately after birth and placeher into foster care; this was due to her mother losing her parental rights in accordance with legislative policies. Although Kat and David (Savannah’s Aunt and Uncle) were awarded adoption prior to Savannah’s birth, Savannah was to be placed into the care of the State because the child’s mother had no parental rights and the policy procedures require more paper work to be finalised which must be sanctioned by a court. This decision is influenced by the mandates of their role of acting on behalf of the State, influenced by legislative policies and procedures. Legislative provisions can and do differ across States and Territories in regard to child protection, guardianship, adoption and related matters as it falls under State jurisdiction (Rice& Day, 2014). In this scenario, the Matron of the hospital declined the requests of the Child Protection Officers to remove the newborn from the hospital to be placed immediately into care due to her ethical values and responsibilities to the child and mother, considering it both abuse to the child and mother. If I were to apply my vision for practice to the scenario from a socially just and rights based perspective, ensuring social barriers, inequities and injustices are being addressed with consideration to the practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels, I would need to address the following: Prior to the birth of the child, I would ensure that the adoptive parents of the child at risk are correctly informed about the policy procedures, in order to minimise harm and maximise stability and security on arrival of the newborn. I would use language that is respectful and appropriate in order for the service users to fully understand the procedures. I would also explain my role in protecting and carrying out the duties of the State in order to create common ground around protecting the child. By having the legislative power to draw up the schedule that all parties need to follow, I must make it appropriate, taking into account the needs of the child of focus including nap and feeding times in order for healthy developing. I feel the Child Protection workers abused their power and caused the adoptive parents, Katand David,distress as they did not know where or to whom their child was going, and feeling as if the social workers were obsessed with rules and their authority. For example, waving papers around saying they’re the legal guardians and upon the first visit, the Department took Savanah from the room to examine her, upon second visit the Department social workers walked in, scooped Savanah up and walked out. I believe the adoption assessment requirements and legislation does not takeinto account the vulnerability of individuals and could create homelessness at the expense of the adoption or could risk an adoption being successful, neither of which are desirable outcomes. For example, the fact that Donna-Faye lived with her sister Kat and brother-in- law David would be a violation, as she was not allowed to live with her baby nor was Kat and David allowed to supply other housing for Donna-Faye as it could be construed as a bribe. In order for me to fulfil my vision for practice and practice from asocially-just and rights- based perspective, ensuring social barriers, inequities and injustices are being addressed at the micro, mezzo and macro levels, I must ensure that I am aware of the power my role carries and actively work to change policies and attitudes that promote equality and social justice. Question : critically analyse how the context, structures, processes and legislation impacted the decisions that were made in the scenario of: Being one of the Child Safety Officers present at Savannah’s Birth (see Chapter 16 pp. 213-235, I came to say goodbye). Furthermore, I discuss how I would apply my vision for practice to the scenario, from a socially-just and rights-based perspective to ensure social barriers, inequities and injustices are being addressed with consideration to the practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels.