Values and Ethical Practice - Level 9

During their practice learning opportunity and whilst at HEI, students must demonstrate that they can practise ethically. This means that they have been observed treating service users and carers with respect, promoting dignity.

Students need to demonstrate that they are aware of the impact of discrimination on service users and have taken responsibility to challenge this in an appropriate way. With reference to child care and protection, students need to demonstrate that they are aware of how children can be particularly discriminated against and how this can add to their vulnerability. For example, Kennedy states "large numbers of disabled children use an alternative form of communication and a range of methods to communicate" (in Wilson and James 2004, 152) and in her research found practitioners did not have the skills to communicate. Students need to show they are aware of their responsibility to access additional support services.

Building on previous input on balancing the needs of children and their parents, students should demonstrate, either in practice or using case studies, that they can continue to work in an environment where the views of the service user may be in conflict with their assessment and subsequent actions. For example, a student working in a drug and alcohol team may disagree with the parent's own assessment of the impact of their substance misuse on parenting capacity.

Students need to demonstrate while on practice learning opportunities that they have achieved a balance between treating service users with respect and dignity and not being over familiar. The SSSC Codes of Practice reflects this noting that social workers must not "form inappropriate personal relationships with service users" (2003, 5.4). Students need to be clear about the personal/professional boundaries. An example would be that it would be inappropriate for them to offer to provide substitute care for a vulnerable child in response to a lack of resources.