Introduction
Ethics in social work is an integral component of daily activity, alongside the theoretical justification for action and the legally enshrined authority to act. It is also comparable to determining the most effective way to solve a problem, securing the necessary economic support, and organizing the implementation of the decision. The professional ethics of social work are not exclusive to social workers, unlike those of other professions, but instead regulate the behavior of social work specialists. Ethics require professionals and their teams to serve the interests of society, the profession, their clients, and the groups they represent.
Developing Positive Relationships with Children and Young People
Social Care Ethics and Values Informing the Relationships
Ethical principles of social work with children include:
- The principle of tolerance is fundamental in social work ethics.
- Principle of respect for the child as an individual
- Principle of voluntariness.
- The principle of confidentiality.
- The principle of benevolence, unselfishness, honesty, and frankness.
Skills and Methods to Develop Positive Relationships
When working with children and adolescents, it is essential to avoid judgment and moralizing. This will help establish a relationship of trust, without which the worker cannot succeed (Macdonald & Millen, 2012). It is also necessary to use a personal approach to each patient. Any child referred to the social worker requires assistance. The degree of their individuality and dissimilarity to others is greatly influenced by their environment, bad habits, and many other factors.
To be effective, the scheme of working with such a child should take into account all these features (Eichsteller, 2014). Partnership and cooperation with medical, social, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions to support children is key to successful work, as each case typically involves the participation of multiple organizations and specialists.
Maintaining Professional Boundaries in Relationships
Additionally, when working with children, it is essential to clearly define professional boundaries to prevent misunderstandings and disruptions to the positive interactions between the social worker and the client. The counselor should remember that the private lives of children and adolescents are confidential, and if they do not want to talk about it, there is no need to force them.
Engaging with Children and Young People to Build Positive Relationships
It is worth noting that to build a successful relationship with a child or teenager, it is essential to interact with them as frequently as possible. This can involve showing interest in the patient’s hobbies and discussing them in detail. This way, the social worker can build a positive relationship with the child.
The primary rule of communicating with teenagers is to focus on their best qualities and highlight their strengths. It is essential to remember that this person considers himself a full-fledged adult and expects a corresponding respectful attitude from others. The individual inwardly seeks understanding and acceptance and is ready to cooperate if he receives it.
Addressing Concerns About Attachments and Relationships of Children and Youth
Sources of Advice and Support from Others
It is worth remembering that children and teenagers can experience attachment to their parents and friends. This can cause their relationships with their environment to become unacceptable. The social worker should be able to recognize attachment issues and work effectively with individuals experiencing these symptoms.
It is essential for the child to feel that their feelings and interests are valued by adults and taken into account in any decisions. Children can express their needs and know that they will be met whenever possible. For the child to better control his behavior, it is necessary to help him establish consistent boundaries for what is permissible. These boundaries must, on the one hand, be accessible to the child’s understanding and fulfillment, and, on the other hand, set limits for the child’s behavior that, in the parents’ opinion, are unacceptable.
Agreed Strategies Promoting Positive Attachments and Relationships
To foster a good relationship with the child, coordinated strategies must be developed and implemented. In this way, the client will feel included in the therapy process, knowing they are an essential part of it. The social worker will also be able to monitor the process and adjust it to create a positive attachment.
Monitoring Implemented Strategies
To monitor the implementation of strategies and identify areas of progress and areas for improvement, it is necessary to have ongoing conversations with the child. The social worker should monitor their behavior and communicate with caregivers or teachers as needed. It is also worth taking an interest in a child’s life and listening to their concerns. This will help track how the person thinks, what worries them, and what still needs improvement.
Reflecting on Own Practice in Supporting Positive Attachments
How Children and Young People Are Supported in Developing Positive Relationships
The ability to analyze one’s own practice of creating strong attachments and connections with children and young people is vital. This will require listening to more experienced workers, studying relevant literature, and engaging in constant practice. In my workplace, positive attachments and good relationships are fostered through games, conversations, small gifts for the child, and a welcoming attitude.
Own Approaches for Supporting Positive Relationships and Areas for Improvements
My approaches include communicating about the child’s daily life, listening to them, and engaging in play. These activities help me build trust and make friends with the client. However, I would like to improve my ability to adjust to different children and young people. Sometimes I find it challenging to work with clients who are irritable and uncooperative, refusing to engage or even insulting me. I want to develop this skill through constant practice, refresher courses, and stress management.
Conclusion
Thus, professional ethics is one of the fundamental theoretical foundations of a social worker’s professional activity. At the same time, professional ethics refers to the moral self-awareness of the professional group, its psychology, and the underlying values and principles that guide its actions. To work effectively with children, it is essential to develop skills that foster trusting relationships with them and accommodate their needs. I have identified that to become a highly skilled employee, I need to develop skills such as stress tolerance.
References
Eichsteller, G. (2014). Social Pedagogy–Discovering Young People’s Potential. ThemPra Social Pedagogy CIC.
Macdonald, G., & Millen, S. (2012). Therapeutic approaches to social work in residential child care settings: Literature review. Belfast, Northern Ireland: Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).