Effective Social Workers Paper

Effective Social Workers use research findings to improve practice, policy and to shape the way in which they interact and deliver services to clients (2.1.6). Field experiences have provided the opportunity to learn and appreciate how research-based evidence impacts and informs best practices when understanding human behavior and interactions (2.1.6.b). Nearly all decisions made as a Social Worker, is supported through a theoretical basis that reinforces values behind that particular determination. For example; when students are in need of basic necessities such as food or clothes, they are immediately provided by the school as research supports in order for individuals to grow they must have their most basic needs met first. Practice knowledge …show more content…
As a result, it is important that we work to advocate and encage in policies that protect the rights of our clients and ensure their needs are adequately met. A particular barrier that we are continuing to experience in the field placement setting is the policy addressing attendance in the public school setting in the state of South Carolina. Although, the policy states that students are not to receive more than ten absences per school year, it is nearly impossible to enforce that expectation. Students who are in excess of ten absences per year are subject to being brought to court. However, as long as the guardian provides written documentation for the excess of abscess that child is excused and as a result the missed days are forgiven. This allows children to miss an excessive amount of educational instruction and leaves the school unable to protect the child’s need and right to a proper education. Understanding the value and importance that policy implications have on our social work practice, directly affects our ability to be successful in our practice. For this reason, as professionals it is our responsibility to remain aware and advocate for policies that will benefit the individuals and populations that we