Ethical Standards In Social Work

To be able to give a voice to the voiceless is the most meaningful, humble and beautiful experience I can ever do in my life. Unlike most social workers, I did not grow up knowing that social work is what I wanted to do. Instead, the only thing I knew for sure of was an innate need to make a positive influence in other people’s lives. Starting from a young age, life never came easy; with a broken home and living in poverty in a single parent household. I became a single mother at the age of 15 and dropped out of high school. Growing up in a small town, I, and many others were extremely underrepresented and were shown to just get on welfare and forget about dreams of a future. I decided a few years later that I refuse to become another statistic …show more content…
However, for the purpose of this paper, the standards can be described as followed; as a social worker, I must not harm those I serve in any way. I will look out for the best interests of the people I serve first and foremost. I should be competent in the work I perform for people and use my best judgement. To provide the upmost respect to the individuals regardless of their circumstances. Aside from ethical standards to my clients, I would also have to uphold ethical standards to my colleagues and the community. Be reviewing the code of ethics often and using common sense, I can ensure my responsibility to ethical standards are met and exceeded. When I think of social justice, the first thought that comes to mind is “Justice for All” from the United States Pledge of Allegiance. This to me means that everyone regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, sexuality, etc. all deserve the same fair treatment. My responsibility as a social worker is to provide social justice by never discriminating, treating clients with dignity and the respect they deserve. I have the right to make decisions about my life, I am able to defend my own rights, and I know how to express my needs and wants. Unfortunately, there are groups of people in our communities that don’t have the luxuries you and I have to speak up for themselves or know how to. Advocacy for such groups of individuals is absolutely necessary to give a voice to the voiceless and to match needs and wants to services at the appropriate agency. It is my responsibility to be aware of cultural differences. I believe this starts with being aware of my own and realizing how important my culture is to me. Knowledge and appreciation of my own culture opens so many doors to comprehend those cultures of