Federation of Social Workers [IFSW], 2017 p.1). As outlined in the AASW Code of Ethics (2010), social work practice is to be guided by the values of respect for persons, social justice and professional integrity. Along with these, the field of child protection is underpinned by child's rights and practices that are based on what is 'in the best interest of the child' (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2017). This is a human rights principle that was adopted from the United National Convention on the Rights of the Child and considered the primary consideration of all decisions and actions around their development and protection (O'connor, Wilson, Setterlund, & Hughes, 2008). However, within the complexity of the child protection field, social
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To be able to assess and respond professionally, social workers require a depth of understanding of neglect and abuse in relation to "poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, disability, colonisation and the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generation, homelessness, education, health and mental health" issues (AASW, 2013, p.3). Along with this, the legislation and organisational requirements they are obliged to follow, the AASW developed Practice Standards that outline the expectations of the social worker's role in accordance to the AASW and the practice responsibilities and requirements of the profession in respect of the social and political environment that found child wellbeing and protection practices (AASW Practice Standards, 2013). In the face of often complex, changing and unpredictable situations, contexts or issues such as these, decisions to act in professional practice often are founded on subjective judgements within relevant frameworks (Reimer, 2016). To provide less subjective decisions the AASW developed a Code of Ethics, which lies at the heart of all their policy and documentation (Gallagher, 2017). This document provides the foundational values and ethical responsibilities and obligations that social workers are expected to adhere to in their practice (AASW Practice Standards,
To be able to assess and respond professionally, social workers require a depth of understanding of neglect and abuse in relation to "poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, disability, colonisation and the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generation, homelessness, education, health and mental health" issues (AASW, 2013, p.3). Along with this, the legislation and organisational requirements they are obliged to follow, the AASW developed Practice Standards that outline the expectations of the social worker's role in accordance to the AASW and the practice responsibilities and requirements of the profession in respect of the social and political environment that found child wellbeing and protection practices (AASW Practice Standards, 2013). In the face of often complex, changing and unpredictable situations, contexts or issues such as these, decisions to act in professional practice often are founded on subjective judgements within relevant frameworks (Reimer, 2016). To provide less subjective decisions the AASW developed a Code of Ethics, which lies at the heart of all their policy and documentation (Gallagher, 2017). This document provides the foundational values and ethical responsibilities and obligations that social workers are expected to adhere to in their practice (AASW Practice Standards,