Professional social work principles

1. Mrs. Priya Antony
Assistant Professor
Department of Social Work
St. Joseph’s College, Autonomous, Thrissur,
Kerala
Principles of Social Work

2. What do you mean
by PRINCIPLES?

3. Principles
 Verbalized statement of an
observed uniformity
 General rules/laws
 The objectives of Social Work can
be fulfilled only within the frame
work of principles

4. Traditional Principles of Social Work
1. Principle of Individualization
2. Principle of meaningful relationship
3. Principle of Self determination
4. Principle of Acceptance
5. Principle of communication
6. Principle of social functioning
7. Principle of tuning behaviour
8. Principle of Social learning
9. Principle of Confidentiality

5. 1. P. of Individualization
 Belief in the uniqueness of the
individual
 Individualization takes place in 3
ways
1. Present
2. Past
3. Future

6. 2. P. of Meaningful
Relationship
 Differentiates from other
professions like medicine, law
 In social work Good interpersonal
relationship is desirable
 Essence of the service in every
setting
 Quality relationship
 Professional RLP

7. Difference b/w Social RLP &
Professional RLP
Social Relationship Professional
Relationship
Open ended Ends when the problem
is solved
Mutual relationship Helper helped
relationship
Developed by
situations
Developed by
demonstrating interests
of client

8. 3. P of Self Determination
 Right of client
 Self realization
 Helps the client see his problem
clearly
 Client uses inner resources

9. 4. P of Acceptance
 Accept client as he is & with all his
limitations
 Essential for RLP

10. 5. P of Communication
 IT is a two way process
 Helps this Royal road to
DIAGNOSIS
 The function of social worker is
principally
 to create an environment in which
the client will feel comfortable in
giving expression to his feelings
 The atmosphere includes client’s
trust & confidence

11. 6. P of Social Functioning
 The concept of social functioning
involves 2 sub concepts
1 TASK & 2 COPING
 Task implies the demands made
upon people by various life
situations
 Coping emphasizes the conscious,
cognitive & rational aspects of
behaviour also

12. 7. P Of Tuning Behaviour
3 Instruments of Human Being
BODY
MIND
INTELLECT

13. 8. P of Social learning

14. 9. P of Confidentiality

15. SOCIAL WORK PRINCIPLES
OBSERVATIONS &
ANALYSIS
DISCUSSION

16. Principles & Applications of Social
Work- In General
 Developing professional relationships
 Assessing & managing risk
 Acting with the informed consent of service
 Providing information
 Sharing information/ appropriately
 Authority in Accordance with Human Rights
 Empowering people
 Challenging the abuse of Human Right

17. Principles & Applications of Social
Work- In General
 Being prepared to Whistle Blow
 Maintaining confidentiality
 Maintaining clear & accurate records
 Striving for objectivity & self awareness in
professional Practice
 Professional Supervision & Peer Support to reflect on
& improve practice
 Responsibility for their own practice & continuing
Professional Practice
 Pacing responsibility for the professional
Development of others
 Contributing to Evaluation & Research