Conclusion

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We have seen in this learning object that professionals such as Rachel, Gloria and Nimo can respond to families in a range of different ways that reflect their personal and professional values.

However it is not simply fairer and more reasonable for practitioners to respond in the way that Nimo did. Most practitioners such as social workers, health care professionals or teachers are accountable to professional bodies with which they are registered.

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When a practitioner registers with a professional body they sign up to that body's Code of Practice. A common feature of these codes is a commitment to ethical practice with the users of services. Taking the General Social Care Council (GSCC) code as an example social care workers are required to conduct themselves in a manner that is:

"Supporting service users' rights to control their lives and make informed choices about the services they receive."

Nimo, therefore, is working in a manner that reflects these.

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Practitioners who work with families can have considerable power. The issues workers confront can be complex and emotive. It is vital that practitioners understand the limits of their legal mandate and responsibility as required by professional codes of conduct for fair and ethical practice.

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We will conclude this learning object with a family member underlining the importance of basing practice on sound values, eg. respecting the individual.

The main message here is:

The experience of poverty is not just about money - It is about dignity and self-respect for parents and children.

Transcript

'Huge difference. You may not have any more money, but if you are allowed to have your dignity and your pride, if you feel respected by others around you then, you can cope with things better.

If you are terrified that everything you do, every little thing you do wrong, you are going to be judged on and going to be thought less of a person for, then you are going to make big mistakes, you are going to panic all the time or you are going to shut out services that can help you.

If you know you can approach those services and be treated respectfully and not feel humiliated, you have your dignity intact, it helps you to cope and it means that the next time there is a crisis you are more likely to go back. That is the thing, if someone is treated really badly they will fight off services, resist services no matter how much they need them. If they feel they are going to be treated with respect, they will go back when they need it and that is how we protect our children, by going to where the services are, getting what we need. If we are frightened of the services, if we are scared of them, we don't go.'