____________________________________________ Professional Ethics and Law in California, 2nd Edition
2. Practicing ethically: Practicing in an ethical manner involves education in and an understanding of ethics and a willingness to tolerate the ambiguity encoun- tered in ethical dilemmas. Social workers need to use ethical reasoning to come to principled decisions. 3. Using critical thinking and professional judgment: Social workers need to use evidence-based knowledge and good sense, and they need to be able to com- municate well. 4. Embracing diversity: Social workers need to be aware of the effects of the surrounding culture on individuals, be it oppression and marginalization or privileging and empowering. They need also to be aware of their own biases and preconceptions. 5. Advancing human rights and socioeconomic justice: Social workers must understand the inequities and work to improve social and economic justice. Concerning the core concept of practicing with profes- sionalism, it is important to note that professionalism, though it is in many ways intertwined with ethics, does not have exactly the same meaning. Ethical principles lay the foundation for ethical practice, but the principles in and of themselves mean nothing unless the professional honors them. Professionalism is sometimes hard to define, but it is recognizable. To be a professional implies practicing one’s lifework at a higher level. The relationships among social workers, clients, and society are based on trust. Clients and society trust that social workers will behave in the best interest of their clients at all times, and that they will stay abreast of the latest developments in their profession and in the technology that has become such an integral part of communication and documentation. ETHICS IN CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND SOCIAL DIVERSITY Cultural competence and social diversity in mental health practice recognizes that mental health professionals provide services that are sensitive to each client’s culture. Demonstrat- ing ethical cultural competence includes: • Being knowledgeable about culture and its impact on human behavior; • Recognizing and appreciating the strengths found in cultures; and • Considering the nature of social diversity and oppression . According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021), cultural competence, in general, is defined as: “The ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and faiths or religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families,
tribes and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each.” Due to societal and cultural changes occurring in the 21st century, understanding cultural competence is an ongo- ing learning process and a vehicle to broaden knowledge and understanding about individuals and communities. Mental health practitioners should understand five ele- ments of cultural competence that include: • Valuing diversity cross-culturally in behaviors, practices, policies, attitudes, and structures; • Conducting cultural self-assessment to assess for personal and professional proficiency in cultural competence; • Managing the dynamics of difference within natural, formal, or informal support and helping networks within clinical settings; • Acquiring and integrating cultural knowledge by seeking out information and consultation and practice application; and • Adapting to diversity and cultural contexts that include policies, structures, values, and services . According to the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Chapter 1, General Provisions, 5600.2 (California Legislative Information, 2020b), “systems of care” need to: (1) Acknowledge and incorporate the importance of culture, the assessment of cross-cultural relations, vigilance towards dynamics resulting from cultural differences, the expansion of cultural knowledge, and the adaptation of services to meet culturally unique needs. (2) Recognize that culture implies an integrated pattern of human behavior, including language, thoughts, beliefs, communications, actions, customs, values, and other institutions of racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups. (3) Promote congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies enabling the system, agencies, and mental health professionals to function effectively in cross-cultural institutions and communities. DEFINING LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE According to the National Center for Cultural Compe- tence (2020), linguistic competence is defined as: “The capacity … to communicate effectively, and con- vey information in a manner that is easily understood by diverse audiences including persons of limited English proficiency, those who have low literacy skills or are not literate, individuals with disabilities, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.”
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