Anti-discriminatory parctice and social care work.

by footygirl (student)

Assessment task 1b

In this essay I am going to be outlining the definition of anti-discriminatory its main values that underpin it,also looking into the way my working place promotes the anti-discriminatory act and how it influences my role as a social care worker. Furthermore I will be outlining the legislations that underpin anti-discriminatory practice and how it influences the role of a social worker.

In order for us to understand the anti-discriminatory issues being faced by service users and care givers I have listed a few of the many discrimination types that are outlawed in the new legislation.

Direct discrimination- when someone is less favored because of their characteristic.

Associative discrimination- Direct discrimination against an individual because they are associated with another person who possesses a protected characteristic.

Discrimination by perception- This is direct discrimination against someone because others think they possess a particular protected characteristic.

Indirect discrimination- when there is a policy that applies to everyone but disadvantages an individual with a protected characteristic.

Harassment- Behavioral that is deemed offensive by the recipient.

Victimization- this occurs when someone is treated badly because they have made or supported a complaint or grievance under this legislation.

Anti-discriminatory practice is an action taken to prevent discrimination against people(service users) on the grounds of disability,(1) gender, (2)class,(3) race etc. As a care worker you are personally accountable for ensuring that you promote and protect the interests and dignity of patients. With the government introducing anti-discrimination policies in work places the practice promotes equality not only in social care settings but also in society as a whole. When saying equality of care – it means being able to provide care that does not differ in quality because of someone's ethnicity, geographical location, or personal characteristics. Anti-discriminatory policy in work places – by introducing this policy in work organisation's it creates a framework for good practice, designed to prevent discrimination against individuals on the basis of physical ability, marital status, health status, cognitive ability.

The values that underpin anti-discriminatory is the equality of welfare which entitles individual's to be treated with dignity and respect from their care givers. There has been a code of practice for professional values which have been set by the care councils, they state what social care workers must undertake in order to provide efficient care. Some examples included in the code of practice are as follows

1. Respecting individuals privacy and dignity

2. promoting independence whilst keeping them far as possible from danger

3. Confidentiality also being dependable and reliable

4. Use of professional power in a ...

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1. Respecting individuals privacy and dignity

2. promoting independence whilst keeping them far as possible from danger

3. Confidentiality also being dependable and reliable

4. Use of professional power in a responsible manner.

References

1. The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) s

2. General Social Care Council (2002)

3. www.scsw's.com

As we live in a society where everyone has a right freedom of thought and expression it is very hard to control the discrimination many people are facing, but as professionals in preparation we have to take on a clear understanding of the responsibilities to treat all our colleagues and service users (patients) with equality and fairness regardless of our opinions (freedom of expression and thought). These commitment equalities are clearly expressed in our professional codes of conduct. Some examples that are outlined in the code of conduct are as follows

1. “we must not allow our views about patients,clients or service users, sex, age, colour, race, disability,sexuality, social or economic status,lifestyle, culture or religious beliefs to affect the way you treat them.”

References

1. Health and social care OCR student book- page 79

2. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/9096635/Elderly-ignored-and-treated-as-objects-in-care-system.html

Within my working place anti-discriminatory practice is promoted through having written policies and procedures in place to enable care assistants to meet the code of practice for social care. Also making sure people employed in the care setting are suitable for the workforce and understand their roles and responsibilities, this might include making sure their recruitment policies include CRB checks and training before they commence work e.g health and safety, moving and handling, risk assessment, data protection, discrimination and harassment. Without adequate policies and procedures out in place workers in the care settings might not be in position to practice in an ethical manner. Continuous professional development in my working place is a must as we have to develop our skills and knowledge of new legislation's to enable us to continue with our work in an effective way. Furthermore in the managers office there are written policies and procedures to help deal with dangerous, discriminatory behavior in the organization. The policy will be monitored and reviewed in a manner proportionate to the size of our firm on a regular basis to measure its progress and judge its effectiveness. Having these legislations in my working place can promote a positive impact upon individuals e.g Builds someone's self esteem, empower control, positive working practices include, needs-led assessment, person centered, planning practice .

Reference

1. General Social Care Council (2002)

1. Thompson, N. (2001) Anti-discriminatory Practice (3rd edition). Basingstoke: Macmillan

1. Mas low holistic care

Within a care setting organization there are certain legislations that help to underpin anti-discriminatory practice and influence my role as a social care worker. I am going to outline some of the main legislation and their purpose.

1. Equality Act 2010- The purpose of this act is to strengthen the law on discrimination and to promote equality. As a care worker this helps me to be aware of my rights and the person I am caring for to get help with information and things that society might deem as not necessary due to discrimination. Furthermore it enables me to seek help when facing harassment or discrimination because of my age, caring role disability etc.

2. Race Relations Act 1976- The purpose of this act is to address racial discrimination this act outlawed the discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, ethnicity, or national origins. As a social care worker this law influences my role in being able to improve and take proactive steps to making things work for everyone, not just one side, this act promotes awareness of diversity in social community and more, a good diversity can help contract direct and indirect acts of discrimination which might occur as a result to ignorance or lack of education.

3. Representation Of The People Act 1918- This act was the first to include practically all men in the political system and began the inclusion of women. This act is really influential in the care setting field as it allows me to express my views if there is something being done wrong without the fear of being made redundant etc. It also gives the service users a right to ask for a male/female support worker-carer.

References

1. http://legislation.co.uk/

1. General Social Care Council (2002)

Teacher Reviews

Here's what a teacher thought of this essay

Diane Apeah-Kubi

25th of Mar 2013

The essay claims to outline the definition of anti-discriminatory practice yet I did not note where this was done. The types of discrimination are outlined but it is not stated where the types originated from; further there was mention of

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