Principles of social work are declarations of what to do and what not to do to achieve the best results while conducting social work. They serve as a reference point for professionals performing fieldwork. The principles of social work are applied to establish a meaningful and purposeful relationship between a social worker and the client.
1. Principle of Acceptance
The social worker and client practitioner must accept each other to achieve optimum results. The social worker accepts the client as he is and all his limitations. They believe that acceptance is the crux of all help. It embraces two basic ideas, one negative and one positive. They do not condemn or feel hostile towards a client because his/her behavior differs from the approved one. Later, they try to modify his/her behavior step by step.
No effective relationship is possible without accepting the client. When the social worker shows any dislike or indifference, it may keep the client away, and a positive relationship may not be established. Acceptance involves observance of common courtesies, respect for his ideas, and treating him as equal to self; for example, leaving the chair, wishing him, moving forward to receive or see him off, respecting appointments, etc.
2. Principle of Communication
Communication between the social worker and the client is critical in social work. Communication can be verbal (spoken or written) or nonverbal (using gestures, signs, or actions to convey a message). Communication is a two-way process. There must be proper communication between the social worker and the client, which helps them to understand each other properly. It is the road to the identification of the client’s problem. The function of social work is primarily to create an environment in which the client feels comfortable expressing her/his feelings, centered on effective communication between them.
3. Principle of Individualization
Individualization is a key principle that supports efficient social work practice. Social work believes in the uniqueness of an individual. Each individual is different from every other individual’s nature. The social worker views each client’s problem as specific and helps the client move forward, finding the most satisfactory means for the client to deal with a particular problem situation.
4. Principle of Worth and Dignity
A social worker treats everyone with compassion and respect, mindful of individual and cultural differences, including religious and spiritual diversity. A social worker approaches clients holistically, utilizing professional roles, guidelines, and assessment labels in a collaborative and flexible manner that respects the client’s values and community. They also work hard to establish respectful relationships across differences and seek consensus for cooperation. They recognize and value the fundamental human desires for worth, goals, ethics, and significant relationships.
5. Principle of Confidentiality
The relationship is based on trust. You must recognize that what passes between you and your client is confidential. Assume that all information is given in trust and, therefore, confidential unless permission is given to use it in another context. The social worker believes that during the professional help between the client and the social worker, the client has the right to personal information about themselves in a relationship with a social agency.
Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the client’s rights and an ethical responsibility of social workers. It plays a crucial role in ensuring effective social work practice. Everyone prefers to keep his things to himself and save it from leaking out, unless disclosing it is more beneficial to the process.
6. Principle of Determination
Respecting client autonomy and their right to make independent choices and decisions is essential. However, the client’s ability to make positive and constructive decisions could affect this right. Encourage self-help as a means of growing self-confidence and the ability to take on more responsibility for one’s affairs. Personal growth and development are facilitated when individuals are able to make choices and decisions, allowing them to take responsibility for their actions and emotions. The social worker should understand that these rights are limited and not absolute. There are clients who are unable to make proper decisions by themselves. For example, children, adults, mentally retarded people, or mentally ill people should not be given this to harm themselves.
7. Principle of Self-Awareness
Social workers should know their strengths and limitations when dealing with clients’ problems. They should understand what services their agency provides and what resources they have to serve the clients. If they feel that the client’s problem is beyond their capacity, the client should be transferred to the appropriate authority.
8. Principle of Participation
The purpose of the social work process is to engage the person himself in coping with problems that confront him. With this client-worker relationship, the client’s active participation is encouraged. His problem is his own definition of the situation, his own analysis of his current and possible alternate modes of adjustment, and his active use of all of his own resources to achieve socially acceptable and satisfying goals. They enable the clients to see and face the situation, and the possible alternative courses of action and their consequences
9. Principle of Meaningful Relationship
A relationship is the basis of all help. The purpose of establishing relationships in social work is to change the client’s behavior or to achieve adjustment in maladjusted situations. Meaningful relationships are developed in social work by demonstrating an interest in the client. See the relationship as a process of giving the client an opportunity to grow, develop, understand, discover himself, and make appropriate choices. He/she is convinced of the social worker’s warmth as an individual and conveys respect and care for him/her. In return, the social worker helps the client to trust in his/her objectivity and feel secure as a worthwhile individual.
10. Principle of Non-Judgmental Attitude
A non-judgmental attitude is a quality of the social work relationship. The social worker does not blame the client for his problems or assign any responsibility for his miseries. They only evaluate the client’s attitudes, standards, or actions.
11. Principle of Professionalism
The social worker tries to understand the client’s feelings and emotions, but they do not involve emotionally in the client’s problems. The social worker must not be emotionally involved with the client during the social work process when the client communicates his feelings or problems with the social worker. The social worker has to respond to the client’s feelings with his knowledge and understanding and tries to understand the client’s feelings and emotions but does not emotionally involved in their problems. However, it is the responsibility of the social worker to deal with his client professionally rather than being emotional and develop personal relationships.
12. Principle of Empathy and Genuineness
You must be sensitive to the client’s feelings. Put yourself in the client’s position. It helps if you understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you accept yourself as you are, you may be able to accept others. You must be genuine, not defensive. Be open, real, and honest. Studies indicate that positive outcomes can be achieved if the client sees in you empathy, genuineness, and positive regard.
