Core Principles of Social Work
Fundamental Principles
Tuerlinckx BIESTEK
These principles address people’s basic needs:
- Individualization: Treat each person as unique.
- Acceptance: Acknowledge and validate expressed feelings.
- Self-Determination: Support the right to make personal choices.
- Respect: Maintain privacy and avoid judgment.
Individualization
This principle recognizes the unique value of each person, including their identity, idiosyncrasies, and distinct experiences. Individualization is a right and a professional necessity.
Professional Requirements:
- Thoroughness
- Objectivity
- Understanding and flexibility
- Listening and observing
Acceptance
Acceptance is closely related to individualization. It involves accepting the client as they are, with their strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to accept the client’s reality without judgment, fostering a therapeutic environment. Acceptance does not mean condoning harmful behaviors.
Professional Requirements:
- Be responsive to user information.
- Differentiate between user and professional needs.
- Enhance the user’s self-help abilities.
- Analyze user behavior.
- Accept user idiosyncrasies.
Self-Determination
This principle supports the user’s right to choose and make their own decisions. Self-determination is a fundamental ethical and moral right, limited by legal and organizational frameworks.
Professional Requirements:
- Help users clarify their needs for accurate diagnosis.
- Provide information on resources.
- Establish a professional, trusting relationship.
Avoid Judgment (Non-Judgmental Attitude)
Social workers must remain objective and avoid prejudices. Judgment should not undermine professional performance.
Professional Requirements:
- Avoid preconditions.
- Refrain from guilt, condemnation, and punishment.
- Exclude dogmatism and paternalism.
- Avoid warnings.
Social workers should enable users to express themselves freely, avoiding excessive praise or criticism that may hinder communication. Comparisons, labeling, and coercion should be avoided.
Expression and Handling of Feelings
Social workers must promote emotional balance. Emotional expression is integral to the professional relationship. The worker must respond with empathy and understanding.
- Sensitivity: Perceive explicit and implicit communication.
- Understanding: Incorporate feelings into the intervention plan.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a professional duty and a user’s right. All information shared during the intervention must remain private and used only for professional purposes.