NASW Code of Ethics and one standard from the CSWE Educational Policy

Sample Solution

  Benjamin Youngdahl's question about the role of social workers as both a treatment for pathologies and having a positive or preventive function is still relevant today, more than fifty years later. Social work is a profession devoted to helping people achieve their full potential in society by advocating for individual rights and collective responsibility. Its goal is to create meaningful change that addresses root causes of problems, leading to an improved quality of life for all individuals, families, groups and communities.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics mandates that social workers strive to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people with particular attention given to vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents; older adults; persons living in poverty; racial/ethnic minority groups; immigrants/refugees; lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals; those with physical or mental disabilities; victims of abuse or neglect or exploitation; those facing discrimination based on religion, gender identity or sexual orientation (1). Therefore, we must focus our attention on providing preventive services such as family counseling prior to experiencing conflict resolution difficulties in order to protect the welfare of families at risk. In addition, collaboration with other professionals such as medical doctors can facilitate early detection and diagnosis when working with clients who demonstrate signs of psychiatric instability before it develops into mental health issues. Furthermore, according to the Council on Social Work Education Educational Policy & Accreditation Standards (CSWE EPAS), Standard 4 requires students “understand how oppression manifests itself at micro-, mezzo-, and macro-systems levels”(2). This standard encourages us to address disparities within systems which will lead us towards greater levels of equity for different minority populations. We can do this by engaging in advocacy efforts like policy change initiatives that maximize resources available for disadvantaged populations through systems such as Medicaid expansion so they have access equitable healthcare coverage regardless if they are from low-income backgrounds. Additionally these changes provide necessary supports while simultaneously reducing economic inequality gaps between lower-income citizens compared against higher income earners. In conclusion Benjamin Youngdahl's question presents us with two functions – one being treating pathology but also having a preventative role – making sure we take proactive steps towards addressing the underlying systemic injustices prevalent within our society while striving towards creating lasting solutions that promote social justice even after leaving direct service roles behind. With guidance from both CSWE EPAS standards which allow us explore socioecological models related oppressive dynamics along NASW Code Ethics requirements prompting us prioritize client wellbeing above all else - its evident now more than ever there are counter obstructions hindering marginalized members from participating fully within their respective communities which can only be rectified through mindful interventions grounded sound ethical decision making process rooted evidence informed practice . References: 1) National Association Of Social Workers Code Of Ethics." NAWS Home | The National Association Of Social Workers., www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/. Accessed 29 Mar 2021 2) "Educational Policy And Accreditation Standards." CSWE Home | Council On Social Work Education., wwwcsweorg/Accreditation/Educational-Policy-and-Accreditation-Standards-(EPAS). Accessed 29 Mar 2021