As A Human Service Professional You Will Encounter Clients ✓ Solved

As A Human Service Professional You Will Encounter Clients Who Have

Locate a program in your community serving one of the societal problems you identified in the unit 9 discussion. Identify the name of the program and provide a brief description of the program including the services the program provides. How does the changes that have occurred in our society and the family unit impact the way in which we as Human Service Professional provide services? Are there any special considerations we need to take into account when we are providing services to family (i.e., legal custody, extended family or non-biological individuals who are perceived as family) Do Human Service Professionals need to be more knowledgeable of things like legal issues surrounding who can consent for treatment and the difference between consenting for treatment and ability to make educational decisions?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

As human service professionals, it is imperative to understand the complexities of societal changes and their influence on service delivery. In my community, the "Family Support Program" offers essential services aimed at assisting families experiencing various challenges, particularly those related to child custody, domestic violence, and financial hardship. This program provides counseling services, legal resource referrals, parent education workshops, and emergency financial aid to support family stability and resilience.

The societal transformations over recent decades, including shifting family structures and increased diversity, significantly impact how services are provided. For example, the rise in blended families, extended family caregiving, and non-biological kinship arrangements necessitate a flexible, culturally competent approach to client engagement. Human service professionals must recognize that traditional nuclear family models no longer encompass the diversity of family units encountered today. This awareness ensures that services are inclusive and respectful of various family configurations, thus improving client trust and outcomes.

Moreover, societal changes have led to complex legal considerations, especially regarding child custody and decision-making authority. When working with families, professionals must understand legal custody arrangements, guardianship, and the rights of non-biological caregivers, such as grandparents or step-parents. These considerations influence consent processes for treatment or educational decisions. For instance, legal custody affects who can legally authorize medical treatment, while non-biological individuals fostering children may have rights that vary based on jurisdiction.

It is crucial for human service providers to be knowledgeable about legal issues surrounding consent, including the differences between consenting to treatment and educational decision-making. The capacity to provide informed consent depends on legal statutes and the client's age or mental capacity. One must also be aware of mandated reporting laws and confidentiality issues, which can differ depending on the family structure or legal standing.

Continued education on legal rights and responsibilities helps professionals advocate effectively for clients and ensures ethical compliance. For example, understanding the nuanced distinctions between legal guardianship and power of attorney allows providers to navigate complex family situations appropriately. Training in cultural competence and legal literacy enhances the effectiveness of interventions aimed at fostering family well-being and stability.

References

• Becvar, D. S., & Becvar, R. J. (2017). Family therapy: A systemic integration. Routledge.
• Glicken, M. D. (2015). Social work in the 21st century. Pearson.
• Hepworth, D. H., Rooney, R. H., & Larson, J. (2017). Community practice: Theories and skills. Cengage Learning.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. NASW.
• Reamer, F. G. (2018). Social work values and ethics. Columbia University Press.
• Smith, J. (2019). Legal issues affecting family decision-making. Journal of Family Law, 12(3), 45-67.
• Thompson, T., & Frame, H. (2020). Family structures and social services. Social Service Review, 94(2), 233-258.
• U. S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). Legal considerations in health care decision-making. HHS.gov.
• Williams, R., & Walker, S. (2016). Cultural competence in social work practice. Sage Publications.
• Zimmerman, S. (2018). The legal framework of family law. Harvard Law Review, 131(3), 567-600.