The Department of Social Development will hold a conference targeting 800 social workers on social work ethics on 5 to 6 August 2009 at Summerstrand Inn at 09h00.
The department is mindful of the socio-economic challenges confronting the social development sector in light of the current global economic turmoil. This period presents both challenges and opportunities for the social work profession. It is an opportune moment for the profession to reassert itself not only as a caring profession, but as a development orientated and responsive profession at the forefront of human development.
The demand that the social workers face has had an adverse effect as far as the relations with the clientele is concerned, some leading to complaints lodged against them for unprofessional practice. The pressure that the workers are faced with as well as lack of better understanding of the code of ethics could be seen as one of the contributing factors to the negative image the social work profession is receiving.
The objectives of the conference are:
* to have in depth discussion that will lead to understanding and practical implementation of social work ethics
* to open a dialogue on the understanding of the code of conduct
* to have meaningful conversation that will lead to a deep understanding of the social work pledge and professionalism “Building a caring society, together”
* to assist the social services professionals in application of the ethical guidelines to construct sound professional decisions, grounded in an understanding of their personal attributes and inadequacies
The theme for the conference is ‘Code of Ethics for Social Workers: Assisting and empowering social service professionals to practise in an acceptable and principled manner in all spheres of the profession’.
Contact:
G Maswana
Cell: 082 821 7410
Issued by: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
31 July 2009
Source: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
(http://www.socdev.ecprov.gov.za/)
