Community Sanctions Case Study

Community Sanctions

Greenwood described community sanctions as a collection of “powers and privileges” (Greenwood 1957). These powers and privileges allow for social workers to have the ability to control who can self identify as a social worker and who can attend a program designed to ensure competency. The fact that mankind has come so far in its ability to seek out and aid those in need speaks for itself. No one would dare discount the services pioneers like Jane Addams, Dorothea Dix or Mary Richmond provided or the impact those services provided. However, in a day where capitalism, commercial gain and marketing strategies surround us it is important to have some way of accurately identifying social work and social workers from individuals

This code helped define the definition of social work and laid out the tasks and responsibilities of the profession (Code, 2008). It has been revised on several occasions, but its mission remains true. The Code of Ethics helps maintain a standard and guide by which social workers can base their role and service delivery. In the past, often government agencies and charities provided relief to those in need. Although a noble effort, it is important to note that government agencies had to keep their constituency and the financial bottom line in mind when creating and enacting policies. Also, religious organizations had a set of followers and their own spiritual texts to keep in mind when deciding who to help or deny. Individual benefactors could use their own personal passions, hobbies or even whims to determine their aid determination. Over the years, it has become evident to society that it is absolutely necessary that there be a common, all-encompassing code by which social workers base their services and decisions. This common core of guidelines helps us accomplish the NASW set mission of enhancing “human well-being” (Code, 2008). This code of ethics allows social work to reach persons of different socioeconomic statuses, physical abilities, and religious beliefs. Equally important, it allows these services to be provided by a diverse collection of individuals. Someone of racial or religious minority

It is important to have a culture. Greenwood (1957) describes this as a “collection of informal and formal groups.” Social workers entering the profession gain the benefit of already formed groups of all types. NASW, IFSW and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) are just a few of the groups networking, support and education exist within. These groups are vital to ensuring social workers have the support and enculturation they need to be a success. Forged from lessons learned over time, enculturation gives the professional social worker a firm base to stand on that is rooted in what has worked and what has stood the test of time. I look forward to one day joining organizations such as the NASW and the National Association of Black Social Workers. I believe these organizations will give me a legacy to uphold, contribute to and ultimately to pass