Values of the social work profession.
You are a social worker in a community counseling center that serves individuals from the surrounding community, most of whom are Latino. You work with them on a range of issues including depression and other mental disorders, family problems, and other challenges of daily living. You see your role is working directly with individuals and families in a micro context because this is where you feel most skilled and passionate. However, a new law is being proposed in your border state to address some of the public concerns about illegal immigration. This issue has been heating up in the last couple of years and has divided people living in various communities across the state. Racial tensions are at an all-time high. A new law proposed by the state legislature would do the following, to address the perceived problem of “anchor babies”, children who were born in the United States but whose parents do not have a legal status will be denied social services from many state programs. Google the term “anchor babies” to see what this phrase refers to and the various opinions out there regarding this loaded terminology.
4. Think about your own values and the values of the social work profession. How does this proposed law fit within those values? Personally, do you agree or disagree with this law? Professionally do you agree or disagree with this law?
5. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is your responsibility if you believe that this new law would be harmful to the clients you serve?
