Impact Of Values Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Impact of Values-Clarification on Ethics in the Helping Profession America is faced with an overwhelming abundance of moral and social problems which seem to consume the fragilely woven fibers of our nation. What has happened to America? What can be done to rescue the innocents in society from those who seem to prey upon them? Can one person make a difference? Those in the human service profession have felt a calling, have been affected by the seeming hopeless perils of the weaker members of society and have stood to make a difference one step, one person one life at a time. How can one person make a difference in a world so big and so full of problems? America is a society that is morally starving. Values clarification, which is taught in public schools today teaches "since there are no eternal truths which are valid for this generation and succeeding generations, everybody has to find his own values in his own time. There is nothing which is right and wrong for everyone, thus there are no absolutes" (Ed. DeMoss, 1986). Ethical issues lead to ethical decisions. These decisions quite often place the social worker in an ethical dilemma. The concept of values-clarification is reinforced by Marianne and Gerald Corey, authors of "Becoming A Helper". In their book they say "Reasonable differences of opinion can and do exist among social workers with respect to the ways in which values, ethical principles, and ethical standards should be rank ordered when they conflict" (1994). Deciding what is morally right or morally wrong has been placed in the hands of the individual. This lack of moral absolutes has produced a generation miserably lacking solid direction for life. Society is filled with men, women, teenagers, and children of all races, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds seeking or requiring counseling for a myriad of reasons. Many are victims of abuse, many are the abusers, but all are victims of society's demon of moral disintegration. Sexual and physical abuse on children are painful realities of these demons that exist in society. The practitioner assigned to the father who is the perpetrator in the abuse case is faced with an ethical dilemma when facing him in a helping relationship. Is it possible to be nonjudgmental toward this man? "Recognizing that all human beings have strengths and weakness... ...ook beyond the small cuts and look into the soul of a person and offer help and hope for healing and change. The burden is great and society's declining value system makes the challenge sometimes seemingly unbearable but change can come. Help is available. There is hope. The famous editor, humanitarian and writer of the book "Man without a Country", Everett Hale, gives those in the social service profession a candle in the darkness with these words, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I should do and, with the help of God, I will do" (ed. DeMoss, 1986). Works Cited Bass, N, (Executive producer) (1999, October 18). Today. National Broadcasting Company. Bullard, M. (Ed.) (1999, October 1-3). USA Weekend, 4. Chavez, L. (1999) Not Wrong at All. Reader's Digest, 45-46. Corey, G. & Corey, M.S. (1998). Becoming a Helper, 119. DeMoss, N.L. (Ed.) (1986). The Rebirth of America, 123,223. Heffernan, J., Shuttlesworth, G., & Ambrosino, R. (Eds.) (1997). Social Work and Social Welfare, 110, 111, 140. Olasky, M. (Ed.) (1999, July 31). World, 71. Rosenblatt, R. (1999, May 3),Time Magazine, 88.