History of Urban Outreach. The Ethics of Social Work in a Faith-based Organization

Transcription

1 The Ethics of Social Work in a Faith-based Organization Collaborating with faith-based organizations to provide social services The ethics involved in providing social services in a faith-based environment The benefits and challenges of conducting social work in a faith-based environment The exploration of ethical dilemmas surrounding fund-raising and development in a faith-based environment. Urban Outreach - a mission of the Tempe First United Methodist Church Kim Van Nimwegen, MSW Director History of Urban Outreach TFUMC has been providing housing and emergency lodging assistance for homeless individuals since its inception in 1882, and it has grown to become the only day resource center for homeless adults in Tempe. 1

2 Mission and Vision MISSION The mission of Urban Outreach is to connect homeless people with services that can help them move from crisis to stability in a relational environment that is supportive, respectful, and easily accessible. We engage the faith community to provide services efficiently through a volunteer and strengths based model, and we strive to replicate this model throughout Arizona. VISION The vision of Urban Outreach is to increase the capacity of the faith community to contribute resources, wisdom, compassion and service directly to those in need in order to reduce homelessness in our communities throughout Arizona. PROGRAMS Support Basic Needs Shower Program Health and Hygiene supplies Clothing Room Food Water Bathrooms Blankets Mail Phones Internet PROGRAMS Potter s House Support Group Art Group Library Faithful Friends Case Management Spiritual Counseling and Pastoral care Project Homeless Connect 2

3 Shelter through I-Help Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) in partnership with more than 30 faith communities, service clubs and businesses provides homeless individuals with hope and opportunity for a better future by offering shelter, meals and connections to community services. Project Homeless Connect Project Connect - through Valley of the Sun United Way PARTNERS Healthcare for the Homeless Pets of the Homeless Tumbleweeds City of Tempe HOPE outreach team Southwest Behavioral Health PATH Team Community Voice Mail WasteNot Salvation Army 3

4 PARTNERS Bethany Community Christian Church Temple Emmanuel ASU College of Nursing and Innovations Public Allies School of Social Work Service Learning College of Public Programs Athletics Department HOUSING - Home at Last In Partnership With: Valley of the Sun United Way, City of Tempe and Department of Health Services Valley Interfaith Project Mission Arizona Interfaith builds relational power for collective actions in the pursuit of justice and the common good. We act to strengthen family and community in solidarity with others across lines of race, class and religion. 4

5 Martin Luther King Award HUD AWARD Funding Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust St Luke s Health Initiatives Valley of the Sun United Way Tempe First United Methodist Church Faith Community Individuals Businesses Students Service Organizations Faith-based Social Services When the community has "faith" in a faith-based organization and demonstrates it by partnering though volunteering, giving money, sharing space and coordinating efforts, ministering to rehabilitate people gets easier. In this context, the partnership is the super glue that makes faith work. (Jim Evans, EthicsDaily.com) 5

6 Faith based Organization any organization that derives inspiration and guidance for its activities from the teachings and principles of the faith or from a particular interpretation or school of thought within that faith. (Clarke 2008:6) Conditions for criteria as faith-based social service The FBSS initiates, organizes or gives leadership to the ministry; the church is a formal sponsor or institutional affiliate of the ministry * The FBSS contributes a significant or regular portion of the budget for the ministry, either through its own funds or through grants procured by the church * The FBSS provides staff or recruits regular volunteer participants for the ministry Partial Conditions * The FBSS provides space to the ministry (for free or at a discount) * The FBSS provides the ministry with occasional funds or in-kind goods or services (e.g. use of equipment), but is not a major funding source * The FBSS has an organized system for referring clients to the ministry 6

7 Also Partial The faith leader is involved in the ministry in an official capacity as a representative of or spokesperson for the organization (as opposed to involvement solely as an individual or as a community leader) Not counted as church-based * sending teams monthly to Habitat for Humanity work projects * collecting canned food for the food pantry where the church often refers persons seeking aid * opening the church's basement to a new day care, and allowing the day care to use the church's office equipment for free * contributing $200 monthly to an elder care facility (Hartford Institute for Religious Research) How do FBSS Incorporate a Religious Dimension? Passive: Spiritual truths are largely modeled, rather than expressed verbally. St. Francis: "Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." Invitational: No spiritual content is involved in social service delivery, but clients are invited to attend optional events of a religious nature. 7

8 Incorporating Relational: In the context of relationships formed with clients beyond the structured programmatic activities, program staff/volunteers share their faith and address clients spiritual concerns informally, oneon-one. Integrated-optional: The program clearly has a religious character. How do FBSS Incorporate a Religious Dimension? Integrated-mandatory: The program clearly has a religious character. Religious content is woven into the delivery of social services, and staff may verbally share their faith. Client participation in religious activities is required, as spiritual development is at the heart of the program. NASW Priorities on FBSS Initiatives Access to Services Accountability Appropriate Staffing Separation of Church and State Maintaining Government Responsibility (NASW Government Relations and Political Action, January 2002) 8

9 Religious meaning and social justice * Religion mandates one s involvement in social service * Social ministry enhances spiritual wellbeing for oneself or one's congregation * Religion empowers social change * Social ministry enhances the spiritual life of those served Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice The Heart of Helping Edward R. Canda, Ph.D. Leola Dyrud Furman, Ph.D. THE FREE PRESS, 1999 Spirituality or Religion Spirituality relates to a universal and fundamental aspect of what it is to be human - search for a sense of meaning, purpose, and moral frameworks for relating with self, others, and ultimate reality. Religion is an institutionalized pattern of beliefs, behaviors, and experiences, oriented toward spiritual concerns, and shared by a community and transmitted over time in traditions. (Canda & Furman, 1999) 9

10 Ethical Principles for Spiritually Sensitive Social Work Value: SERVICE Ethical Principle: Social workers primary goal is to help people in need and address social problems. Spiritually sensitive social workers * elevate service to others above self-interest * Appreciate that serving others is itself a spiritual path that promotes the growth of both worker and client * draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need * do not limit clients to needs (Canda & Furman, six ethical principles set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics) Value: Service * support clients in clarifying and using personal talents, strengths, wisdom within their social relationships and relationship to the natural world * clarify their understanding of life purpose, ultimate concerns, and the nature of reality * Respect their spiritual systems, transcendent or scared beings, practices * Help them to challenge these when necessary or change their relationship with them in a respectful manner (Canda & Furman, 1999) Social Justice Ethical Principal: Social workers challenge social injustice *Spiritually sensitive social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people * social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources, especially spiritual from support systems relevant to clients; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people (Canda & Furman, 1999) 10

11 Dignity and Worth of the Person Ethical Principal: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person *social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity, religious and spiritual diversity, and all forms of human variation. (Canda & Furman, 1999) Integrity Ethical principal: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner *social workers are continually aware of the profession s mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them. *social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated. (Canda & Furman, 1999) Competence Ethical Principal: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. *social workers continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and apply them to practice (Canda & Furman, 1999) 11

12 Spiritual health and social work (8 min) And * Social workers do not impose their values (it is an ethical violation when they do social work and sometimes Christian too) * Deliberately avoiding spiritual and religious issues can be professional incompetence. * How can we claim competence in dealing with diversity while ignoring or misunderstanding such a fundamental kind of diversity? In Practice Key is that we must do it from a clientfocused and client-led perspective Exception: when practicing in a faith-based context with clearly identified faith identity and with clients who clearly express informed consent 12

13 Review NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS 750 First Street, NE Suite 700 Washington, DC NASW Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Assessment Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues with clients is not (necessary or Normally) Evangelism David R. Hodge, Ph.D. Arizona State University, West campus An overview of a complementary family of assessment instruments Questions to operationalize a brief spiritual assessment I was wondering if you consider spirituality or religion to be a personal strength? In what ways does your spirituality help you cope with the difficulties you encounter? Are there certain spiritual beliefs and practices that you find particularly helpful in dealing with problems? I was also wondering if you attend a church or some other type of spiritual community? Do resources exist in your spiritual community that might be helpful to you? Adapted from (Hodge, 2004a). Hodge, D. R. (2004a). Spirituality and people with mental illness: Developing spiritual competency in assessment and intervention. Families in Society, 85(1),

14 Mental Health Hard to Believe - a film about mental health and spirituality Discussion of film/break Spirituality Competences Knowledge Base The worker is able to discuss: Major faith traditions and the variety of spiritual experiences they support Social context of spiritual experience, and how culture interacts with spirituality Alternative expressions of spirituality Dynamics of change, and how spirituality contributes to the change process Current issues affecting and affected by spirituality (abortion, LGBT issues, death penalty, domestic violence) 14

15 Spirituality Competences Skill Base The worker is able to: Take and write a spiritual history Assess an individual client s relationship to a faith tradition or other body of spiritual practice Assess spiritual strengths and barriers as they support or impede a desired change Assess what spiritual resources would be appropriate to a client s case plan Skill based Identify and procure spiritually competent resources as needed Identify points of divergence and convergence in the helping relationship and draw appropriate boundaries around them Include spiritually-informed interventions which are appropriate to the client and the situation Select and practice self-care activities which support them in their work without infringing on the rights or sensibilities of their clients or fellow workers Values and Attitudes The worker is able to: Use a non-judgmental approach around spiritual issues Value and respect diversity Affirm and support spiritualities different from his/her own Support client selfdetermination Represent clinical, social, or ethical perspectives which may support or conflict with a client s world view respectfully and with integrity (author unknown) 15

16 Historical Phases -Spirituality and Social Work Phase One: To early twentieth century Phase Two: 1920s to 1970s Phase Three: 1980s to the present (Canda & Furman) White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, formerly the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) Safeguards on faith-based organizations They may not use direct government funds to support inherently religious activities such as prayer, worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. Any inherently religious activities that the organizations may offer must be offered separately in time or location from services that receive federal assistance. FBOs cannot discriminate on the basis of religion when providing services (GAO 2006:13[3]). Ethical dilemmas Personal One-on-one Agency Community State National International 16

17 Dealing with ethical dilemmas Consider: ethical theory literature on ethical decision-making strategies social work practice theory and research relevant laws and regulations agency policies, and other relevant codes of ethics obtain ethics consultation when appropriate, perhaps from an agency-based or social work organization s ethics committee, regulatory bodies (for example, a state licensing board), knowledgeable colleagues, supervisors, or legal counsel. Development/Fundraising Traditionally skeptical about religion Divisive a rallying point for division and conflict Regressive - maintaining (it not promoting) injustices such as slavery, colonialism, apartheid, caste and gender inequalities Irrelevant - development being an autonomous technical discipline, about which otherworldly religion has nothing valuable to say Insensitive - exported in culturally highly insensitive ways Proselytizing seeking to convert others to their faith. (Marshall and Keough 2004). FBOs add value to development They can: Provide efficient development services Reach the poorest at the grassroots; Have a long-term, sustainable presence; Be legitimate and valued by the poorest; Provide an alternative to a secular theory of development Elicit motivated and voluntary service; Encourage civil society advocacy (Dr. Rick James) 17

18 Administration in FBO Some FBOs themselves prefer to keep their faith identity vague and ambiguous. They downplay their faith to appeal to as wide a funding base as possible; to recruit and retain a diverse staff team; and to work easily in a variety of faith contexts. They fear that clarifying their faith base will alienate, exclude and surface conflict. There are considerable and subtle challenges in managing an FBO where staff and major stakeholders come from a variety of positions on faith (James 2009). Questions Is a Nun s prayer with someone dying of AIDS invaluable comfort or taking advantage of a vulnerable patient? Challenges The organization may be cautious about partnering with the federal government. The organization may face administrative challenges, such as staff being unavailable to answer phones or be present during "normal" working hours. This is especially true for congregations (mosques, temples, churches, synagogues). The organization may lack access to information. The organization may need help with additional capacity building. 18

19 Challenges The organization may have language barriers. The organization may feel protective of their programs and congregations. Sometimes new programs can be perceived as taking money, volunteers, and other resources away from an already limited capacity maintaining healthy boundaries and taking care of self Experiencing prejudice against Christians Benefits Trust within the neighborhood Integrated personal relationships within the community Experience with directly serving those in need The mission and desire to help those in need within their community Established leadership within the community Experience in volunteer recruitment, management, and retention Benefits Resources (buildings, meeting rooms, equipment) Social capital (networks and relationships formed between people in the church, giving members connections to all sorts of resources like jobs, loans, housing, cars, day care, and counseling) 19

20 Resources See handout The Society For Spirituality & Social Work Mission Statement The Society for Spirituality and Social Work is a network of social workers and other helping professionals dedicated to spiritually sensitive practice and education. We seek to encourage, honor, and nurture the diverse spiritual paths, resources, and traditions which offer meaning and support to people, including ourselves. We recognize the sacred nature of our healing work. We are committed to justice and respect for those of diverse religious and non-religious spiritual identities in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Our events and materials are designed to promote research, development of theory, and dissemination of innovations and best practices related to spirituality in our professions. In our gatherings, we celebrate the values of dignity, interdependence, compassion, respect, peace, justice and connection with the divine. Thank you! Kim Van Nimwegen Kvurbanoutreach@aol.com =