Values and cultural issues in social work

Abstract

This article examines issues of culture in English social work, with particular reference to current policy and practice in the treatment of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), migrant and minority faith groups in England within the child protection and Youth Justice Systems. Several themes are explored: · cultural differences and the effects of policies and attitudes towards such differences · the types and scale of discrimination due to such differences · the role played by professional decision makers and · the overall impact lack of appreciation of cultural issues has on policies and practices. It moves on to consider our understanding of the role that ethnicity cultural factors and the theory of ‘Otherness’ play in the structures and outcomes of child protection and youth justice systems, and subsequent issues arising for professionals within their work roles. The article sets out how social workers have an ethical duty to understand these issues, and how to work positively with such difference in order to avoid unfair discrimination against such culturally different groups