Discussion Forum- Intro to Human Services

LECTURE NOTES: CHAPTER 10

WORKING WITH VARIED CLIENT POPULATIONS

Chapter Outline I. Working with Varied Clients

a. Clients from Diverse Cultural/Racial Groups b. Working with Individuals with Varied Religious Backgrounds c. Working with Women and Working with Men: Gender-Aware Helping

i. Women ii. Men

d. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals e. The Hungry, Homeless, and the Poor f. Older Persons g. Children h. Individuals Who Are HIV Positive i. The Chronically Mentally Ill j. Individuals with Substance Abuse k. Individuals with Disabilities

II. Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues: Competence and On-the-Job Learning III. The Effective Human Service Professional: Open to Continued Learning About New

Clients

SUMMARY: This chapter gives preliminary information as well as general guidelines about working with a wide range of groups that have been historically oppressed. This includes cultural/racial groups; individuals from diverse religious backgrounds; women and men (gender- aware helping); lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons; the homeless and the poor; older persons; children, individuals who are HIV positive; the chronically mentally ill; substance abusers, and individuals with disabilities.

When discussing ethical, professional, and legal issues it is important to note that ethical codes can sometimes be suspect as they may reflect the dominant culture’s values. On the other hand, sometimes it is difficult to use moral models of ethical decision-making, as how they are interpreted may reflect our own cultural biases. Therefore, it is important to maintain an ability to remain self-reflective and wise in making ethical decisions. As discussed the importance of professional development throughout our careers, is essential to learn of new ways of working with clients from nondominant groups.

Key Terms Gender-aware helping AIDS epidemic HIV-positive

Psychiatric disorders Psychotropic medications