Client self-determination

It is also important to realize that many times clients may distrust a practitioner who looks or acts differently from them. Therefore, it is important to discuss cultural differences and be sure the social worker is aware of her/his own cultural beliefs and mores and how this may conflict with that of the client s. Unfortunately, in a hurried health care environment and in a society that does not always appreciate differences, this may be overlooked. The social worker can be a vital link in ensuring that culturally based ethnic practices are used and that clients maintain their right to integrate cultural practices as they seek to establish self-determination in regard to health and mental health treatments. 

Lastly, effective intervention skills include those that help clients understand the systems responsible for medication prescribing and for delivery of psychosocial services. Beyond understanding mental health systems, clients must be helped to understand, how, when, and why medications need to be taken. Forcing clients to accept prescriptions without recognizing how individual and cultural differences will impact the client s willingness to accept the recommended treatment is a recipe for medication noncompliance and violates the basic self-determination rights of clients. 

TEACH others about the value and importance of including social work services and techniques. Educate clients and team members about the importance of respecting the worth and dignity of clients while maximizing self-determination. 

Third, the center determines during the screening process whether the client is a threat to self or others. Suicidal behavior should be routinely assessed in a screening interview. Some care facilities do not have the resources to treat an actively suicidal client, so if the person expresses suicidal ideations and plans, then a referral may be made elsewhere. The treatment center also wants to protect clients and staff from someone who is extremely aggressive and hostile and may represent a threat to the safety of people in the unit. In some cases, treatment facilities may refer such people elsewhere if the threat cannot be adequately contained within that facility. 

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