just a discussion!! Jstone3 login

Objective: Explain how a client’s personal experiences as well social stigma and public policy influence perceptions of receiving services, and problems this may cause.

Social welfare is often met with a negative attitude in modern society, and those that receive services are ultimately affected by these stigmatized viewpoints. Unfortunately, some members of society often consider those on government aid as lazy or uneducated, and resent the fact that their income is being diverted to funds to support others. These viewpoints are often not hidden, and this affects the self-esteem and identity of the clients that we serve. These viewpoints can actually prevent a client from seeking needed resources in the first place. When a client needs aid, they may view themselves through society’s stigmatized viewpoints, and consider the need for help to be a personal failure. Program requirements often place restrictions or certain expectations on clients, and they may see this as a loss of personal freedom. Clients may see themselves as helpless in their own lives, and this translates into feeling helpless in terms of being an active part of a legislative process that informs public policy. An understanding of how a client perceives receiving services will impact the client-helper relationship, and knowledge of this is necessary to prevent this barrier from impacting treatment.

• Read Chapter 3 in your textbook.
• Prepare to share in discussion on the following points:
  • Attitudes toward helping the poor and specific groups like the mentally ill have evolved throughout history, and are often influenced by historical events and movements.
    • Identify at least two historical periods or events and discuss their resulting effect on the public’s attitude toward providing human services.
  • Reflect on modern society.
    • What are some of the major events and attitudes that shape current perceptions toward welfare?
    • How might this affect a client’s perception of being a recipient of services?