Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002 An Introduction to Human Services: Policy and Practice Professionalization of the Helping Relationship §This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002/2 The Helping Professions §Helping began to be professionalized in the 19th century. §Before then, charitable helping was done informally, often by churches or synagogues, when families were unable to help. §Helping professions developed codes of behavior and rules about the proper way to help.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002/3 Getting Organized §Some helping organizations became bureaucratized. §Helping professions promoted a more formal and distanced relationship to clients, distinguishing a professional relationship from a friendship, and advising helpers not to get too emotionally involved with clients. §There are strengths to this approach.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002/4 Approaches §When we talk with a friend, we generally don’t have a fixed agenda about what we discuss. §The conversation often ambles at a leisurely pace from one topic to another. §An interview, on the other hand, has a purpose and a goal.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002/5 Client Needs §In a professional relationship, the focus is on the client’s needs rather than on the interviewer’s needs and the interviewer needs to develop the skills of a helping relationship. §However, an overly bureaucratized approach can alienate clients. §When a helping professional refuses to share anything about herself or himself, clients may find the relationship unpleasant.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002/6 Styles of Helping §Some cultural groups expect a very personalized helping relationship. §A study of helping relationships in child abuse and neglect found that one important factors in helping parents was a friendly, personalized relationship. §Another important factor was down-to-earth assistance given by parent aides.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002/7 Professional Backgrounds §Professional helpers have varied backgrounds and job titles. §Helpers have different agency affiliations and orientations. §Many valuable social services are offered by citizen groups. §The self-help group model, pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, has grown tremendously in the last four decades.