The social work profession is not only about the knowledge of the theories, ethical guidelines, values and principles of the profession, but also it’s about applying that knowledge to everyday situations. It is a profession dedicated to enhancing human capacity to solve complex social problems in order to create a more humane and just society (Arizona State University, 2013). In the profession, social workers are encourage to use their skills such as their critical thinking and especially their decision-making skills. In addition, they work in a number of different settings with diverse individuals. Although dilemmas will arise, social workers need to be culturally competent to work with others and to avoid breaching any ethical standards. “Ethics provide the tools to develop essential ethical decision-making skills” (Icheku, 2011, p. 13). It is defined as “the branch of moral philosophy that determines what is right (ethical) and wrong (unethical)” (Icheku, 2011, p. 20). Social workers are regularly confronted with ethical dilemmas in their practice and are forced to apply ethical principles and theories while engaging in practical decision-making. Ethics, however, do not always provide practical solutions to dilemmas. Albeit, social workers have to routinely consider their ethical standards and framework, values and morals within every situation. As a social worker Ryan (of given scenario) faces an ethical decision as a result of the ethical dilemma to which he is confronted. In certain conditions, ethical dilemmas occur when “an individual, called the “agent,” must make a decision about which course of action is best” (Grobman, 2012). Ryan has to decide whether the children of Sudanese parents should be removed from their ho... ... middle of paper ... ...tp://http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/What_Is_an_Ethical_Dilemma%3F/ Icheku, V. (2011). Understanding Ethics and Ethical Decision-Making (p. 13). Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=NOE29wMic-QC&printsec=frontcover&dq=understanding+ethics+and+ethical+decision-making&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1bq6U7XjIIycyASixYGYAg&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false King, M., Sims, A., & Osher, D. (n.d.). How is Cultural Competency integrated in education? Retrieved July 7, 2014, from http://cecp.air.org/cultural/Q_integrated.htm#def Moore, K. (2006, October). Defining the Term "At-Risk". Retrieved July 7, 2014, from http://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/DefiningAtRisk1.pdf The National Association of Social Workers. (2008). Code of Ethics (English and Spanish). Retrieved July 7, 2014, from http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code /code.asp
Working with people can be challenging, but so rewarding all at the same time. As humans, we are certainly not perfect and we are making mistakes daily. Making decisions is one thing that does not come easily to us, and depending on the day you can get multiple different answers to one situation. The NASW Code of Ethics is an extremely helpful tool when we are working with clients and something that does not ever waiver in ethical decision-making. If we are working in the Social work profession, then we must insure we are making the correct decision for everyone who is involved with the client.
Moreover, ethical issues are ubiquitous within the field of social work. As such, social workers employed in all facets of the profession, whether it is substance abuse, mental health, among many others encounter ethical issues common and specific to each area. According to the article “Ethical Issues in Addiction Counseling” by Cynthia G. Scott (2000), prominent ethical situations specific to the field of substance abuse include, “confidentiality and privileged communication” (p. 213). In her article Scott (2000) discuss the blurred boundaries of confidentiality with regards to group counseling. The author points out the discrepancy in federal confidentiality laws that prevent the practitioner from sharing confidential information disclosed
This paper will evaluate and analyze an ethical dilemma that was presented in the textbook and the Case Study #1 that will be evaluated for this assignment. The questions that will be answered include what are the ethical dilemmas in the case and are these legitimate concerns for the social worker. In addition, when evaluating and analyzing the ethical dilemma in this case study it is necessary to look at why the social worker is worried about reporting newborns and why she feels that there are injustices and discrimination that come from these policies. Furthermore, as a social worker in this agency I would respond by figuring out what could be done in this situation and what courses of action could be done to change the injustices in the
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Code of Ethics (2010) proposes three core values of Social Work, respect for persons, social justice and professional integrity (pp.12). These core values establish “ethical responsibilities” for the social worker (AASW, 2010, pp.12), specifically, the value of respect for persons, which sustains the intrinsic worth of all human beings as well as the right to wellbeing and self determination consistent with others in society (AASW, 2010,p.12). This Code of Ethics stipulates the duty of care a social worker must provide, a...
Ethical Issues in Social Work I will provide practical help for new social workers to help them understand and deal with ethical issues and dilemmas which they will face. There are many ethical issues which are important to social work, but I feel that these are all covered by the care value base. The care value base Was devised by the care sector consortium in 1992, this was so that the workers in health and social care had a common set of values and principles which they would all adhere to. It is important because for the first time the social care sector had a clear set of guidelines from which ethical judgements could be made. The care value base is divided into 5 elements - The care value base covers - Equality and Diversity - Rights and responsibilities - Confidentiality - Promoting anti Discrimination - Effective communication Equality and Diversity Carers must value diversity themselves before they can effectively care for the different races, religions and differently abled people they will come across in their caring profession.
National Association of Social Workers. (2008). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Washington DC: Author.
Social work practice is a profession where it works alongside the ‘code of ethics’, these consist of formal statements which represent values of the professional community. The national associations such as Britain state the core values within this field are human dignity and worth, social justice, service to humanity (human rights), integrity and competence. The professional field is regulated by the ‘British Association of Social Work’ (BASW). The core values within social work are huma...
Great Post John. I have also worked with a few gay/lesbian officers, and for the most part, they were very successful and hardworking. The lesbian officers that I have had the pleasure of working with satisfied both side of the scale. Like the article mentioned they had no problem expressing their femininity and making a connection to minorities as well as the underprivileged (Myers et al., 2004). However, the gay male officers were very aggressive, especially the officers who had not yet come out publicly as being gay. I believe that because femininity is associated with the gay male officers, it makes them feel the need to prove themselves even more. For the gay male officers who have made it public about their sexual orientation, they seem
“Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. Social workers are to be aware of this profession missions, values ethical principal and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them”. (NASW, 2008, p.6). Social workers are to be sure their practice is embedded in the NASW Code of Ethics.
The social work profession and its Code of Ethics dictate that social workers must act in the best interest of the client, even when those actions challenge the practitioner’s personal, cultural and religious values. In practice; however, ethical decision-making is more complex than in theory. As helping professionals, social workers are constantly faced with ethical decision-making or ethical dilemmas. As noted by Banks (2005), an ethical dilemma occurs “when a worker is faced with a choice between two equally unwelcome alternatives that may involve a conflict of moral principles, and it is not clear what choice will be the right one” (as cited in McAuliffe & Chenoweth, 2008, p. 43). In addition, ethical decision-making is a process that
The Canadian Association of Social Workers' (CASW) Code of Ethics guides social work practice. In accordance with the Code of Ethics, social workers share a set of values that include respecting the inherent dignity and worth of all persons and valuing the pursuit of social justice (Canadian Association of Social Workers [CASW], 2005a). In practice, social workers strive for the best interests of clients, encourage self-determination, and advocate for social change (CASW, 2005b). However, certain situations and policies can challenge these values.
Walking into the office there is a relax, unique, and homey feel. Everyone there seems like they have one cohesive goal. That goal being putting parents on the right track to get their kids back. A social worker’s job is difficult. They work with a variety of people with many upbringings and philosophies. No case or situation is the same and that was explicit during my job shadow. It also is an emotional and ethical challenge too because as a case manager there is only so much one can do without overstepping the boundaries and precepts with impunity. They are not supposed to talk about certain information in cases because of confidentiality, which can prove to be difficult for someone like me who strives to better the people around and with me while helping those in need. I also learned that social workers do a lot more than those expect. Plus they have extremely unpredictable hours, this could prove to be a problem in the long-term if I was to work in the field but wouldn’t mind it short-term. The job is also very time-consuming especially if your caseload is full.
Reamer, R.G. (2006). Social Work Values and Ethics . 3rd ed. New York: Colombia University
Prior to having the class of Professional Values and Ethics, I assumed I understood the basic concepts of what defines a professional who has competence of values and ethics. Nevertheless, by being enrolled in this course, I have gained great knowledge of which professional values and ethical principles must be held by a social worker, which I did not know before. Progressively in this class, by learning professional values and ethics, my motivation to succeed as an upcoming social worker has gotten stronger.
There are certain ethics that social workers must follow and is a guidance for professional standard of work. However sometimes people are not aware of their own values, though the more fully conscious someone is about their values, the more people are able to ensure that their actions are consistent with the values. As a social worker it is vital to know the dangers of not taking account of values and the ethical dimension of practice. A social worker should see their client for who they are and not just another object that is unclear by their own emotions hence why self-awareness is a key to