scholarly journals Social Work Values and Ethics: Reflections on the Profession's Odssey

10.18060/73 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic G. Reamer
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Ethical Theories ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Ethics Complaints

Social workers' understanding of ethical issues has matured significantly. This article traces the evolution of the profession's approach to the values and ethics. During its history, social work has moved through four major periods-- the morality period, the values period, the ethical theories and decision-making period, and the ethical standards and risk-management (the prevention of ethics complaints and ethics related lawsuits) is diverting social workers from in-depth exploration of core professional and personal values, ethical dilemmas, and the nature of the profession's moral mission. The author encourages the profession to recalibrate its focus on values and ethics.

scholarly journals REALISATION OF ETHICS IN THE ACTIVITY OF A SOCIAL WORKER

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Irena Leliūgienė ◽  
Violeta Andrijevska ◽  
Angelė Kaušylienė
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Research Survey ◽  
The Social

The article presents the results of the research in the realisation of ethics in social work activities. Social work is a complex and multifaceted profession in which  practice is based on strong values. Social work values and ethical principles have been a particularly acute and debatable topic since ancient times.  It has always been noticed that social work practical activities raise ethical issues and dilemmas. Ethical problems and their solutions are basic problems in the development of social work as a profession. Due to these reasons, the main goal of this article was set: to reveal how ethics are implemented by social workers in practice. In order to achieve the goal, the following objectives were set: 1.  to explore the concept of ethics and values in social work context. 2.  to analyse how the social worker's ethical standards are being implemented in various fields of activity. 3.  to examine how ethics is realised in practice by the social workers of N District Municipality. In order to achieve the goal and tasks,  the concept of ethics and values in social work was discussed as well as the analysis of social work ethics  was implemented in various branches and spheres of activity. To reveal the topic, the research (survey) was carried out, which was attended by the N District Municipality social workers. Closed-ended questions were analysed by quantitative research methods and open-ended questions were processed by qualitative research methods. The results revealed that social workers of  N District Municipality knew the ethical standards of their profession and implemented them in all the mentioned aspects of ethical codes. Social workers identified five main reasons which cause violations of ethical standards in their practice: apathy of colleagues, heavy workload, lack of offices,  problematic clients and nervous tension at work.

Social Workers' Management of Error: Ethical and Risk Management Issues

2008 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic G. Reamer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Dual Relationships ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Confidential Information ◽  
Ethics Complaints ◽  
Management Issues

Social workers, like all professionals, sometimes make mistakes. For example, they may disclose clients' confidential information inappropriately, fail to respond to clients' reasonable requests in a timely manner, or engage in improper dual relationships with clients. Ideally, social workers who err would follow a protocol that honors the profession's commitment to responsible and honest communication and minimizes the practical risks faced by social workers who might be named in lawsuits, licensing board complaints, and ethics complaints. This article explores the nature and forms of social work error and possible constructive responses to it that (a) protect clients, (b) minimize risk to social workers, (c) prevent future error, and (d) adhere to prevailing ethical standards in the profession.

scholarly journals What Social Workers Should Know About Ethics: Understanding and Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

10.18060/124 ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine P. Congress
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Dual Relationships ◽  
Personal Agency ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Social Work Practitioners

Recognizing ethical issues and dilemmas that arise in professional practice is crucial for social work practitioners, educators, and students. After a discussion about the limited, although growing, literature on social work ethics, the ten main tenets form the most current NASW Code of Ethics are presented. These topics include limits to confidentiality, confidentiality and technology, confidentiality in family and group work, managed care, cultural competence, dual relationships, sexual relationships, impairment and incompetence of colleagues, application to administrators and relevance to social work educators. In addition to understanding the Code of Ethics, social workers can use the ETHIC model of decision making for resolving ethical dilemmas. This easy to use five step process includes examining personal, agency, client, and professional values, thinking about ethical standards and relevant laws, hypothesizing about consequences, identifying the most vulnerable, and consulting with supervisors and colleagues. A case example involving confidentiality, HIV/AIDS and family therapy demonstrates how social workers can use the ETHIC model.

Rehabilitation Counseling Ethics

2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine A. Reid ◽  
Connie J. McReynolds
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ethical Decision ◽  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Rehabilitation Counseling ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Counseling Relationship ◽  
Decision Making Processes

One of the hallmarks of a profession is attention to ethical standards; therefore, the purpose of this article is to increase awareness of current ethical issues related to Rehabilitation Counselingpractice, and to identify toolsfor addressing those issues in an ethically sound manner. Examples of ethical dilemmas involving disability in a counseling relationship are presented, and a review of literature related to ethics in this area is provided. An approach to addressing potentially hidden counselor bias and its effect on ethical decision-making processes is discussed.

Ethical and Legal Standards in Social Work: Consistency and Conflict

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic G. Reamer
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Legal Standards ◽  
Ethical And Legal Issues ◽  
The Relationship

Social workers frequently encounter circumstances involving ethical and legal issues. In many instances, relevant ethical and legal standards complement each other; however, in some circumstances, ethical and legal standards conflict. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between U.S. ethical and legal standards in social work. The author presents a conceptually based typology of 4 types of relationships between legal and ethical standards. Case examples are included. The author concludes with a decision-making framework designed to enhance social workers' constructive management of difficult decisions involving ethical and legal standards.

Social Work Malpractice, Liability, and Risk Management

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic G. Reamer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Dual Relationships ◽  
Malpractice Liability ◽  
Liability Risks ◽  
Ethics Complaints

Social workers have become increasingly aware of malpractice and liability risks. Disgruntled clients, former clients, and others may file formal ethics complaints and lawsuits against practitioners. Complaints often allege that social workers departed from widely embraced ethical and social work practice standards. This article provides an overview of the concept of risk management and common risks in social work practice pertaining to clients’ rights, confidentiality and privacy, informed consent, conflicts of interest, boundaries and dual relationships, digital and electronic technology, documentation, and termination of services, among others. The author describes procedures used to process ethics complaints, licensing-board complaints, and lawsuits. In addition, the author outlines practical strategies, including an ethics audit, designed to protect clients, third parties, and social workers.

Ethics and Values

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic G. Reamer
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Professional Values ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Ethical Decisions ◽  
The Relationship

Social workers’ understanding of professional values and ethics has matured considerably. During the earliest years of the profession’s history, social workers’ attention was focused primarily on cultivating a set of values upon which the mission of the profession could be based. More recently, social workers have developed comprehensive ethical standards to guide practitioners and decision-making frameworks that are useful when practitioners face difficult ethical dilemmas. Today’s social workers also have a better understanding of the relationship between their ethical decisions and potential malpractice risks.

scholarly journals Ethical Interaction in Cyberspace for Social Work Practice

10.18060/101 ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Marson ◽  
Sara B. Brackin
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Ethical Relationships

The nature of ethics on the Internet may be confusing to some social workers because of the unique characteristics of client contacts in cyberspace. This article addresses three basic issues/questions that clarify the ethical relationships among clients, other professionals and the Internet. These include: a) What must I do to maintain professional ethical standards on the Internet? b) How do I deal with the unethical interaction of others within cyberspace? c) How do I examine and analyze ethical issues with no clear guidelines?

Purchasing Power and Self-Determination: Social Worker Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Bailey ◽  
Debbie Plath ◽  
Alankaar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Purchasing Power ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Management Approaches

Abstract The international policy trend towards personalised budgets, which is designed to offer people with disabilities purchasing power to choose services that suit them, is exemplified in the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This article examines how the ‘purchasing power’ afforded to service users through individualised budgets impacts on social work practice and the choice and self-determination of NDIS service users. Social workers’ views were sought on the alignment between the NDIS principles of choice and control and social work principles of participation and self-determination and how their social work practice has changed in order to facilitate client access to supports through NDIS budgets and meaningful participation in decision-making. A survey was completed by forty-five social workers, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five of these participants. The findings identify how social workers have responded to the shortfalls of the NDIS by the following: interpreting information for clients; assisting service users to navigate complex service provision systems; supporting clients through goal setting, decision-making and implementation of action plans; and adopting case management approaches. The incorporation of social work services into the NDIS service model is proposed in order to facilitate meaningful choice and self-determination associated with purchasing power.

Social work responses to terrorism: Balancing ethics and responsibility

2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 822-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Sweifach ◽  
Heidi Heft LaPorte ◽  
Norman Linzer
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Terrorist Attack

This article presents a qualitative study that examined how Israeli social workers contend with ethical issues regarding confidentiality and disclosure in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. Respondents of this study shared examples from their own experiences of how ethical issues emerged as a result of confidentiality obligations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document