More handpicked essays just for you.
What is the importance of ethics in social work
Important of social work ethics
Analyses the ethical issues, boundaries and potential areas of difficulty in social work practice
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
As a social worker, ethical practice is a very important aspect of the profession. Even when the ultimate goal is to be ethical at all times, it is not unheard of for situations to arise that lead to an ethical issues and dilemmas. Royse (2008) states that an ethical dilemma is not about selecting between what is right vs. wrong, but deciding between two conflicting ideas. Many of these predicaments happen the area that is “in-between totally right and totally wrong” (Royse, 2008, p. 51). When a situation arises that goes against social work ethics the decision needs to be made as to which one would in a sense be the better option, the least unethical choice. It is necessary to be aware of any ethical dilemmas, especially in research studies working with human …show more content…
subjects. A case study was reviewed in which the researcher conducted an investigation that resulted in an ethical dilemma. The researcher performed a study in order to discover the preferences of activities and the opinions of staff in certain day treatment facilities for adults with developmental disabilities. To accomplish this, the researcher gained permission from the administration of the facilities in the Los Angles and Orange County region. He then proceeded to visit different day programs with the goal to speak with clients and hold informal interviews with them about the different activities offered, which ones they liked the most and which they were least in favor towards. Also, the researcher wanted to find out about the clients relationships with staff members. It seems that this study was looking to benefit the developmentally disabled by using their feedback to improve the programs. At first glance it may not seem like there is anything wrong with this study, but there is an ethical dilemma that occurred. Looking at how this case study was conducted it seems that two ethical principals of building knowledge for the profession vs. full informed consent were in conflict. Gaining knowledge for this population and profession is important because many times those with intellectual disabilities are excluded from research (Horner-Johnson & Bailey, 2013). This exclusion from research studies means that those with developmental disabilities cannot contribute to scientific knowledge (Horner-Johnson & Bailey, 2013). Knowledge needing to be gained should not undermine or worse off exclude letting participants fully consent and being educated about what the researcher is trying to accomplish in the study. It can be argued that there needs to be research done with this population in order to gain more evidence and to help these day program facilities provide the best staff and activities for their clients. During this study, the researcher gained permission from the administrators, not the clients themselves. When working with those who have any type of disability it takes time and effort to make sure that the individuals understand what is going on. This could be a reason as to why the researcher decided to not gain individual consent. Adults who participate in the day programs did not have the option to consent or even realize what they were taking part in. Due to the vulnerability of the population, clients of the program might have thought that there was not a choice in talking with the researcher seeing as nothing was explained to them. It might be the case that if the participants fully understood what they were consent too, they might not have wanted to be part of the study. By disregarding full informed consent for the sake of knowledge, the researcher also took away the ability for voluntary contribution. There also is the issue of additional safeguards for those considered at risk, which is critical in working with those who have developmental disabilities. For someone with a developmental disability it is harder to understand certain things the way those without disabilities do. It is significant to find out the perceptions of the those who participate in these day treatment activities on how they feel about their day programs, but it needs to be done while informing the participants about what they are agreeing to take part in. In thinking about the issue at hand, it is beneficial to look at how other researchers have found ways in resolving dilemmas similar to this one. A research study was done about recruitment and consent for a health intervention prevention control trial with a group of intellectually disabled women. Described in this study is how the researchers went about gaining knowledge about the subject area, while attaining informed consent from the individuals. Specifically, the researchers held information sessions and met with any potential participants in a group setting (Swaine, Parish, Luken, & Atkins, 2011). During these sessions, the consent form was read section by section in great detail, while pointing out that this was a voluntary study, there would be no consequences for not taking part in it, and that nobody would be upset if they decided against participating. Participants themselves checked a box and signed the form if they decided to participate (Swaine et al, 2011). During the meeting more than one research was there to aid in answering questions and they made sure that every single person understood the form. Format for the consent form was based off of previous research. It was stated in. short, and easy to understand chunks of information with accompanying pictures by each block (Swaine et al, 2011). Lastly, if any of the women had legal guardians appointed to make decisions for them, they were also included in the information sessions and provided with a consent form (Swaine et al, 2011). Obtaining consent in this way seems to be very good practice. Overall, this study handled consent with a developmentally disabled population in an informed manner that was geared towards the participants themselves, not just the study’s intent. A lot of time and effort was put into making sure the participants knew exactly what they were signing up for and that it was all in fact voluntary. Due to the participants disability it may seem like it was a long process, but it helps to protect the individual and gives them self-determination in decision-making. Unlike the case study about the day programs where there was not any informed consent at all, this study really tried to make sure the participants fully agreed, acknowledged, and understood what they were agreeing too. By doing this researchers were able to gain knowledge about a certain topic area, while gaining their participants full consent. Another study conducted about the views of health care from those with intellectual disabilities and serve mental health problems. Those who participated in the study were going to be commenting on the views of their own impatient care (Young & Chesson, 2006). Researchers for this study gained consent by first having a staff member familiar to the patient making that initial contact and explain what the study was about (Young & Chesson, 2006). Staff members communicated to the individuals what the interview was going to be about and used “clear simple language” (Young & Chesson, 2006, p.4). There some efforts made to keep the environment unhurried, nonthreatening, and relaxed during the interviews (Young & Chesson, 2006). Achieving this type of environment was done by explaining to the patent that the interview was only for a research study and it had nothing to do with testing the individual’s competence (Young & Chesson, 2006). Each participant was given an information sheet that was not lengthy. If the individuals could not consent for themselves a proxy would then sign. For each participant, a nurse was in the room during the consent process to be a support system fort he participant and to be a witness that consent was given freely with no coercion (Young & Chesson, 2006). Researchers stated that one of the reasons for the consent form was because it was indeed an ethical requirement (Young & Chesson, 2006). It seems that these researchers were not interested in making sure that the participants were truly comfortable with consenting, but doing it because it was required ethically. It seems that if it was not an ethical requirement, this study might have turned out like the case study, where individuals did not give their own consent. As opposed to the last research study, where they were promoting self-determination and taking extra precautions to make sure everything was understood, this study seemed to lack in explaining the consent form and what it meant to the participants. Both of these research studies made it a priority to gain consent and having participants actually sing a form themselves. The first set of researchers working with the intellectually disabled women seemed to be the most effective in protecting this diverse and vulnerable population. This is in regards to how time was taken to make sure everyone understood what they were signing and explained everything. Having a consent form did provide protection of the population in the second research study, but the researchers did not take as many precautions or steps to make sure everything was understood and/or explained in a lot of detail. Both studies provided just a glimpse at how some researchers gained knowledge for their profession while also making sure the participants are consenting and aware of being part of the study. Contrasting to the case study where individuals were not informed they were part of a research study at all, given any form to sign, or explained that it was voluntary to take part in. To resolve the ethical dilemma of building knowledge of the profession vs.
informed consent with those who have developmental disabilities, there are a couple of recommendations. First, the researchers needs to realize that it will take time, patience and a lot of explaining to make sure everything is understood. Gaining consent with this population will not be as easy as with those who do not have a developmental disability. Secondly, the consent form itself should be stated in language that is easy to understand and not too long. Thirdly, making sure that the individuals know participation is voluntary and what that means. Lastly, by gaining consent the study may not have as many participants as it would without it, but that it will still help to gain knowledge into a population that is normally not included in research studies. For the particular case study with the dilemma, it could be resolved by disregarding any information that was given without consent. If starting over is not an option, the research could go speak to the individuals and have them sign a consent form after the fact. If any of the participants decided they didn’t want their information shared, those answers could be
discarded. Ethical dilemmas are always going to be around for social workers, especially in the area of research. It is important to be cognizant of them and resolve them in accordance to the ethical standards imposed upon the profession.
Today there are institutional review boards that are designated to approve and monitor research studies to ensure ethical standards are being met (Dudley, 2011, p. 45). As social work practice becomes more evidence-based, the worker will have an increased obligation to advocate for conducting and consuming research that aligns with ethical standards. A practicing social worker can help ensure the ethical treatment of their clients by empowering them to take an active role in their treatment decisions and goals. Three important mandates of the Council on Social Work Education that are directly relevant to research are adhering to the values and ethics of social work, promoting an understanding and commitment to diversity, and promoting human rights and social and economic justice (Dudley,
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.
Shaniya Robinson arrives at the County Human Services Authority for her monthly appointment with her social worker. Ms. Robinson is a 25 year old African American female who is receiving treatment for schizophrenia from the adult behavioral health services program. During a session the client reports that she is under a great deal of stress because she is having difficulty adjusting to being a new mother. Her five month old baby girl Shanice is teething and cries frequently. Ms. Robinson is also struggling financially because she is currently unemployed; her mental illness makes it difficult to sustain employment long term. And she does not receive support from the child’s father on a consistent basis. The combination of these interactional difficulties is weighing heavily on the client who reports an increase in positive and negative symptoms (i.e. auditory hallucinations and social withdrawal). Because the client does not have insurance she disclosed to her social worker that she self-medicates using marijuana in an effort to manage symptoms. More noteworthy, the client explains that she uses the same method to soothe the baby by blowing marijuana smoke in the infant's face. It is certain that Ms. Robinson divulged such information for several reasons, she wants help and she believes that any information she shares within the context of her sessions are confidential.
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...
National Association of Social Workers [NASW]. (1998). The New NASW Code of Ethics Can Be Your Ally: Part I. Retrieved from: http://www.naswma.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=96
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
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.
In the social work practice, social workers should abide by and respect the protocol of their particular organization. The first ethical standard I would like to discuss is that a social worker having cultural competence and social (NASW, 1999). A social worker must possess the knowledge of values, customs, tradition and history just to name a few in order to have success with clients that may identify as something other than their own identity. Culture directs impacts human behavior. Within this case study, due to Mrs. Sanchez’s culture, she struggled to assimilate with the American culture and this included her being able to learn the English language. Her culture was very important to her and I respect that. As a social worker, I would have
As a part of the National Association of Social Workers, social workers may face different kinds of ethical dilemmas in their scope of practice. The code of ethics is put in place so that these professionals may be able to act wisely and make the most suitable and appropriate decisions thereby positively benefitting the client likewise themselves. An ethical dilemma is a conflict between two or more ethical principles. These ethical principles aim to provide beneficense, least harm, respect for autonomy, and provide justice. I will discuss three ethical dilemmas affecting human rights in social work.
Social Work is a profession that is committed to the promotion, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of social functioning. Its focus is to work with individuals, groups, and communities, in helping them use the resources within themselves and the environment to cope more effectively with their problems. At its most basic level, social work is about promoting the general welfare of society by representing those who are most vulnerable. Providing social services can sometimes be a difficult task, wrought with ethical uncertainties and challenges. The Social Work Code of Ethics helps social workers navigate these challenges throughout their careers and provides a framework for the principles and standards a social worker must uphold.
Ethics consists of factors such as culture, religion, and these continuously affect a person’s beliefs and ethics. As individuals continue to develop and adapt to different values and ethics. This is through past experiences and the expectations as our life pattern changes. Core values in social work practice are the code of ethics, informing our understanding of the difference and diversity. The social work profession is evaluated by a whole set of guidelines, measures put in place by regulatory bodies, allowing the movement to put in place new governmental laws and guides within this field.
Reamer explains that values are important in regard to “The nature of social work’s mission; the relationships that social workers have with clients, colleagues, and members of society; the methods of intervention that social workers use in their work, and the resolution of ethical dilemmas in practice” (p. 15). Reamer discusses the importance of ethical decision making and ethical risk management in regards to any ethical dilemma a social worker may face. Reamer also explores how our values can challenge our profession; opposing or conflicting personal, professional, cultural and religious values in particular. Other ethical issues include confidentiality, privacy, divided loyalties, professional boundaries, dual relationships, conflicts of interest, and a client’s free will or determinism (Reamer,
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
“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.
Description of Ethical Dilemma Social Workers just like any other professions are constantly faced with an ethical complex situation which require the social worker to choose between two ethical values in their performance of duty. The ethical dilemma is when the social worker is feeling stuck and does not know what to do, usually a decision has to be made in that situation. The social worker has to make a choice at the expense of the other. The final decision could be morally right or wrong depending of the practice the social worker finds his or herself.