Chapter 2 Social Work Values and Ethics

1. Chapter 2 Social Work Values and Ethics

2. Values and Ethics • Values are concerned with what is good and desirable, while ethics deal with what is right and correct. • Ethical Dilemma – situation where one must make a choice among two or more alternatives. A dilemma occurs when no one answer can conform to all the ethical principles involved. • http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp- to get listing of all SW code of ethics and descriptions.

3. The NASW Code of Ethics Six core values: • Service – provide help, resources, etc. so that people can reach maximum potential. • Social justice – equal rights and protection for all. • Dignity and worth of the person – appreciate individual value. • Importance of human rights -valuing connections between social worker and client to create working atmosphere. • Integrity – maintain trustworthiness. 6. Competence – having skills & abilities to work w/ client

4. Purpose of NASW Code of Ethics • Identify primary social work values • Summarize broad ethical principles as guidelines for practice • Help determine relevant considerations when addressing an ethical dilemma • Providing broad ethical standards to which the public may hold profession accountable • Socialize new practitioners to mission, goals, and ethics • Set specific standards to judge conduct

5. Ethical Responsibilities to Clients • Self-Determination • Informed Consent • Conflicts of Interest and Dual Relationships • Privacy and Confidentiality – do not share client info without permission • Sexual Relationships – SW should not have sexual r/t w/ current or former clients.

6. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues Respect-Social workers should treat colleagues with respect Interdisciplinary Collaboration-Social workers who are members of an interdisciplinary team should participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the well-being of clients by drawing on the perspectives, values, and experiences of the social work profession. Consultation-Social workers should seek the advice and counsel of colleagues whenever such consultation is in the best interests of clients Referral for Services - Social workers should refer clients to other professionals when the other professionals' has specialized knowledge Incompetence of Colleagues-Social workers who have direct knowledge of a social work colleague's incompetence should consult with that colleague when feasible and assist the colleague in taking remedial action Unethical Conduct of Colleagues - Social workers should take adequate measures to discourage, prevent, expose, and correct the unethical conduct of colleagues

7. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Social Work Profession Integrity of the Profession- high practice standards. Strive to maintain and enhance professional knowledge, values, and skills. Evaluation and Research – monitor practice policies and interventions to assure effectiveness.

8. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society Social Welfare – promote people’s general welfare from local to global. Social and Political Action – to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities. Support policies that enhance social justice for all. Work to prevent and eliminate conditions and policies discriminating or exploiting other people.

9. International Social Welfare in a Global Context S.W. at the local level are involved internationally by working w/ refugees, etc. S.W. @ national level, in many countries promotes economic and social justice policy. Internationally – combating human rights violations

10. Personal and Professional Values