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Ethical Dilemma
SWK Values and Ethics 4500
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Vernell Jenkins
May 6, 2011
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Ethical Decision Making
This course of study has provided skills and competency in ethical analysis as it relates to
policies in the social work field and professions as well as it values and ethical guidelines. I
understand the commitment of the general social work profession. During the course of study I
understand the reason for ethical practice among social workers in relationship to a multiple and
very diverse community. Living in a population of difference cultures, religion, and beliefs
professionals must respect the individuals and meet on common grounds.
Approved by the 1996 NASW Delegate Assembly and revised by the 2008 NASW
Delegate Assembly, “The NASW Code of Ethics is intended to serve as a guide to the everyday
professional conduct of social workers. This Code includes four sections. The first Section,
"Preamble," summarizes the social work profession's mission and core values. The second
section, "Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics," provides an overview of the Code's main
functions and a brief guide for dealing with ethical issues or dilemmas in social work practice.
The third section, "Ethical Principles," presents broad ethical principles, based on social work's
core values, which inform social work practice. The final section, "Ethical Standards," includes
specific ethical standards to guide social workers' conduct and to provide a basis for
adjudication.
“The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core
values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of
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social work’s unique purpose and perspective: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the
person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence”. Professional ethics are
the core of social work and the obligations to values, ethical principles, and ethical standards.
In the article by M. Abramson, “Reflections on Knowing Oneself Ethically” it reminds
me of “NASW code of Ethics and the Law” to respect personal values, morals and ethics. As in
Chapter 2 the commonalities between personal values and morals are compared to the values and
ethics of the social work actual profession. Professionals’ ethics are in contradiction to our daily
laws meaning that behaviors or character can along with malpractice claims (an area referred to
as risk management in our literature. Some social workers argue that there is no need for a
professional code of ethics would be irrational due to the line of professionalism and the risk
workers are confronted with. (Course Introduction)
In difficult approaches relating to client needs are important. Demonstrating a sense of
understanding and have empathy toward the client situation or condition is vital to the client as
well as the reputation of the professional. More importantly the client’s needs should be first and
foremost. As the class studied various sources; I found that and Ethical Absolutism verses
Ethical Relativism is a better approach when dealing with very difficult situations or client
issues. A decision to Report or Not to Report becomes an issue in many cases. In a case study,
regarding the reporting of a family suspected to have drugs in the presents of the home. As a
social worker policy may require to report any appearance of negative activity. I agree solely
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with the law of ethnicity. While making the report is vital to the situation, knowing exactly what
the case may be is another. Often times what appear wrong my not be as it seems. For example:
When reporting “drug paraphernalia this may put a social worker in a dilemma. As a social
worker, I would probably question the appearance of it and indicate it in specific details. Having
proof is important as it may reflect in the future of the client or family. My goal is for the future
of the family. Questions may arise in my mind, “What help I’m I providing to the family? Do I
have enough evidence? Would reporting to the official be the best approach or to my direct
supervisor? As stated in the text, Social workers provide assistance, and they should also base
their observations on actual facts and the long term effects. The agent should seek help for the
family by providing counseling, therapy, and follow up with the families to see that the families
are getting the needed help. According to the NASW social Workers are responsible for
providing help.
One example I often give relative to helping and client and going against the grain for
the best interest of my client was made when I work in the local county Health Department.
Thinking like a social worker I felt my first place was to assist the client, help the family, and yet
adhere to government regulations and office policy. An ethical decision I made was the local
WIC office. This program support low income Women, Infant and Children. Husband and wife
who recently became unemployed were enrolled on the WIC program. Having a very sickly new
born, the family had spent all their money on milk formula ($9 -12.00per can) The approval
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process was still in effect and no WIC vouchers could be given to them yet. As they came back
to the agent requesting milk, the supervisor said no. Knowing their story, seeing their
purchase receipts, and seeing the crying baby with very little formula let in the bottle, my heart
went out again. In a case like this the office workers were allow to make decisions based on
urgent need. Because the supervisor was on duty I went back to plead with her on the parents
behalf. I could not send them home without formula. I sent the family out back to the expired and
unexpired formula about to be thrown away at the dumpster. I knew the kind of formula needed
was out back. This is the same formula we give to clients in need (closely unexpired formula on
hand). One container of formula is all the parents asked for. I went against my supervisor advice,
but feeling that I did the right thing. The child did not go hungry, or the family risk doing
something illegal.
When it comes to values, belief, and decision NASW encourage social works to act as
professionals and respecting every individual. It is a fact that examining oneself if important in
the area of working with other people and making decisions to reflect the lives of others.
(Dolgoff Text) Reamers case builds on what is sacred to the individual. When working with
individuals of different sexualities and beliefs of abortion it creates a direct complication
between the client and worker. Socials workers must do self-examination of personal worldviews
and Code of Ethics.
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As I do understand a woman’s’ need and I believe Roe vs. Wade was passed to support
the woman choice. As it is not my job to condemn anyone, but I personally don’t support or
agree with the act of abortion. As a social worker in a given case my belief does have priority
with. And l must be provided a decision for abortion is an individual decision and any advice can
only be suggested options. Reamer gave examples in the teleconference of prima facia duties and
ethical duties. While absorbing his expertise on the profession I can see were dual relationships
in rural areas can conflict. As social workers respect the morals and lifestyle of others they
should also be careful of their relationships. Professionals act as they must is a known saying;
evaluate oneself while practicing with clients to ensure that we are not being led by our own
morals instead of our ethical obligations. Another area Reamer interest me was the discussion of
dual relationships.
Dogloff implies in the text that ethical issues arise in community organization.
Confidentiality is important. All colleagues must comply with client privacy. This may present
challenges in decision making. Each worker contributes and providing ethical principle is vital to
the practice. I believe one of the issues that social workers face in community practice is, they
often work in professional situations in which their colleagues, supervisors, and opponents are
not social workers. Social workers have the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social
Workers to consider and uphold whereas, others do not have. Social Workers must notate and
report in all manners that deem necessary and that protect their practices. It’s always important to
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remain professional. Living in a rural area you will run into clients in the community. I don’t
believe it is unethical to be a part of an outing or event as long as your character remains
professional. There are always limits or restrictions that a social worker or someone in a similar
field much acknowledges quickly so that being in the wrong place does appear outside of the
code of ethics. This would be of great disadvantage showing favor or partiality toward the client.
It is important to not jeopardize the situation as if you owe for the favor giving or created a
closer relationship with the clients to the point that they expect more from the system because of
your newly found relationship.
The code of ethics states not to engage in physical contacts that could do psychological
harm to the clients were to assist. This could begin to send mix messages to the clients, whether
male or female, young or old. Comforting is fine but not such an embrace that would cause the
client to think sexual, flirty or any other acts not intended. Should a social worker who enjoys
the party life attend local clubs to drink and party with clients? I believe that it should be selected
with your profession in mind, and any nightclub (or other) place that you put your character in
question, one should not attend.
As a local case come to mind, notation developed and establish a case of domestic
violence which resulted in the protection of the family. As I stated in a prior discussion, “In the
case of the man having intentions to kill his wife would certainly send up red flags of emergency.
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This type of situation or a case of domestic violence should be treated with profession, yet with
caution for the client. In the social work profession situations of this nature will arise and the
privacy of the client or patient must be confidential. When life threatening situations deems or
holds you responsible knowing the danger it puts you in a confusing position. It would be
unethical to ignore such statement. I would rationalize his statement, and if determining that his
intentions are serious it cannot be ignored. How a social worker handles the information or scene
would be the professional thing to do. As a trained social worker our job is to help and protect
our clients. Social Workers must also adhere to policy and regulations. The law is the law and
professionals must obey the privacy of each client. Bring this threatening situation to the
attention of the appropriate authorities would be the best way to present this case. As
developing social workers, we are governed by Ethnical rules to share this information in the
event a life may be in danger. This dilemma may be a breach in confidentiality however the best
interest is for the child.
Confidentiality is secondary, but the obligation is in order to protect life. Withholding
information concerning client confidentiality raises a very import fact. During the course of
study we watch a video portraying many issues regarding ethical cases. For example client
confidentiality verse obligation. Client confidentiality may be challenge due to court decisions.
Other that such case client confidentiality is governed by privacy according to NASW. (Dollops,
Lowlander & Harrington, 2009.
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An ethical dilemma may arise when a practitioner is faced with two or more competing
values, like justice and confidence to protect one person may hurt another. There are in some
cases several factors to consider, nevertheless as social workers are trained to help the client in
which they serve. In this case withholding information for the mother put the child at risk. This is
what we would want to avoid. Ethical dilemma is something that a social worker will be
confronted with, yet must enforce the law. Despite the mothers feelings the use of drugs affects
the security and safety of the child. In this situation was the Social worker to protect the mothers
confidentially. No, the obligation was to the client.
As far as my moral and ethical obligations, I feel that I would need to make it continual
process of evaluate myself now when making decisions to help increase myself awareness. I also
need to read and educate myself on how the NASW teaches me to handle such situations.
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References
Dolgoff, R., Loewenberg, F., & Harrington, D. (2009). Ethical Decisions for Social Work
Practice. United States: Thomson.
Dollops, Lowlander & Harrington, 2005. The Art of Decision Making with Frederic G. Reamer,
Ph.D.
Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. (1999). Washington, D.C.:
National Association of Social Workers.
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default.asp