6101WEEK7 DISCUSSION
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RESPONSE1.docxRESPONSE 1
YesterdayLocal: Jan 10 at 8:33pm<br>Course: Jan 10 at 9:33pm
Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
Option 2
Option 2 addresses an ethical dilemma involving dual relationships in social work. The NASW Code of Ethics contains standards that regulate the conduct of social workers. For instance, social workers must avoid conflicts of interest with their clients. Such conflicts may interfere with a social worker's professional conduct and judgment. Social workers are prohibited from having dual relationships with clients (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). Precisely, these individuals should avoid dual or multiple relationships that may cause harm or exploitation to a client. Social workers should protect clients in situations where such relationships are unavoidable. Such relationships are common in social work due to clients' vulnerability and the nature of work.
Dual relationships represent any relationship a social worker may have with a client beyond professional boundaries. Engaging in such relationships is risky for social workers. Therefore, social workers should avoid crossing professional boundaries to avoid conflict of interest. Dual relationships may include nonsexual and legitimate engagements. Such interactions may be unplanned but have ethical ramifications for social workers. Besides, these relationships may harm the client or the social practice (Reamer, 2014). A sexual relationship with a client is an example of a harmful dual relationship. Social workers are prohibited from engaging in such relationships with clients, their clients' family members, or partners.
Social workers can engage in interactions that benefit their practice and clients. For instance, a social worker can attend a client's formal ceremony, such as a wedding or graduation. Such an individual must document the potential benefits and consequences of such an interaction before it occurs. Also, such an interaction should only be initiated if the client has given his consent (Reamer, 2014). A social worker can determine whether a dual relationship is likely to harm the client or practice. For instance, such an individual can conclude that a relationship will be harmful if it lacks objectivity. A social worker should also avoid an interaction if there is no clear boundary between roles. A relationship that does not provide guidelines on when therapy will end is likely to harm a client.
References
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Empowerment series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Links to an external site. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics=English.aspxLinks to an external site.
Reamer, F. G. (2014). Eye on ethics: The evolution of social work ethics. Links to an external site. Social Work Today. http://www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_061614.shtml
RESPONSE 2
YesterdayLocal: Jan 10 at 11:13pm<br>Course: Jan 11 at 12:13am
Describe a specific ethical dilemma based on one of the options above.
According to Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2018), an ethical dilemma in social work practice is a situation where conflicting ethical principles are involved. In other words, an ethical dilemma is a circumstance that goes against the ethics of social work and warrants careful consideration before acting. The specific ethical dilemma for Option 1 is when a social worker checks their client's social media to look for their activities. In this situation, the social worker may feel that looking for their clients' online activities is acceptable.
Describe the ethical issues in the option chosen. Identify specific values or ethical standards that apply.
Suppose social workers check their clients' activities online without obtaining informed consent. In that case, they are violating the Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients 1. 03 (i) Informed Consent and 1.07 (q) Privacy and Confidentiality. The Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients 1.07 (q) Privacy and Confidentiality states that "Social workers should avoid searching or gathering client information electronically unless there are compelling professional reasons, and when appropriate, with the client's informed consent" (National Association of Social Workers, n.d.). This ethical standard highlights social workers' responsibility to respect their client's privacy. If checking clients' social media is beneficial for clients' cases, the social workers should obtain informed consent as directed by the Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients.
Identify who is likely to be affected by the ethical dilemma.
Option 1's ethical dilemma could affect the client and social worker. If the social checks their client's activities online without informed consent, they will be violating their clients' privacy which could cause further conflicts and may cause the client to lose trust and confidence.
Describe potential courses of action.
The potential courses of action when dealing with this specific situation are to determine whether a problem exists and consider the NASW Code of Ethics when making a decision. In addition, seeking advice or peer support when handling this type of situation could also be beneficial in developing an alternative intervention or client support.
Examine reasons in favor of or opposed to the course of action.
Determining the problem or situation and adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics help the social worker make informed decisions on handling specific situations or circumstances without violating the clients' privacy. This will allow the social worker to decide whether or not they really need to check their clients' activities online or if there are other alternative ways to deal with the situation while maintaining professionalism.
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Empowerment Series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers . Links to an external site. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English.aspx
