Values and Ethics

Cathy Jo Faruque
Decisions, Decisions
 Every day, social workers make decisions
and take actions based on ethical
principles.
 Ethical principles have a far reaching
impact on how we do our practice.
 NASW was formed in 1955 – as a result of
a merging of several social work
organizations.
Decisions, Continued
 The Code of Ethics was defined and
developed by the NASW in 1960.
 The NASW Code of Ethics has been edited
and refined over the course of 4 decades.
The most recent edition was developed in
January of 1997.
So, What Is Ethics Exactly?
 Ethics is the study of conduct – both right
and wrong.
 Ethics has a focus on moral conduct or
situations.
 Ethics has a basis in human values.
What is Ethics?
 Ethical principles come from values that
society deems as good or desirable.
 Social Work values reflect our fundamental
beliefs about what is right and wrong.
Values or Ethics?
 Values are statements of what we consider
as an ideal – it is what we hope to
achieve.
 Ethics offer a direction for action to take
place that is derived from what is the
desired outcomes.
Values or Ethics?
 Values that are found in the NASW Code
of Ethics
 Self Determination
 Protection of Confidentiality
 Promotion of Cultural Diversity
 Fair and Equitable Distribution of Resources
Purpose of the Code of Ethics
 The Code of Ethics identifies core values on
which social work’s mission is based.
 The Code of Ethics summarizes broad
ethical principles that reflect the
professions core values and establishes a
set of standards to guide practice.
 Purpose, Continued
 The Code of Ethics provides ethical
standards to which the general public can
hold the social work profession
accountable.
 The Code of Ethics is designed to help
social workers identify relevant
considerations when professional
obligations conflict or ethical uncertainties
arise.
Purpose, Continued
 The Code of Ethics prepares practitioners
new to the field in social work mission,
values, ethical principles and standards.
 The Code of Ethics articulates standards
that the social work profession can use to
assess whether social workers have
engaged in unethical conduct.
Guiding Principles and Standards
 The NASW Code of Ethics does not provide
a set of rules that prescribe how social
workers should act.
 Ethical dilemmas describe situation in
which the social worker has two or more
ethical obligations but cannot adhere to
one principle without violating the other
(protect from imminent harm vs right to
privacy).
Guiding Principles,Continued
 Ethics are not a cookbook or recipe of “dos” and
don’ts” Ethical conduct requires continual self
monitoring, reflection, careful thought, and
constant review of the Code of Ethics.
 As a professional, one must not only know the
letter of the code – but the spirit, the rationale,
and the practical implications.
NASW Code of Ethics – Basic Tenants
 Principle Number 1 – Protection of Life
 Principle Number 2 – Equality and
Inequality
 Principle Number 3 – Autonomy and
Freedom
 Principle Number 4 – Least Harm
Basic Tenets, Continued
 Principle Number 5 – Quality of Life
 Principle Number 6 – Privacy and
Confidentiality
 Principle Number 7 – Truthfulness and Full
Disclosure
Ethical Decision Making
Framework
 Identify the ethical principles that apply to
the situation
 Collect as much information as possible to
examine the ethical dilemma fully
 Identify relevant ethical values and rules
that apply to this ethical dilemma
 Identify any possible conflicts of interest
Framework, Continued
 Identify any possible problems or benefits
to people
 Identify appropriate ethical rules and rank
them in terms of importance
 Identify the consequences of applying
different ethical rules
Most Common Ethical Mistakes
 Violation of Client Confidentiality and
Privacy
 Students should not release information
regarding clients without their consent, should
not reveal identity in conversation, and should
store client records in a secure place.
Common Mistakes, Continued
 Violation of Client Autonomy and Self
Determination
 Students should not “over-protect” clients and
should respect client choices, even when the
student disagrees with them.
Common Mistakes, Continued
 Violation of Client Right to Information and
Informed Consent
 Students should not withhold information from
clients. Clients should be fully informed and
have the ability to significantly impact their
own care plan.
Common Mistakes, Continued
 Violation of Client Right to Competent Services
 Social Workers should take care not to practice
beyond their abilities and knowledge.
 Entering into Dual Relationships
 Professional relationships are not friendships. Be
friendly, but be careful not to enter into a relationship
that is beyond the professional scope.