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 works 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 donts 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 Principle Number Inequality Principle Number Freedom Principle Number

1 Protection of Life 2 Equality and 3 Autonomy and 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.