Professional values and ethics Flashcards
1
Q
Why must social workers acknowledge their personal values in practice?
A
Personal values can impact professional judgment and behavior, influencing decisions in practice.
2
Q
Can social workers leave their personal experiences and values outside the workplace?
A
No, personal experiences and values inevitably influence decisions in practice, and must be recognized and managed.
3
Q
What role do ethics play in social work practice?
A
Ethics determine what is “right” and “correct” in social work and guide decisions that prioritize client well-being, human rights, and social justice.
4
Q
How do ethics impact social work clients?
A
Ethics directly impact clients, especially in maintaining dignity and protecting human rights.
5
Q
Who must follow the NASW Code of Ethics?
A
All social workers, regardless of NASW membership, must follow the NASW Code of Ethics.
6
Q
What are the three main purposes of the NASW Code of Ethics?
A
Educate social workers on ethical behavior.
Ensure professional accountability through ethical guidelines.
Improve social work practice.
7
Q
Why must social workers reflect on their values?
A
Reflection helps social workers make informed ethical decisions, especially in complex situations involving vulnerable populations and societal changes.
8
Q
What societal changes have created new ethical dilemmas for social workers?
A
Issues such as diversity, technology, and evolving client needs create new ethical challenges that require constant evaluation.
9
Q
How did early social work relate to ethics?
A
Early social work was deeply tied to charity and moral conviction, and the development of professional ethics began in the 1920s.
10
Q
What role has the NASW played in the evolution of social work ethics?
A
The NASW, established in 1955, has influenced revisions of the Code of Ethics, addressing issues like diversity, biomedical ethics, and technology.
11
Q
What is the principle of “Dignity and Worth of the Person”?
A
Social workers respect the inherent dignity and value of all individuals.
12
Q
Why is “Social Justice” an important ethical principle in social work?
A
Social workers challenge social injustices and advocate for equity and fairness, particularly for marginalized groups.
13
Q
What ethical issues do social workers face with technology?
A
Social workers face ethical dilemmas related to telehealth, electronic records, and social media, requiring adherence to technology standards.
14
Q
What do the NASW, ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA technology standards emphasize?
A
They emphasize accurate, respectful communication and safeguarding client confidentiality in digital tools.
15
Q
What is Reamer’s Model for ethical decision-making?
A
It’s a step-by-step approach to navigate ethical dilemmas, involving identifying issues, evaluating courses of action, consulting experts, and documenting decisions.
16
Q
How does Lowe’s 7-Step Framework assist in ethical decision-making?
A
It helps practitioners assess ethical principles, gather information, resolve conflicts of interest, and prioritize actions in complex dilemmas.
17
Q
How do personal values influence social work practice?
A
Personal values, shaped by life experiences, influence decision-making, which requires self-awareness to manage potential biases in practice.
18
Q
Why is it important to reflect on personal values in social work?
A
Reflection helps identify biases and ensures that social workers can make ethical decisions even when personal values differ from clients’.
19
Q
What are some current ethical challenges in social work?
A
Challenges include technism, relativism, legal issues, and conflicts between ethical standards and organizational constraints.
20
Q
How can social workers address ethical challenges related to emerging technology?
A
Social workers should stay informed and ensure that their practice adheres to technology standards and ethical guidelines regarding digital tools.
21
Q
Why is self-care important in social work?
A
Self-care is vital for preventing burnout and maintaining emotional health, enabling social workers to provide high-quality client care.
22
Q
How has the NASW Code of Ethics updated its stance on self-care?
A
The 2021 Code emphasizes self-care as an ethical commitment, essential for maintaining professional competence and preventing burnout.
23
Q
What ethical responsibilities must Ohio social workers adhere to?
A
Social workers in Ohio must follow the Ohio CSWMFT Code of Ethics, report suspected child abuse, maintain client confidentiality, and engage in professional development.
24
Q
How should a social worker file a complaint in Ohio?
A
A social worker can file a complaint by visiting the CSWMFT website, submitting a form, and providing evidence to support the claim.
25
What are personal values in social work?
Personal values are influenced by cultural background, life experiences, and personal context. Social workers must be aware of their own values, recognize biases, and ensure these do not interfere with professional duties.
26
What are group values in social work?
Group values are shared by subgroups in society, such as religious, ethnic, or special interest groups. Social workers must acknowledge how these values shape perceptions and practices.
27
What are societal values in social work?
Societal values are those accepted by a larger portion of society. Social workers must stay informed about these values to make ethical decisions and address social issues effectively.
28
What are professional values in social work?
Social work is based on six core values:
Service
Social Justice
Dignity and Worth of the Person
Importance of Human Relationships
Integrity
Competence
These values guide practice and promote both individual and societal growth.
29
What is value neutrality in social work?
Social workers cannot be entirely neutral, but they must be objective. It’s important to understand how personal values influence practice and ensure that biases do not interfere with client care.
30
How should social workers handle value conflicts?
Social workers should respect the client's autonomy and self-determination even when values conflict. If a conflict significantly affects the therapeutic relationship, a referral may be necessary.
31
How does self-awareness affect social work practice?
Social workers must be aware of their personal needs and conflicts to prevent these from influencing their professional relationships. Seeking personal therapy may be necessary to address unresolved issues that could affect client care.
32
What is burnout in social work?
Burnout is physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual depletion caused by stress in the social work profession. It leads to feelings of helplessness and disconnection from both work and clients.
33
34
How can social workers mitigate stress and burnout?
Social workers can engage in self-care practices like exercise, hobbies, and rest. Maintaining a balance of physical and psychological health is crucial for being effective in the profession.
35
What is the importance of a self-care plan for social workers?
A self-care plan helps social workers prevent burnout and maintain well-being. It should include both maintenance and emergency strategies, such as physical activities, hobbies, and regular rest.
36
How should social workers approach ethical dilemmas in military settings?
In military settings, social workers must balance their professional role with mission priorities, using professional judgment to navigate tensions between confidentiality, autonomy, and the military mission.
37
What is the Ethic of Care in social work?
The Ethic of Care emphasizes relationships, context, and reciprocity, focusing on well-being within social environments. It promotes empathy, social justice, and a client-centered approach in decision-making.
38
What role does NASW play in social work ethics?
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides the Code of Ethics, which guides daily professional conduct. Social workers can refer to this Code when facing ethical dilemmas and seek guidance from NASW.
39
What challenges can arise when identifying a client's needs in social work?
Challenges include prioritizing needs in a diverse society, distinguishing between cultural differences and biases, and assessing whether personal values might influence the worker’s judgment.
40
41
How should social workers rebuild trust with clients?
Social workers can rebuild trust by ensuring equal access to services, protecting client rights, offering alternative services, involving clients in planning, and informing them about available resources.
42
When should a social worker consider making a referral?
A referral may be needed if a value conflict severely impacts the therapeutic relationship or if the social worker cannot maintain objectivity, potentially leading to harm or ineffective service.
43
What is the role of self-determination in social work?
Social workers must respect clients’ rights to make their own decisions, even if those decisions conflict with the social worker’s personal values, as long as they don’t harm the client.
44
How can dual relationships affect social work practice?
Dual relationships, such as those where a social worker has multiple roles with a client, can complicate professional boundaries. Social workers must be aware of these dynamics and seek supervision when needed.
45
What should a social worker do if they are experiencing burnout or impairment?
Social workers experiencing burnout or impairment should seek support, such as therapy or supervision, to ensure they can continue providing effective services while maintaining their own well-being.
46
What is the importance of the ethical principle of social justice in social work?
Social justice involves advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals. Social workers must actively challenge oppression and discrimination, ensuring fairness and access for marginalized groups.
47
What is the first step when encountering an ethical dilemma in field placement?
Gather all information related to the ethical issue, including who, what, where, when, and why.
48
What should you do if you're unsure about self-disclosure in practice?
Seek supervision and review the NASW Code of Ethics to guide your decision.
49
What is the role of the CSWMFT Board when another licensed professional violates ethical standards?
You should file a complaint with the CSWMFT Board and/or NASW, which may trigger an investigation and potential disciplinary actions.
50
What key resource does Allan Barsky suggest social workers use for ethical dilemmas?
Social workers should apply ethical decision-making models, such as the Reamer Model, and seek additional resources, like NASW or state boards.
51
What is the primary focus of Standard 2.21: Access to Technology in social work practice?
It focuses on ensuring equitable access to technology for all clients, addressing barriers such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and technological literacy.
52
How can social workers ensure that technology use in service delivery is culturally and contextually appropriate?
Social workers must consider factors like a client's technology literacy, economic status, and cultural preferences to ensure technology use meets individual needs without reinforcing biases or inequalities.
53
Why is privacy and confidentiality crucial when using technology in social work practice?
Social workers must uphold legal, ethical, and professional standards to protect sensitive client information, particularly when using digital tools or online platforms.
54
What should social workers do to address the digital divide in service delivery?
Social workers should identify barriers to technology access and provide resources or alternative means of service delivery for clients without reliable access to digital tools.
55
What is a key consideration when delivering technology-enhanced services to clients with disabilities?
Social workers must ensure that technology is accessible to all clients, such as using captions for hearing impairments or screen readers for clients with visual impairments.
56
What is a social worker's responsibility regarding informed consent when using technology for service delivery?
Social workers must ensure clients are fully informed about the risks, data collection practices, and confidentiality limitations of using technology for remote services.
57
How can social workers contribute to equity in service delivery according to Standard 2.21?
Social workers must reduce barriers to access and ensure that all clients, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to benefit from technology-enhanced services.
58
What should social workers do if a client cannot access technology?
Social workers should provide alternative solutions such as in-person visits or other accessible methods of communication.
59
How can social workers advocate for greater access to technology at a societal level?
Social workers can lobby for policies that provide affordable access to digital resources for low-income individuals and communities.
60
What ethical challenges arise when clients lack access to necessary technology?
Social workers must balance the desire to deliver services with the potential risk of exclusion for some clients, addressing the ethical dilemma of unequal access.
61
What is the key focus of Section 2 in relation to technology use in social work?
Social workers must use technology in a client-centered, culturally appropriate, and ethically sound manner to ensure equity and access.
62
What is an important aspect of ethical assessments in social work practice?
Social workers must be self-aware of their personal values and how these values may influence their professional decisions and interactions with clients.
63
Why is it crucial for social workers to distinguish between ethical issues and practice issues?
This distinction helps social workers identify the most appropriate course of action for addressing dilemmas that involve conflicting values or principles.
64
What role does research play in ethical assessments?
Ethical assessments should be based on current research and evidence-based practice to ensure informed and effective decision-making.
65
How should social workers evaluate the digital divide in ethical assessments?
Social workers should assess digital access and literacy as part of the assessment process, considering socioeconomic status, geographic location, and cultural practices.
66
What is Joseph’s Three-Pronged Collaborative Model for ethical decision-making in social work?
It involves understanding and describing the situation, collecting stakeholder perspectives, identifying and prioritizing core values, articulating action options, and reviewing and analyzing data to make an informed decision.
67
What factors complicate ethical decisions in social work practice?
Diverse values, external pressures, ambiguity in outcomes, and organizational culture can create challenges in ethical decision-making.
68
How should social workers handle ethical dilemmas related to technological advancements?
Social workers must navigate uncertainty and ambiguity, often leading to ethical distress, and should seek supervision and practice self-care to manage these challenges.
69
What is one of the key ethical principles of maintaining confidentiality in social work practice?
Social workers must obtain explicit, informed consent from clients before sharing any confidential information, ensuring that clients understand the scope and limits of this consent.
70
In what situations may social workers breach confidentiality?
Breaches may occur when there is danger to self or others, when there is a mandated reporting requirement (e.g., child abuse), or if a court orders the disclosure of confidential information.
71
What is the Tarasoff Doctrine and how does it affect confidentiality in social work?
The Tarasoff Doctrine requires that if a client discloses an intent to harm another person, the therapist must take steps to warn the potential victim, overriding confidentiality.
72
How should social workers manage the risk of harm in practice?
Social workers should assess potential threats, follow agency protocols, document actions taken, and consult with legal or supervisory staff when necessary.
73
What are some of the challenges associated with mandated reporting for social workers?
Challenges include lack of faith in the system, fear of damaging client relationships, and concerns about legal action, though social workers are protected when reporting in good faith.
74
What should social workers do when working with clients who may have HIV?
Social workers must balance the ethical obligation of confidentiality with the legal requirement of disclosure if there is a significant risk to others, ensuring informed consent and confidentiality are maintained.
75
What does "minimum necessary disclosure" mean in confidentiality practice?
It means that when disclosure of confidential information is required, only the least amount of information necessary to fulfill the purpose should be shared.
76
What are some practical considerations for maintaining confidentiality in social work?
Social workers should avoid discussing confidential information in public spaces, store client records securely, use encrypted communications, and be mindful of privacy in emergencies.
77
How have social work ethics evolved over time?
Social work ethics have evolved from charity-based moral conduct to advocating for systemic change and social justice, influenced by social, political, and economic contexts.
77
What is the difference between ethics and values in social work?
Ethics are moral principles that guide behavior, while values are beliefs that influence ethical decision-making. Both reflect the profession's commitment to human dignity, social justice, and the well-being of individuals.
78
What was the focus of early social work ethics?
Early social work ethics focused on moral conduct and personal responsibility, with an emphasis on charity and individual responsibility.
79
What major shift occurred during the Progressive Era in social work ethics?
During the Progressive Era, social workers began advocating for systemic change and public policies to address social issues like poverty, education, and welfare.
80
What influenced the shift toward professionalism in social work after WWII?
The post-WWII era saw the rise of professionalism and scientific principles, influenced by psychology and law, and the development of formal codes of ethics.
81
What are the key ethical concerns in contemporary social work practice?
Contemporary ethics include cultural competency, navigating ethical dilemmas, and advocating for social justice, focusing on challenging institutional inequalities.
82
What are some of the key ethical principles in social work?
Key principles include human dignity, justice, self-determination, and confidentiality, ensuring fairness, respect, and client rights.
83
What is the NASW Code of Ethics?
The NASW Code of Ethics is the primary ethical framework for social workers in the U.S., including guiding principles on service, social justice, dignity, relationships, and integrity.
84
What are the core values of social work according to the NASW Code of Ethics?
The core values are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
85
What ethical challenges do social workers face?
Challenges include navigating dual relationships, maintaining professional boundaries, balancing conflicting values, and being culturally sensitive.
86
What is deontological ethics in social work?
Deontological ethics focus on moral duties and rules, such as maintaining confidentiality and respecting client autonomy, regardless of outcomes.
87
What is utilitarianism in social work?
Utilitarianism advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness or well-being, often used to evaluate the impact of interventions on larger groups or society.
88
How does virtue ethics apply to social work?
Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of social workers' character traits, like compassion and integrity, to guide ethical decision-making.
89
What is the Ethical Reasoning Model?
The Ethical Reasoning Model helps social workers resolve ethical dilemmas through a systematic process of recognizing issues, reviewing principles, considering alternatives, and choosing the best course of action.
90
What does the NASW Decision-Making Model provide?
The NASW Decision-Making Model provides a series of questions to help social workers consider ethical standards, laws, and professional obligations before making decisions.
91
What are some modern ethical issues in social work?
Modern issues include globalization, technology and ethics (such as confidentiality and privacy), and maintaining ethical standards in advocacy.
92
What is the role of social workers in advocating for social justice?
Social workers advocate for social justice by fighting discrimination and inequality, and they work to challenge oppressive systems in society.
93
What ethical principles does the NASW Code of Ethics emphasize?
The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
94
How should social workers address conflicting values in practice?
Social workers should balance personal beliefs with professional obligations, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the client.
95
How should social workers approach cultural competency in practice?
Social workers must respect and understand clients' cultural backgrounds, ensuring ethical decision-making that is sensitive to cultural differences.
96
What are personal values in social work?
Personal values refer to the beliefs, morals, and ethical stances shaped by culture, religion, family, and personal experiences. They influence how a social worker views clients and their situations.
97
What are professional values in social work?
Professional values are ethical principles guiding social workers' behavior, such as service, social justice, dignity, human relationships, integrity, and competence, as codified in ethical standards.
98
What might happen when personal and professional values conflict in social work?
Conflicts can arise when a social worker’s personal values clash with the ethical standards they must follow, such as when personal beliefs about family structures contradict professional advocacy for all individuals.
99
How can social workers navigate conflicts between personal and professional values?
Through self-reflection to recognize personal biases, seeking supervision or consultation, and setting clear professional boundaries to ensure personal beliefs do not affect client care.
100
What is the role of self-reflection in resolving value conflicts?
Self-reflection helps social workers recognize their personal values and biases, allowing them to ensure these do not interfere with their ethical responsibility to clients.
101
What are ethical decision-making frameworks used by social workers?
Ethical decision-making frameworks involve identifying ethical dilemmas, consulting ethical guidelines, weighing potential outcomes, and considering the client's best interests while maintaining professional integrity.
102
What is the client-centered approach in social work?
A client-centered approach prioritizes the client’s interests, well-being, and autonomy in all interventions, considering their preferences and cultural context in decision-making.
103
What does self-determination and autonomy mean in social work?
It means respecting the client’s right to make their own decisions regarding their life and well-being, even if the social worker believes a different decision might be better.
104
What is informed consent in social work?
Informed consent ensures that clients are fully informed about services, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to withdraw consent, ensuring voluntary and informed decisions.
105
What are the elements of informed consent?
Full disclosure of services, an understanding of the treatment plan, the ability to make an informed decision voluntarily, and the right to withdraw consent at any time.
106
What is confidentiality in social work practice?
Social workers must protect clients’ privacy, but confidentiality may be breached if there’s a risk of harm to the client or others, such as in cases of suicide risk or abuse.
107
What does "best interests of the client" mean in social work?
It refers to acting in ways that benefit the client, considering their goals, values, and circumstances to help them make informed choices that align with their well-being.
108
How do social workers advocate for their clients?
Social workers advocate by fighting for resources, justice, and equality, particularly for vulnerable clients, ensuring they have access to the services and protections they need.
109
How do social workers balance client interests with ethical obligations?
Social workers balance client autonomy with their ethical obligations by guiding clients in understanding risks and exploring alternatives while respecting their choices.
110
What is an ethical dilemma in social work?
An ethical dilemma arises when the client’s preferences conflict with professional ethics, such as when a client refuses necessary services or makes a decision that may harm them.
111
How should social workers approach vulnerable populations?
Social workers must protect vulnerable populations, such as children or individuals with disabilities, ensuring their safety and dignity while respecting their autonomy and rights.
112
What ethical challenges arise when a client refuses to follow a recommended intervention?
Social workers face dilemmas when a client’s decision (e.g., refusing medical treatment) conflicts with their professional responsibility to protect the client’s well-being, requiring careful consideration of autonomy and risks.
113
What is the role of advocacy in social work?
Advocacy in social work involves fighting for justice, resources, and equality for clients, especially those in vulnerable positions, to ensure their well-being and access to necessary services.
114
How do social workers handle ethical dilemmas involving vulnerable populations?
Social workers navigate ethical dilemmas by considering the best interests of vulnerable clients while maintaining their dignity, autonomy, and ensuring they are protected from harm.
115
Why is it important for social workers to act as stewards of their clients' interests?
Social workers must ensure clients receive fair and ethical treatment, advocating for their well-being and autonomy while navigating complex ethical situations to provide appropriate support.
116
Why is ethical decision-making important in social work?
Ethical decision-making is crucial in social work due to complex dilemmas where ethical principles may conflict. Social workers need tools to assess these issues systematically and align interventions with professional values.
117
What is Utilitarianism in ethical decision-making?
Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. It’s often used in resource allocation or situations with competing claims.
118
What is Deontological Ethics in ethical decision-making?
Deontological ethics emphasizes following moral rules or duties, regardless of the consequences. Key principles include respect for autonomy, doing no harm, and honesty.
119
What is Principle-Based Decision-Making?
It involves applying ethical principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice to guide decision-making, ensuring fairness and respect for individuals.
120
What is Virtue Ethics in social work?
Virtue ethics focuses on the character and virtues of the social worker, such as empathy, wisdom, and integrity, guiding decision-making based on moral character.
121
What is the first step in ethical decision-making?
The first step is to identify the ethical issue, recognizing the ethical dimensions of the problem or conflict, including potential harm or competing interests.
122
Why is gathering information important in ethical decision-making?
Gathering both objective (facts, statistics) and subjective (values, perceptions) information is crucial for understanding the context and ensuring well-informed decisions.
123
What should social workers consider when exploring alternatives in ethical decision-making?
Social workers should identify possible solutions, evaluate short- and long-term consequences, and consider the impact on the client, community, and society.
124
What is involved in the decision-making step of ethical decision-making?
After considering alternatives, social workers make a decision aligned with ethical principles, client needs, and professional standards, ensuring it is justifiable and defensible.
125
What does implementing the decision in ethical decision-making entail?
It involves taking the necessary steps to put the decision into action while respecting ethical principles and addressing any potential negative consequences.
126
Why is evaluating the decision important in ethical decision-making?
Evaluating the decision helps social workers reflect on outcomes, learn from the process, and improve future decision-making.
127
What are common challenges in ethical decision-making?
Challenges include ambiguity in guidelines, conflicting values, human complexity, and external constraints like policies, funding, and organizational culture
128
How does professional judgment affect ethical decision-making?
Social workers must apply sound professional judgment to interpret ethical guidelines, balancing legal requirements with broader ethical considerations.
129
How should social workers address biases in ethical decision-making?
Social workers should recognize and mitigate personal biases, being aware of how their values and experiences influence decisions.
130
How does social justice factor into ethical decision-making in social work?
Social workers must consider the social justice implications of their decisions, advocating for fairness, empowerment, and reducing inequalities, especially for marginalized populations.
131
What is the importance of confidentiality in social work?
Confidentiality is central to building trust between social workers and clients, allowing clients to discuss personal issues without fear of their information being shared without consent.
132
When might confidentiality need to be breached in social work?
Confidentiality may be breached in cases of danger to self or others, child abuse or neglect, court orders, or if the client has a severe mental illness and poses a risk.
133
What is the Duty to Warn in social work?
The Duty to Warn, established by the Tarasoff v. Regents case, requires social workers to warn individuals at risk of harm due to threats made by a client.
134
What does the Duty to Protect involve?
The Duty to Protect involves taking steps to prevent harm, such as notifying a potential victim or alerting law enforcement, if a client is a threat to others.
135
How do social workers balance confidentiality with public safety?
Social workers must carefully consider the seriousness, imminence, and likelihood of harm when deciding whether breaking confidentiality is justified to protect others.
136
What is Informed Consent in the context of confidentiality?
Informed consent requires social workers to inform clients about the limits of confidentiality and when information may need to be shared (e.g., to prevent harm).
137
How do jurisdictional laws affect confidentiality in social work?
Social workers must be aware of the specific legal requirements for disclosing information, as the laws governing confidentiality can vary by state or jurisdiction
138
How do cultural considerations affect confidentiality in social work?
Social workers must be sensitive to how cultural norms influence clients’ views on confidentiality, adjusting their approach based on the client’s cultural values.
139
What are practical considerations for maintaining confidentiality?
Social workers should securely store client records, avoid discussing client information in inappropriate settings, and use password protection for electronic records to prevent breaches.
