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Ethical Dilemmas In Social Work

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Episode 24- Dr. Frederic Reamer: Ethical Dilemmas in Work: Trends and Challenges presented professional ethical standards for social work in a contemporary setting. Dr. Reamer began by identifying the Code’s humble one page beginning which was confirmed in the 1960’s however, it was seen as being very shallow. The reason being, it did not address all ethical dilemmas that existed or would eventually exist within the field of social work. For example, the Code did not address ethical dilemmas regarding client and their social worker’s relationship, value issues, and electronic communication between social worker and their clients, to name a few. The historical one page Code entailed 17 principles which was later re-developed by a team of experts …show more content…

A brief HIV scenario was used to stress the complexity of confidentiality when the client is reluctant to share with his or her sexual partner that they were diagnosed with the disease. Undoubtedly, there are many factors to consider, one being, finding out what the state requires regarding disclosing that information with others, and to whom should it be told. Primarily, confidentiality must be considered, however, the furtherance of it must be evaluated based on the conditions. Similarly, other ethical dilemmas to consider are sexual activity, gifts from clients, and dating or going into business with one’s clients; this list is not exhausted. Unquestionably, the afore mentioned are various conflicts of interest leading towards obscuring the roles between the client and his or her social worker, therefore in due course, undermining the benefits from the social worker’s official actions or influence. Last, technology must be carefully considered as it too can create ethical issues such as Facebook, e-therapy, or skype as in some cases it deprives the client of ever meeting his or her social worker proving insufficient during a time of crises. In other cases, personal information regarding the social worker may be revealed without …show more content…

Ethical dilemmas in work is often encountered however, instructions of how to handle the situation is not always clear. As a social worker, I understand the code of ethics is designed to be used as a tool to guide our professional behavior as it is necessary. Certainly, what becomes an ethical guideline today may shift according to the times and dilemma. Dr. Richardson was an expert speaker in providing us this insight. Furthermore as he mentioned value and duty sometimes clashes, I am reminded when delivering services ethical decision making tactics to manage ethics risks is expected and should be incorporated. The content of this pod-cast is made applicable during field placement giving meaningful instructions, as abiding by the code of ethics is a crucial component of social work education. Certainly, my internship will present its own ethical problems that are distinctive. For this reason, I must give special attention to all policies and procedures pertaining to ethic related topics for the functioning of acceptable

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