Social workers often hold considerable power in their work as they regularly work with the most vulnerable, powerless, and oppressed populations. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics outlines regulations and ethical obligations that hold its members accountable for their actions. More specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’s (CBT) therapeutic journey and the NASW code of ethics highlight the importance of clients' involvement. This collaboration is defined by the client’s right to self-determination and his or her ability to make choices relative to the treatment process. However, conceptualizing and understanding clients with complex problems such as Peter can be extremely difficult. Also, the effectiveness
The NASW Code of Ethics is the guideline for social workers in regards to professional conduct and practice. The Code of Ethics is divided into four parts: “The Preamble,” “Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics,” “Ethical Principles,” and “Ethical Standards.” These sections educate social workers on what their mission is, and how they complete that mission with true morality. Within the Code, there are six values presented which are also used in regards to helping and practicing with clients honorably. These six values are: service, social justice, dignity and worth, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These six values are the principles that drive social work practice, and are used by social workers everyday.
Social work practice in Canada is guided by the Canadian Association of Social Workers ' (CASW) Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics contains six core values and principles: respect for the inherent dignity and worth of persons, pursuit of social justice, service to humanity, integrity of professional practice, confidentiality, and competence (Canadian Association of Social Workers [CASW], 2005). Social workers who utilize both narrative and solution-focused therapies should fully understand the strengths and limitations of these theories in their professional practice using CASW guidelines. Additionally, social workers should examine if these single approaches are sufficiently comprehensive to address all of a client 's problems, or if a more flexible, adaptable approach of eclecticism is more suited (Coady & Lehmann, 2008).
Social workers face complex ethical issues in every aspect of their profession. This work is often ethically challenging because it involves direct contact and interaction with individuals who are vulnerable. There are many factors that influence our decision making especially when working with at risk youths, we often face challenges in wanting to take on certain roles to protect our clients. These roles often conflict with our professional obligations. When our personal and professional values conflicts, our decisions may affect the individual, family, group, community and the organization.
Classical organizational theories: As a group, we do not feel that the classical organizational theory complies with the six core values of the NASW code of ethics. We did not feel that the classical organization theory provided any help, support, or benefits to help the members reach their maximum potentials, other than those who are already at the top. We also felt that this theory did not provide equal rights, protection, or social benefits as a part of the social justice perspective of the core values. Where the power and resources rest at the top of the agencies who utilize this theory, we feel that those at the bottom are not held in high esteem, valued, or appreciated. We also feel that the importance of human relationships is dismissed
Cassdy, your exactly right a social worker, working as an exotic dancer enhances the potential of a client and worker creating multiple relationships (dual relationship). It's hard for me to speak on a clients prospective of the dual relationship. I can only speak on my perspective and personal views social workers are beholden to the Social Work Code of Ethics otherwise known as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics during a Social worker's studies and vow to abide by its standards and principles throughout our careers.
The codes in ethical behavior for both, the NASW, National Association of Social Workers, and the NAADAC, National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, have more similarities than differences. It is thought by some students in the studies of Social Work, that if you adhere to the Code of Ethics it will generally encompass the code of the NAADAC.
In 1996, former President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act (PWORA), which brought reform to the welfare system. Under this act, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) was replaced with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The enactment of this new program brought about several changes, including transferring the responsibility of welfare from the federal level to the state level, disentitlement to public assistance, and the implementation of work requirements to receive aid (Karger and Stoesz, 2014, p. 228). As social workers, it is important to understand this act and how it fits into our professional goals. While TANF does reflect many of the standards put in place by the National
As a part of a team asked to conduct an evaluation of supports available to foster parents within a large agency, I will be examining records, as well as collecting information from agency managers, social workers, and foster parents. In doing so, it is my obligation to reference the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to review the process of ethical decision making, and the specific provisions outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics on evaluation and research best practices. Key ethical issues that are likely to arise in this evaluation may include, not all members of the team agreeing on uniform evaluation process procedures that are in alignment with the NASW Code of Ethics. For example, a social worker who is bound to upholding
I am highly comfortable with uphold the NASW Code of Ethics with special regards for discrimination and cultural competence. As a left-handed individual, I can empathize with victims of discrimination since I have been regarded as less-than by individuals with narrow views on how individuals should behave and act. However, I do realize that no one is free from the social constraints that they were raised in. I expect that my journey through the graduate program and my career as a social worker, I will find someone or something that challenges the way I think. I seek to combat this before it happens which is why I am taking classes that challenge me to reevaluate myself. Being proactive by challenging myself now will allow me to be open-minded,
One of the main principles ingrained within me is to accept all people, no matter their appearance, social stance, or circumstances. I was raised with the core value of extending yourself on behalf of someone else. As a young child, this led me to befriend the class outcast; in high school I devoted many hours to volunteering within the special needs population; and as an undergrad student I found myself listening to and guiding many of my peers. The gratification I felt after giving to others only encouraged me to do more. Life is filled with great challenges and many people are in need of someone to support them as they struggle.
The ethical principle set forth by the NASW states “social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person (NASW, 2008).” The social worker in this case has a duty to treat the clients respectfully and be mindful of individual differences, culture, and ethnic diversity. As the social worker, it was imperative that I work with Stephanie to build upon her capacities and seek ways to guide her to be capable to address her own needs.
As a social worker many problems may arise because of the constant grey area of either letting your personal values interfere with your professional opinion. It is essential to provide your client with information and tools to help them succeed and overcome their problems. Following the core values is essential to being a resourceful, competent social worker. In some cases, core values are in conflict. In a situation where more than one core value is in conflict it is considered an ethical dilemma (Hick, 2009). It’s not guaranteed that a perfect solution will arise, therefore one of the core values is subsided because the other has more of an impact on the client.
Moreover, this case should be analyzed based on the information provided by the NASW Code of Ethics. The ethical principle included in the NASW Code of Ethics (2008) states that “social worker’s primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems…Social workers seek to resolve conflicts between clients’ interests and the broader society’s interests in a socially responsible manner” (p.5). Suzanne’s social worker would only have to seek for Suzanne’s well-being because if Suzanne and Cindy get separated, they can lose contact, which would affect Suzanne 's emotions.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has written a code of ethics that serves many purposes. The main purpose is to identify the core ethics and values that provide the foundation for the profession. It details six basic principles for social workers to follow: service, social justice, dignity and worth, human relationships, integrity, and competence (National Association of Social Workers, 1999). The code acts as an ethical guide for students, and those professionals just
As a social worker and or a human services worker we must focus on helping the client and the best interest of the client. In certain situations, we all carry to our picked range of work our own particular convictions and qualities. (SWT) Most of the clients that you come across and that you will help will be helpless, that would be why we are working with them, and are in need of a buffer from anymore abuse. We may need to change some of these convictions keeping in mind the end goal to work agreeably and for the best conclusion of our clients in the work setting. Maintaining a healthy relationship with your client you must keep tabs on moral issues identified by the “code of conduct” that you agree to when you decide to work in this field, you have to be attentive to individual qualities and how they may effect of the quality of care that you give.