Code of Ethics

Question 1

6 purposes of the Code of Ethics

Answer 1

1. The code identifies core values on which the SW’s mission is based
2. The code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the profession’s core values and est. a set of specific standards to guide the sw practice
3. The code is designed to help sw’ers identify relevant considerations when professional obligations conflict or unethical certainties arise
4. The code provides ethical standards to which the general public can hold the sw professional accountable
5. The code socializes practitioners new to the field to sw missions, values, and ethical principles/standards.
6. The code articulates standards that the sw profession can use to assess whether sw have engaged in unethical conduct

Question 2

SW values

Answer 2

1. service
2. social justice
3. dignity and worth of the person
4. importance of human relationships
5. integrity
6. competence

Question 3

SW ethical principles

Answer 3

Commitment to clients: sw’ers have a professional and legal obligation to act in the best interest of clients. must replace their own interest and personal opinions. sw’ers advise clients when they are required to report when the client is in danger to self and others.

Question 4

Ethical principles

Answer 4

Self-determination: sw’ers should recognize the right of clients to engage in the therapeutic process and establish goals. limits freedom of self determination when it’s a threat. mental capacity and age of the client should be considered
Informed consent: sw’ers must work with clients to obtain informed consent providing services. Clients should understand the risk and benefits when consenting to treatment. services should be provided in the home language if english isn’t the client’s native language. read consent if they are not literate.
Competence: sw’ers must present themselves as competent. sw’ers need to be competent in the following areas:
education, training, licensing, professional activities/certifications

Question 5

conflict of interest

Answer 5

sw’ers act in the best interest of the client. dual relationships should be avoided. dual relationship= when a client has a second, different relationship with the client. weigh the pros and cons of how it will interfere with the therapeutic relationship

ex. therapist finds client belongs to the same church.

Question 6

privacy and confidentiality

Answer 6

sw’ers must protect a client’s right to confidentiality, need to inform the client about limitations and confidentiality including court mandates, duty to warn, and danger to self/others. let clients know when confidentiality needs to be broken.

Question 7

access to records

Answer 7

sw’ers must grant access to their own records and help interpret them unless doing so causes harm to the client. sw’ers must record and justify the decision if they feel giving access would be a danger to the client.

Question 8

sexual relationships

Answer 8

if saw a client 5 years ago, don’t start a relationship with them. never engage in a relationship with current or past clients.