Situations where two or more ethical principles conflict
Ethical Dilemmas
A social worker must decide between choices that are both morally right but mutually exclusive.
EXAMPLE: Telling the truth to a client vs. protecting their confidentiality
Ethical Dilemma
“______is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.”
Ethics
Common Ethical
Dilemmas in Social Work
Confidentiality VS. Duty to Warn
Client Self-determination vs. Protection Resource Allocation
Professional Boundaries
Cultural Sensitivity vs. Personal values
- Keeping clients secrets vs. preventing harm.
Confidentiality VS. Duty to Warn
Respecting client’s freedom vs. ensuring their safety.
Client Self-determination vs. Protection
•
- Who gets limited services first?
Resource Allocation
•
- Balancing capacity and professionalism.
Professional Boundaries
- Respecting beliefs that may conflict with one’s own morals.
Cultural Sensitivity vs. Personal values
HOW SOCIAL WORKERS HANDLE
ETHICAL DILEMMAS
STEPS TO RESOLVE DILEMMAS:
- Identify the ethical principles involved
- Gather facts and context.
- Consult the code of ethics or supervisions.
- Explore possible alternatives.
- Make a decision based on client.
- Welfare and professional integrity.
- Document the process and justification.
- Respecting beliefs that may conflict with one’s own morals.
Cultural Sensitivity vs. Personal values
The Magna Carta for Public Social
Workers (RA 933)
signed:
April 11,2007
Purpose: To protect the rights, welfare, and benefits of public social workers in the Philippines.
The Magna Carta for Public Social
Workers (RA 933)
_________
Key Principles: To ensure that social workers can perform their duties effectively, they must be given just_____,_______ And _____\
The Magna Carta for Public Social
Workers (RA 933)
compensation, protection, and opportunities for growth.
Key Provisions of RA 9433, 2007
Standard salary and compensation
- Salary grade 15 and above.
> Security of Tenure
- Protection from unjust termination.
> Working Conditions
- Safe, Supportive, and Equipped workplace
Leave Benefits
Maternity, Paternity, Study, and Special Leaves.
- Encourages ongoing learning and training.
Continuing Professional Educational (CPE)
- Membarship in professional and labor groups.
Right to Join Organizations
Importance of RA 9433
> Promotes Professional Dignity.
Prevents Exploitation and Burnout.
Motivates Social Workers to Perform Ethically and Effectively.
Ensures Quality Service Delivery to Vulnerable Sectors.
Connection Between Ethics & RA
9433
• Ethical Aspect RA 9433 Protection
“ Integrity and Accountability Ensures fair conditions to uphold ethical service.
• Service to Humanity Supports social workers’ welfare for better service.
• Competence Encourages continuous training and education.
• Dignity and Worth Recognizes social workers as vital public servants.
Conclusion
Ethical dilemmas are inevitable - what matters is how we handle them.
RA 9433 empowers social workers to act___,______and_____.
• Upholding ethics ensures trust, dignity, and professionalism in social work.
References
ethically, confidently, and fairly
