MSW Ethics MakeUp 7.12.24

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ETHICS

Navigating the nasw code of ethics

Welcome!

Intro

Amy H. McLean, MSWLMSW (AL), LAPSW (TN)

instructor, Distance online coordinator

Next

Community Agreements

Decision Making

NASW Code of Ethics

Closing Thoughts

Objectives

Next

MSW Ethics Resources: UA Box Link Link: https://bit.ly/3U71nhj

What You'll Find Here:

1. A Framework for Ethical Decision-Making (A Template)
2. Social Work and Ethics (Reminders from Today)
3. The Agreements Handout

Let's Look at the Community Agreements First

Next

The Community Agreements

• Many Classes May Use These
• Great Starting Place for Hard Conversations
• Also, Nice Place to Start from an Ethical Perspective

Next

Community Agreements

Community agreements

Explanation

The agreements are a starting place or a reminder of how we should engage in difficult conversations, which is also connected to ethical behavior!

Values

Morals

Leading principles that can guide us and motivate us as we interact with and relate to the world, other people, and ourselves (internal to us). Values describe ideas that we value or prize like social justice or equality.

The guiding ideas driving our decisions between what is right or wrong. Shaped by surrounding environments and belief systems, morals are a person’s ideas about right and wrong (shaped by external).

Laws

Ethics

Prepositional statements (standards) used by members of a profession or group to determine the right course of action in a given situation. Ethics rely on logical and rational criteria to reach a decision, essentially a cognitive process.

Determine how operations (actions) will take place. Laws are often based on attempts to avoid ethical situations, prevent violations of established law, protect the safety of workers/clients, and/or establish an effective working environment.

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Explanation

Leading principles that can guide us and motivate us as we interact with and relate to the world, other people, and ourselves (internal to us). Values describe ideas that we value or prize like social justice or equality.

Values

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Explanation

The guiding ideas driving our decisions between what is right or wrong. Shaped by surrounding environments and belief systems, morals are a person’s ideas about right and wrong (shaped by external).

Morals

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Explanation

Determine how operations (actions) will take place. Laws are often based on attempts to avoid ethical situations, prevent violations of established law, protect the safety of workers/clients, and/or establish an effective working environment.

Laws

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Morals, Values, Ethics, or Laws

Explanation

Prepositional statements (standards) used by members of a profession or group to determine the right course of action in a given situation. Ethics rely on logical and rational criteria to reach a decision, essentially a cognitive process.

Ethics

NASW Code of Ethics: English Link: https://bit.ly/44M954e

NASW Code of Ethics: Spanish Link: https://bit.ly/3JnzSLA

Let's Look at the NASW Code of Ethics

NASW Code of ethics

What is important here?

• Why do we have a code of ethics?
• Who does it apply to?
• What are the different sections?

NASW Code of ethics

What is an ethical dilemma?

• Role of Conflict
• People Involved

• Importance of Consultation

Is this an ethical dilemma?

Is this an ethical dilemma?

Explanation

There is no conflicting ethical standard in this situation. Having a sexual relationship with a client (current or former) is always an ethical violation.

Is this an ethical dilemma?

Is this an ethical dilemma?

Explanation

SW Values to Consider

• Dignity and Worth of a Person
• Importance of Human Relationships
• Integrity

Ethical Standards to Consider

• 1.02: Self-Determination (Supporting client’s choice and decision-making)
• 1.04: Cultural Competence (ex. Food in different cultures)
• 1.06: Conflicts of Interests (Boundaries)

Is this an ethical dilemma?

Another question. . .

What if your client is a 5-year-old?

MSW Ethics Resources: UA Box Link Link: https://bit.ly/3U71nhj

What You'll Find Here:

1. A Framework for Ethical Decision-Making (A Template)
2. Social Work and Ethics (Reminders from Today)
3. The Agreements Handout

Let's Look at the Social Work and Ethics Handout Now

How do we make ethical decisions?

1. What is the ethical dilemma? What personal values if any may be influencing my decision-making?
2. What is my immediate reaction or instinct for the best way to address the ethical dilemma?
3. Consult the NASW Code of Ethics. Does the Code provide direction and guidance?
4. Consult applicable agency policies and best practice standards.
5. Are there legal recommendations?
6. What are some of the cultural considerations?
7. Was the issue addressed through informed consent?
8. What are some of the available options or choices for resolving the dilemma? Am I minimizing risk or not compromising my ethical responsibilities?
9. Consult with a peer, manager, or supervisor
10. Does the context of practice make a difference?
11. Consider the impact on the therapeutic relationship.
12. What other resources might be helpful in my decision-making?
13. Document the process.
14. Monitor and evaluate the impact of the decision and modify if necessary.

*Adapted from Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work Practice. (2015). NSAWE Professional Issues Committee. Source: https://nlasw.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/Ethical_Decision_Making_Framework.pdf

Ethical Principles Screen

By Dolgoff, Loewenberg, & Harrington

*Adapted from Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work Practice. (2015). NSAWE Professional Issues Committee. Source: https://nlasw.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/Ethical_Decision_Making_Framework.pdf

In Conclusion...

Key Takeaways

1. Importance of the Code of Ethics
2. Personal vs. Professional Values
3. Even as a Student
4. Importance of Consultation Now and in the Future

we made it!

This is not the end of your training in ethical practice. You will continue to learn, practice, and grow as you move through your career. Even when you graduate, you'll still be working on ethical decision making. Lean into the discomfort!