Ethical Practice

The 6 principles of the NASW Code of Ethics

Service, Dignity and Worth, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, Social Justice, Competence

DISSIC

The 6 domains of ethical responsibility under NASW

• Clients

• Colleagues

• Practice Settings

• Professionals

• Profession

• Broader Society

CCPPPB

5 points of NABSW code of ethics

• Obligation to Black indiv., families, communities

• Black liberation and self-determination

• Collective responsibility, extended family/community

• Advocacy, social change, accountability

• Challenge practices and institutions that cause harm

This comes into play when school social workers encounter a conflict of ethical responsibilities to multiple school stakeholders

Dual loyalty

The 4th grade math teacher sees you in the hallway and pulls you aside for a chat. The teacher is concerned about Antonia, a student in her class who she has noticed sometimes appears sleepy and unfocused. The teacher asks what you know about the student’s home life.

What concept(s) are coming up in this situation?

What do you tell the teacher?

Confidentiality; need-to-know basis of information sharing

The 4 general limitations of confidentiality in school settings

• Danger to self

• Danger to others

• Abuse or neglect

• Other legal requirements (e.g. court order, subpoenas, other legally required disclosures)

The ethical decision-making process from the textbook

1. Assess the issue (gather info)

2. Separate practice issues from ethics

3. Identify conflicting values, prioritize

4. Consult with others (e.g. supervisor)

5. Identify alternative options

6. Evaluate costs and benefits of options

7. Examine personal values and biases

8. Decide on an option and implement

9. Document and reflect

AISCIEEDD