5: Value and Ethics

Six Core Social Work Values

service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence

Informed Consent

the client understands the service, choices, risks, benefits, costs and limits and agrees voluntarily when able

Confidentiality

keep client information private except when permission or law/ethical duty allows or requires disclosure

Minimum Necessary Disclosure

share only the information needed for the purposeR

Release of Information

permission that allows specific information to be shared with specific people for a specific purpose

Self-determination

capable clients have the right to make their own choices, even choices the worker dislikes

Mandatory Reporting

some situations legally require a report such as certain abuse/neglect or other legally defined risks

Duty to Protect or Warn

certain serious threats may create a legal duty depending on jurisdiction and facts

Ethical Dilemma

two important duties or values conflict and there is no perfect answer

Ethical Decision-Making

use the code, law, policy, supervision/consultation, client rights, risks and documentation to make a defensible choice

Competence

practice only within your education, training, supervised experience and ability

Conflict of Interest

a personal or financial interest could interfere with a professional judgment

Boundary/Dual Relationship Ethics

extra roles or blurred boundaries can create exploitation, conflicts or harm

Documentation Ethics

records should be timely, accurate, relevant and honest

Billing Ethics

Bill only for service actually provided and accurately represented

Electronic Practice Ethics

telehealth, texting, email, and social media still require privacy, consent, boundaries and competence

Termination Ethics

Do not abandon clients. End services responsibly and help with continuity when needed

Anti-Oppressive Practice

notice and address power, discrimination, exclusion, and structural barriers

Accessibility

provide reasonable access to services across language, disability, communication and cultural needs

Ethics in Supervision

supervisors protects clients, support competence, maintain boundaries and address unsafe practice

Self-Care as Ethics

managing personal stress is part of maintaining competent service