Ethical Dilemma Case Study Essay

1. (20 Points) Using Figure 11. 1 (Page 416) in your UGP Text, List and Discuss how you would approach an Ethical Dilemma. (1page, single space max). The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is designed to communicate the fundamental values, ethical principles, and ethical standards of the social work profession, regardless the roles the workers are functioning these codes should always be consulted as guidelines when ethical issues arise while pursuing the best outcome for the Clients. Good human service workers know this and are familiar with the codes of ethics.

They are also clear on managing their personal values when making a decision, so as not to cause more harm to the clients as well as themselves. Social work is challenging, faced with many complex ethical issues; for one to be useful in this profession, they need to be knowledgeable enough to know how to engage ethical standards and apply relevant law when confronted with basic problems or ethical dilemmas. Social workers routinely make important decisions concerning ethical issues or dilemmas. Sometimes the worker has time to weigh all possible problemsolving options available to them.

However, most times the workers are on their own in finding the best solutions for their clients. The social worker should do everything in their power to make sure that the client receives the maximum confidentially as well as privacy, whenever afforded by law. Workers should assess all the information they are privy to concerning the case when making a determination as to whether or not there is a simpler way to deal with their client’s problems. An Ethical dilemma occurs when one solution conflicts with the other, creating an issue for those concerned.

Here is an example of what an ethical dilemma might look like, in an ordinary day of a social worker named Roberta, when taking out her trash she occasionally runs into a neighbor, named Katie, the two usually conversate briefly. This time Katie knows that Roberta is a social worker, took the initiative to bring up concerns she was having about Tammy, who lived on the opposite side of the street from them. Katie told Roberta that Tammy had confided in her, that her husband was psychically and emotionally abusing her.

Katie goes on to state that every time she sees Tammy, she has new injuries. Katie also told Roberta that Tammy asked her to make sure her children would be looked after if something happened to her. Katie said she felt guilty for betraying Katie’s confidence because Tammy begged her not to tell anyone about the domestic violence for fear that she might lose custody of her six children. Roberta being a seasoned social worker knows that the information that she has just heard puts her in the middle of an ethical dilemma.

In this situation, there are several conflicts presented, but we will touch on a few of them. First, the social worker is a helper, but, by law where life and death are concerned, the worker being a mandated societal reporter has an obligation to report, what she knows to the police and child protective services. Roberta instincts tells her that she needs to investigate further to make sure the information is valid, but she does not want to break Katie’s confidence, eventhough none of the people involved are her clients.

Under ordinary circumstances Roberta would investigate the situation further, if she found that Tammy’s life was in danger, she would proceed accordingly, she must act to save a life at all costs. Even at that, any solution must be consistent with ethical practices. The NASW code of ethics clearly states Protection of human life, self-determination, and enhancing the quality of life are three values in which social worker’s must be committed to preserving its integrity. At times there may be good reason to give priority to one over the other.

Even then, the worker must first follow the guidelines laid out, hen follow the necessary steps to resolve the conflicts. 10 Points) Using pages 418-420 in UGP text as your guide, List and Discuss (Personal Reflection) Dolgoff et al. ‘s Ethical Principle Screen. (1-page, single space max). This paper discusses Ethical Principles There are no set standards, principle, or values that are more important than the others. Although sometimes when confronted with ethical principles one might supersede the other. They are used as guidelines since reasonable differences nion can and do exist among social workers. People have right to basic life and to exist.

Social workers make every effort to see that everyone is treated fairly and equally and that people have right to live this principle takes precedence over all other even if it does breaking confidence with a client. The social workers primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers put others interest above their own. They believe that people have the right to exist with and have their basic needs met. Social worker seeks change especially for society’s oppressed population. Social workers treat others with the respect and dignity that all humans deserve.

Social workers realize the importance of relationships between people. Social workers act honestly and ethically always. Next social workers should make every effort to see that is treated fair and equal with a life or death situation, this principle takes precedence over all other even if it does breaking confidence with a client. Next, a person has the right to be treated fairly and equal to others, regardless of their circumstances A person has a right to be treated equally with others regardless of financial resources or health status.

People have the right to make their own choices concerning their life unless it involves life or death. People have a right to decide what they feel is the best recourse of action for them in their livesPeople have the right to be protected from injury and harm as well as the least possible damage. People have a right to provide safety from all harm to the greatest extent of the law. People have a right to seek a higher quality of life, and to do better, whether it be for them or their families.

The social worker should do everything in their power to make sure that the client receives the maximum confidentially as well as privacy, whenever afforded by law and The Code of Ethics. Clients’ information should not be shared with anyone else expect the client unless the client gives the worker permission to do so. Confidentially is a must in the social work; the worker can face repercussions if they do not follow the Code of ethics to the letter. 20 Points) List and discuss the Generalist Intervention Model (Hint: Page 37, UGP), providing five things you have learned for each stage. 1-page, single space max).

The Generalist Intervention Model are steps taken by a worker to implement change in the client life divided into problem solving phases. Social workers help people deal with all kinds of problems. They may find themselves helping a teenager decided whether to have an abortion, the next, admitting a patient in the hospital that is experiencing a psychotic break, and the next dealing with a woman in a crisis after being battered by her mate, even next deal with the discrimination of a client.

The first step in the process is engaged, this is when the worker becomes acquitted with the client usually by receiving a referral letter or intake assessment form. Which allows the worker the opportunity to get in touch with feelings of empathy and life concerns that the client might bring to the meeting, as well as whether the client is there involuntary or voluntary. Most workers are apprehensive about dealing with clients that are forced to attend sessions.

Wherever the first meeting takes place, it is important for the workers to cover all privacy concerns. Establish tentative goals Workers need to normalize the clients as much as possible, this helps the client better understand why they are there. Engagement is an ongoing process throughout the relationship Assessment is the fact gathering process in the steps, listening to the clients tell who, why, and where’s in their life story. While the worker listening, and prompts the clients when possible without being too pushy.

Information starts to accumulate Planning once the worker and the clients arrive at an understanding of the client’s problem. They need to agree on a plan of action or intervention that will be implemented. client has a right to be involved in the planning processes involved in the planning the more likely they are to want to participate in. If the worker and clients do not agree on the plan, what the clients want should take pre Implementation Evaluation Termination Follow-up These corrections are powered by