Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work: Core Values and Practice

Introduction to Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work

Social work can be both a fulfilling and frustrating profession. Working with human beings in a helping profession means that the social worker gains the satisfaction of successfully helping those in need. On the other hand, there is also frustration and heartache when ethical dilemmas arise. In a profession such as social work, these are inevitable, as human beings are at the center of the profession. Both professional relationships and the relationships of the social worker with clients are at issue in terms of ethical dilemmas. When faced with such a dilemma, the social worker does have recourse to certain considerations in order to make the best possible choice among potentially undesirable solutions. The social work profession functions under a certain code of ethics that promotes core values. By referring to these, ethical dilemmas concerning the social worker's relationships with clients as well as colleagues can be mitigated and resolved.

The NASW Code of Ethics and Core Values

According to the NASW (2009), the mission of social work is to promote a number of core values and purposes. The core values include service, social justice, dignity of the client, human relationships, integrity, and competence. These values function concomitantly in the practice of social work. The six purposes of the Code of Ethics include: (1) identifying the core values; (2) summarizing ethical principles; (3) identifying the issues and values to be considered when ethical dilemmas arise; (4) providing ethical standards for the social work profession as it functions in public; (5) providing a platform to familiarize new social workers with the core principles and values of the profession; and (6) articulating standards as a guideline for the practice of social work.

Confidentiality vs. Safety: The HIV Disclosure Dilemma

Franklin, Harris, and Allen-Maeres (2006, p. 922) identify an ethical dilemma as a situation in which all outcomes are potentially or partially undesirable in terms of one or more of the interested parties. The task of the social worker is then to use the Code of Ethics, legislation, and the core values of the profession to help make the soundest possible decision. In a case where the concern for privacy and confidentiality could potentially lead to harm or even death, for example, that concern takes a subordinate position to the health and safety of all those involved.

Hepworth et al. (2009, p. 75) offer the example of "Alice," who confidentially disclosed her HIV status to a social worker. The social worker is now faced with a conflict between her duty of confidentiality and the health and safety of Alice's husband and others — such as medical practitioners — who may be required to provide services to Alice. Hepworth et al. further note that the social worker should make use of supervisory help from legal and other professionals to identify the applicable regulations regarding HIV disclosure. Together with the core values and principles promoted by the Code of Ethics, this consultation can enable the social worker to make an optimal decision.

Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas in social work are inevitable. If the client's well-being cannot take precedence under the Code, it is important to inform him or her of the situation and of the options being considered. All ethical dilemmas should be handled with the Code of Ethics in mind and with optimal integrity when considering all viewpoints and stakeholders involved. In this way, social work is a profession that involves more than simply helping people — it involves creating a healthy social environment for optimal living conditions.