Nasw Code Of Ethics Essays (Examples)

Nasw Code of Ethics

Organizations and societies at large are normally characterized with particular guidelines that control people's actions with respect to values and ethical standards that are set within those organizations or societies. Such guidelines are called codes of ethics. This paper seeks to discuss codes of ethics with respect to NASW. The paper will look into elements of the code, application of such codes as well as issues that emerge in the process of applying codes of ethics.

Aspects of NASW code of ethics and values: upholding dignity and worth of persons

The national association of social workers is an umbrella body of individuals who offer social services to the society in a directly interactive relationship with clients. Their course of duty that involve psychological care of the individual clients as well as that of the society as a whole has called for regulations in the field of…

NASW

Social Work and Cultural Competence

Comment by Sabina:

Social Work and Cultural Competence

As a social worker I have many ethical responsibilities to the community in which I will be serving. It is important for me to understand the ethical rules and implications of my actions. As an individual who is about to enter the world of social work I am extremely careful about my actions. I am aware of my knowledge and my personal attributes. I feel that my personal background could be a benefit in some areas culturally when conducting social work and it could be a barrier in other areas.

As a child my family immigrated to New York. My parents struggled to maintain our heritage and cultural values; however I was exposed to American values. I was exposed to individuals from many different backgrounds. I feel that I have a wide range of knowledge about…

Nasw Code of Ethics

Sociology

Author's institution affiliation

Reflection Upon the NASW Code of Ethics

The National Association of Social Workers composed and presented a code of ethics for social workers. This paper serves as a reflection upon the code and the aspects of the code that struck me personally as an individual, and as a social worker. Ethics interest me in general and they are particularly intriguing as they relate to social work. An aspect of the code that stood out to me was the necessity and the methods for clear separation of relationships with clients. I was in particularly in awe regarding the thin line between practicing and behaving ethically and unethically with respect to social work. The code also connected to a memory I have about a presenter from the course, who spoke of ethics as an issue that one practices without education. I will reflect upon…

However, the dual relationship may still violate the purpose and policy of the NASW Code of Ethics as pertains to dual relationships, if only because it may be unrealistic to restrict the definition of exploitation so literally.

Dual Relationship Ethical Issue #4 - Harming Clients, Colleagues, and 3rd Parties:

As pertains to the client(s), there is not necessarily an issue of harm, except perhaps by virtue of the circumstances identified with respect to the exploitation issue.

However, if the State qualifies as a third party, the proposed arrangement is harmful to third parties because it perpetuates a violation of employment law and laws defining illegal immigration. In that sense, the arrangement violates the dual relationship provisions of the NASW Code of Ethics.

Conclusion:

The employment arrangement proposed by the social worker raises ethical issues that may violate the NASW Code of Ethics. The logic of the arrangement is understandable and…

NASW's ethical principles flow from its six stated values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. All four perspectives can be regarded as ways of operationalizing the service value. Social justice is explicitly recognized in both the multiple perspectives approach and in the NASW values. Shared power seems to encompass several values: importance of human relationships, dignity and worth of the client, integrity and competence.

The one perspective that is not as obviously tied to the NASW values is that concerned with evidence-based practice. However, evidence-based practice could be considered an over-arching perspective if the social worker insists that there be empirical evidence, obtained before the intervention or practice occurs, that it will effectively serve the client. That is, it shows promise of meeting the client's needs in a manner that attends to his network of relationships and recognizes his dignity…

Ethically, the social worker did everything in the correct manner. The NASW Code of Ethics states that "when social workers provide counseling services to families, couples or groups, social workers should seek agreement among the parties involved concerning each individual's right to confidentiality" (Code of Ethics, 2014). In this case, the social worker accomplished that by requesting confidentiality agreements before the group sessions began. Actions to be taken now include the fact that the social worker should speak with the party that leaked the information as well as the injured party. Legally speaking, the court system would not likely take kindly to a case such as this nature. Ethically speaking however, the case is a good example of just how careful the social worker has to be. Excluding the patient that leaked the information from participation in the group setting would be a good first step. The rationale for these…

In the case of disclosure to harm oneself or others, the social worker has an ethical responsibility to refer the individual for further evaluation and possible commitment to a psychiatric facility equipped to aid the individual and potentially avert any future harm. The social worker must then use his or her professional judgment to determine if such goals or proposed actions pose a serious and imminent threat to self or others. The NASW code identifies this need to disclose as the social worker's ethical responsibility to larger society. (National Association of Social Workers, 2008)

Additionally, as part of the NASW Code the social worker is ethically bound to aide in the individual's self-determination and to help them give voice to and even codify their goals. (National Association of Social Workers, 2008) Ultimately, it is the primary goal of the social worker to help clients identify potential problems in social functioning.…

Jones relates that statement of Corrigan: "Our work suggests that the biggest factor changing stigma is contact between people with mental illness and the rest of the population. The public needs to understand that many people with mental illness are functioning, fully contributing members of society." (Jones, 2006) Jones states that "the social cost of stigma associated with mental illness is high because it translates into huge numbers of people with treatable mental illness not getting help." Jones relates the fact that the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) is a group of advocates that works toward fighting the "inaccurate, hurtful representations of mental illness" that are found in the media. Jang (2002) states that the National Health Law Program has a priority to access of healthcare. In fact, the Executive Order (EO 13166) was focused toward the implementation of guidelines in overcoming the language barriers. Jang states that LEP…

MSW college

Addressing internalized oppression as a presenting problem

Understanding and significance

The domain in which social workers practice and the outcomes achieved therein are hence-based essentially on the relationships forged and nurtured, irrespective of any interceding elements or theoretical methodology being followed. Social workers often face queries on ethical and moral grounds, specifically when faced with the power transactions that pervade within communities; that more often than not are in contrast to their own professional ethics. Mullaly (2002) explains this predicament lucidly- oppression, "is the subservience practiced on large groups by more powerful (economically, politically, culturally and socially) class as perceived by the public in general." (p.27). Work in the domain of emancipation of the oppressed class requires an understanding of the cause and effect of the manifestation on the societal as well as personal psyche. The philosophy of oppression and consequent oppression mostly revolve around, predominantly, feminism, radicalism,…

One of the primary concerns was multicultural relationships -- the recognition that ethics were relative to specific cultures and that each culture had to be understood according to its own functions, has to be respected for what it is, and had to be addressed in light of its cultural history and practices so that its people could best be helped. Social work had come a long way from attempting to squeeze all citizens of America in the model of the 'perfect American' as it had done in the 1920s. Nowadays, it is well-recognized that immigrants have many problems that deter them from receiving the rights that all Americans should receive optimal beneficial medical care and healthy living accommodations. Suffering from handicapped language skills and ignorance about the ways of their new land, immigrants are often exploited by an unjust and insensitive system as well as by willful individuals. This is…

During the semester, the student informed the faculty field coordinator of a history of sexual and emotional abuse causing difficulty in school and ability to work with certain client populations.. The student was in therapy with a social worker and psychiatrist. The field coordinator contacted the field instructor to discuss the student's performance in the field. There did not seem to be apparent problems. The field coordinator did not disclose any specific details about the student and focused only on obtaining information about the student's performance. The student deteriorated after the mid-semester break. The field coordinator found that the student had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital and suspended the student from the field placement and contacted the field instructor. The confusion both educators about confidentiality had worsened this situation. Due to additional problems, the student's field placement was terminated. The student was told that returning to school would require…

Both types of reflection are ways to restructure cognition. Dynamic reflection focuses on problems and problem solving, while existential reflection seeks to discover meaning in life. In either case, the helper's role is to facilitate the reflection process.

Congruence with Social Work Values and Ethics

To determine the congruence between cognitive therapy and social work values and ethics, the writer consulted the National Association of Social Worker's (NASW) Code of Ethics (NASW, 2008). NASW's ethical principles are based on its six core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. The overriding purpose of cognitive therapy is service to the client -- helping her identify, challenge, and change the cognitive misconceptions that result in unhealthy emotions and dysfunctional behavior. Perhaps the most obvious congruence is between the values of dignity and worth of the person and social justice. The former…

(Walker & Staton, 2000, p. 449)

Walker & Staton also stress that all of the aspects of cultural competency that are understood, should be applied through systems that are sensitive to such needs.

As a quality of empathy, cultural sensitivity is not testable as content, but it can be an expectation of practice in the same sense that integrity or justice can be. The desirable posture for the social worker is one of cultural agnosticism -- not trusting in any particular cultural mold (the social worker's or the client's) to determine what is right, wrong, or ultimately meaningful (Sue, 1998). (Walker & Staton, 2000, p. 449)

As Green would likely attest the definitions of need, appropriate and empathetic are likely to be variant across individual situations and of course across cultures. The idea of teaching multiculturalism as an aspect of social work training then must be significantly sensitive to the…

Functionalism and Documented Workers

Over the last several decades, the issue of immigration has been increasingly brought to the forefront. This is because of challenges about which policies are applied and the impact they are having on documented workers surrounding the J - 1 program. Under these guidelines, the United States will issue a certain amount of visas for work study and training. According the Southern Poverty Law Center; this program issues 130 thousand visas annually. However, those who arrive and work in the U.S. are often relegated to minimum wage and unskilled positions. This means that they will spend most of their time working vs. learning about American culture. (Devine, 2014) ("Culture Shock," 2014)

To make matters worse, many employers will see these individuals as nothing more than a cheap form of labor. The result is that they will circumvent various regulations in the number hours, working and housing…

165) and he argued for a change in consciousness to go along with the economic globalization. Arias argued that the current climate is not interdependent, but actually fiercely independent and insular and moreover dedicated to self-aggrandizement, not cooperation to spread economic justice around the globe. Other voices are also arguing this, again presupposing that globalization is no longer an issue, but a fact, but that the globalization that exists is one of independence, not interdependence. Two of those voices specifically argue the twin issues of social justice in global interdependence, and ethics.

Social justice as a measure of global interdependence

Polack proposes that currently, "social work is confronted with a global system in which the world's people are bound together in a complex web of economic relationships. People's lives are now linked to lives of distant others through the clothes that they wear, the energy that warms them, and even…

social issue that I want to discuss is that of illegal immigration, particularly where it pertains to families. Undocumented migrants face numerous social and legal challenges in America, but first and foremost they are human beings, and they are only here to seek a better life. Yet, the conditions under which they come are often trying. Many are virtual slaves, others struggle with the lack of access to public services, housing, and employment. In many instances there are children involved. There is also an element of social advocacy with respect to this issue --one need not look any further than protests in the past year or two in border states that targeted undocumented children to see how vulnerable this population is. Politically, the issue of undocumented immigrants might be highly-charged, but for the field of social work it is a human issue. These are people, after all, and the challenges…

Immigration and Social Justice from a Macro Social Work Perspective

Immigration and Social Justice/Macro Social Work

Tenets of Just Practice Framework in regards to the film Wetback and the Catholic Safe House worker's perspective

The Just Practice Framework is a structure and context of social work that is centered on five tenets which are power, possibility, context, meaning and power. These five canons encompass five questions. First off, in what manner do the relations and structure form and outline the lives of people and the practice of social work? Secondly, in what way do we give meaning to the familiarities and circumstances that form our lives? Thirdly, in what context do these circumstances and familiarities take place? Lastly, in what manner may a past perspective assist us understand the ways in which struggles over meaning and power have turned out to be, and better value the human significances of those…

pursuing a career in social work and how such choice has been affected by my basic personality and life experiences. In performing this examination, an attempt to compare the reasons for my choice with the underlying philosophies of the profession has been made. A review of the NASW ethical code is an important resource source in the preparation of this paper.

Choosing one's career is one of life's most difficult decisions (Montmarquette). Some make the decision early in life while others find themselves wandering about well into their adulthood. Others change careers a number of times before ultimately deciding upon their life's work. How that decision is made varies in as many ways as there are career choices and the factors that individuals depend upon for making their decisions are also varied. The influence of others, a personal assessment of one's skills or interests, or even the amount training or…

As a social worker, you should understand some of rights a refugee has under the law of the land and the international refugees' laws. For instance, under Article 33 of the Convention elating to the Status of efugees, it spells out clearly that a refugee is supposed not to be returned to his/her mother country where his/her life or freedom may be at risk on account of his/her religion, race, political opinion and nationality. Such are the fundamental laws which a social worker must be keen when handling a refugee (Capps, 2004).

Boundary issues

Boundary issues can sometimes be a difficult subject. One of the roles of a social worker is to work with other stakeholders to ensure that all immigrant found within the borders of a country are taken care of. A social worker has the mandate to recommend to the immigration officers for deportation and can also stop…

Advocating for Your Profession: Indiana

Becoming licensed

To become a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) in Indiana, an individual must have at least a master's degree with 60 hours of coursework in the field, have completed a supervised clinical practicum, and also have 3000 post-degree hours of experience in the field (Becoming licensed in Indiana, 2011, Indiana Counseling). After being certified, the counselor is expected to pursue continuing education in his or her profession. The 2005 ACA Code of Ethics strongly advises counselors to seek to continue their education in the profession (C.2.g) but the state of Indiana actually mandates that licensed counselors must devote 20 hours per year to their education.

Two challenges

One of the challenges faced by Indiana counselors has been the difficulty of new graduates finding employment. Many agencies could not hire new graduates due to licensure requirements of insurance companies and government programs. To address…

The second act of the social worker that has a strong link with the given theme is when the social worker offered job/work to the client at his place for looking after his children. These two exhibited activities of the social worker are being and outside the scope of the social work ethics based on which these activities are defied as giving nonprofessional services to the client. These activities are also a set of favors being done with the client. A solution to the family not paying the client for her work is what should have been done by the social worker. Second main evidence from the case that clearly highlights the fact that altruistic gestures are being shared between the client and the social worker is when as a token of appreciation and thanks, the client gives a cake to the social worker. One of the main facts that…

professional association you selected has on the practice of human services. Support your explanation by referencing the standards for training, credentials, and related legislations.

Professional Association -- Domestic Abuse

Over the last several years, human service professionals have become a major part of the solution in addressing the different challenges that society is dealing with. his is because the underlying views about social issues have changed, which is leading to a reliance on professionals such as: social workers to deal with these issues. In the case of domestic violence, they are playing a major role in helping to hold those who are abusive to their spouses, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends or children accountable for their actions. As these parties must understand that they cannot became violent when they are upset. While at the same time, social workers have a responsibility of separating the victims of abuse from these individuals for their…

Victims of Domestic Abuse

The disadvantaged population that I chose is victims of domestic violence. I choose this population since it is a global problem whose scope is wide and, in America alone according to the Centers for Disease Control (2003), annually affects more than 25 million American women. It is also more hopeful, in a way, than other social problems in that with sufficient attention and information, and, with knowing what to do, it can be prevented.

Challenges that victims of domestic abuse violence face vary from country to country in their severity as they are also controlled by socio-economic and ethnic variables (as most problems are). In all countries, women are considered 'second-rate' individuals; some countries, however, share this perception more intensely than others. In Spain, for instance, female victims of domestic abuse would be more severely challenged than they may, for instance, be in America due to…

Change

Problems and issues are inevitable in every society. These can be societal problems or issues that are profession-related. Sometimes people are so accustomed with their situation that effecting change would result to a social problem. A child who had been a victim of long-term domestic abuse may not welcome change if that change would mean being departed from his own family. A government employee would not welcome change if it would mean a loss in his

"corruption-takings." Or a victim of racism may be reluctant to change if his employment would be endangered.

Change is the only thing permanent in this world but it can be controlled. Change may cause problems but these problems may also cause further changes if not solved. 'Social change is the shifts in the attitudes and behavior that characterize a society' (Greenwood & Guner 2008).

Some of the societal and profession-related problems that need…

Domestic Violence and Abuse: Ethical Issues

Domestic violence is an epidemic in the U.S., but it is frequently a hidden one: many women are afraid to report what they are suffering to the authorities. "Over two-thirds of violent victimizations against women were committed by someone known to them: 31% of female victims reported that the offender was a stranger. Approximately 28% were intimates such as husbands or boyfriends, 35% were acquaintances, and the remaining 5% were other relatives…In 2003, among all female murder victims in the U.S., 30% were slain by their husbands or boyfriends" (Domestic violence statistics, 2011, AADVAC). Some of these battered women may still harbor genuine affection for their partner, given that they associate violence with 'caring.' Others may genuinely want to separate themselves from their attacker but may fear they cannot economically survive on their own. Counselors and social workers dealing with victims of domestic violence…

Portage eflective Practice Model Elements

The Portage eflective Practice Model "includes three prerequisites, or key elements. They are: a commitment to develop and maintain trust and security within the group; allocation of time and place for regularly scheduled staff meetings; and support for activities that encourage and teach ways to reflect on the work at all levels of the organization" (Early experiences matter, 2010, Zero to Three). Communication, trust, support and sharing are all essential elements of this reflective practice model. In the context of my own, personal experiences, I have seen that miscommunication between staff members is one of the most difficult barriers to overcome when helping others. Sharing what works and what does not work with clients in a group format is helpful for employees, as well as the population an agency serves. Dealing with challenges as a team is essential. A staff cannot be fully functional if…

patient suffering from several mental health issues including dementia has recently been discharged from a medical facility prematurely. The patient has been sent to a homeless shelter that offers no ambulatory or out-patient care, and no continuity of care program has been offered by the patient's medical team. Because the patient is indigent, he has no recourse.

Ethical Principles

The primary concern for the social worker is the patient, and ensuring that the patient's current home status is safe. In this case, we have assessed the conditions at the homeless shelter and have identified several problems related to the safety of the shelter itself and the ability of the shelter to provide what the patient needs. For several years, this patient has been unable to properly care for himself. He does not practice good enough personal hygiene on his own and needs daily assistance in this regard. He does not…

Working with Clients with Dual Diagnosis: The Case of Joe," (n.d.) shows how social policies can directly affect the lives of individuals, impacting their access to and awareness of care options and the availability of specific services. Moreover, social policies can influence mental health practitioners, reinforcing stereotypes and stigmas toward patients with substance abuse disorders in particular. A systematic review of the literature reveals "negative attitudes of health professionals towards patients with substance use disorders are common and contribute to suboptimal health care for these patients," (Boekel, Brouwers, van Weeghel & Garresten, 2013, p. 23). Social workers are at the forefront of substance abuse treatment, as social work professionals "regularly encounter individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorders," including co-occurring disorders as in Joe's case (NASW, 2013, p. 5). Therefore, in addition to their role in reducing stigma and ensuring evidence-based practice in mental health care, social workers…

Sociology

State-Level Challenges and Issues

In the course of social worker's in Indiana performing clinical duties they are likely to provide service to Impaired Professionals. Impaired professionals bring to the clinical atmosphere additional clinical contemplations and challenges, not the least of which is their potential for endangerment or harm to the public (Supporting the Wellness and ecovery of Impaired Professionals, 2011). Impairment on the part of a professional is sure to contribute to unproductive service delivery, possibly even to bringing real harm to the client, and malpractice with all its consequences. Impairment may manifest itself in a number of ways, among them, chemical dependency, stress responses, and inadequate attention to the professionals own emotional troubles (The Impaired Helper, 2011).

Impaired professionals often experience inappropriate anger or resentment in the form of: intimidation, insulting or demeaning language, blaming or shaming others for mistakes or errors, needless sarcasm or pessimism and threats…

Social Work Leadership Theories and Areas of Application

Leadership Theories - Servant

The philosophy and collection of practices constituting the 'servant leadership' style enrich people's lives, improve organizations and, eventually, foster a kinder and fairer world. While the concept is ageless, the coining of the term "servant leadership" is attributed to obert K. Greenleaf, who cites it in his 1970 essay, The Servant as Leader. In his paper, Greenleaf states that servant-leaders are, first, servants. Leadership starts with one's inherent wish to serve. Subsequently, conscious choice generates the aspiration to lead. Such an individual sharply differs from the person who is, first, a leader, probably because of the latter's desire to procure material wealth or satisfy an abnormal power drive. Therefore, servant-first and leader-first types are positioned at two extremities of the continuum of leadership styles. Between the two, an endless assortment exists, forming part of human nature's infinite variety.…

Categories and Phases of Loss and Grief for Nancy

Diagnostic Statement for Nancy

Nancy is obese and reports feeling anxious and depressed. Nancy has gained 15 pounds does not sleep well, has low concentration ability and is forgetful. Nancy has a social phobia and exhibits some signs of paranoid schizophrenia. In addition, Nancy has a back injury, which contributes, to her general feeling of ill health and results in not getting the exercise she needs. Nancy is a chain smoker. Nancy feels that she has lost control of her life. Nancy's son Michael has asthma. It appears that Nancy's husband suffers from some type of behavior disorder and is likely somewhat mentally retarded.

DSM-IV-T (2000) Diagnosis

The multiaxial assessment includes analysis on the following five stated Axis:

(1) Axis 1: clinical disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, learning, motor skills and communication disorder

296.xx Major Depressive Disorder

301.0 Paranoid Personality Disorder

300.23…

The case of Rita is a sad one. She works as an employee of a resort. She's never really been in a serious relationship. She has dated but nothing got past that point. Anyhow, she encounters a male acquaintance of a coworker. The man was to take Rita home but he instead takes her to a remote area and assaults her. She did not want her family to know what happened but she did notify an agency about what did occur. They collected forensic evidence and treated her for any potential sexually transmitted diseases she might have been exposed to. They also gave her emergency contraception. While she eventually gets the courage to report the rape to her family and the proper authorities, it is too late to make use of the forensic evidence that was collected.

Post-mortem

The one obvious thing that should be changed is the 90-day window…

Group Social Work: Nurturing Father's Program

The group investigated for this paper is the Nurturing Father's Program. I encountered the Nurturing Fathers Program while working for my state's child protective services division (DCFS). The NFP is an evidence-based, 13-week training course designed to teach parenting and nurturing skills to men. Each 2 1/2-hour class provides proven, effective skills for healthy family relationships and child development" (Nurturing Fathers, 2012). The goal of the program is to help men transform themselves into nurturing fathers by enabling cognitive, behavioral, and affective changes in the group participants. The NFP program has been used successfully in a wide variety of contexts, including, but not limited to schools, preschools, churches, government child-safety programs, and the military.

This particular NFP group meets at First Presbyterian Church, 270 Franklin Street, Quincy, MA on Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. There is no charge for participation, and group participants…

Sociology - Human Services

Advocacy

Domestic violence and abuse can occur to anyone, in spite of mass, gender, or might, yet the crisis is frequently ignored, exempted, or denied. This is particularly accurate when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is frequently diminished, yet it can leave profound and enduring scars. Becoming aware of and admitting to the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to stopping it. No person should live in dread of the person they love (Domestic Violence and Abuse, 2011).

Education is the key to stopping the cycle of domestic violence. Both the victim and the abuser need to be educated as to what domestic violence is and how it can be stopped. In order for people who suffer from domestic violence to get help they need to first recognize that the behavior that they are enduring…