Code of Ethics: National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2021)

Key Concepts or Standards:

1. Respect for the Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons: Social workers recognize that every individual possesses inherent dignity and worth. This principle emphasizes the importance of treating all clients with respect, compassion, and understanding, regardless of their personal characteristics, background, or beliefs.
2. Client Self-Determination: Social workers respect the right of clients to make their own decisions and to control their own lives. This principle emphasizes the importance of empowering clients and involving them actively in the decision-making process.
3. Confidentiality: Social workers protect confidential information about clients, including information disclosed during counseling sessions, personal records, and other sensitive data. This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining client privacy and trust.

Part II: Applying Ethical Concepts to a Scenario

Scenario:

A social worker is counseling a client who is struggling with suicidal ideation. The client discloses that they have a plan to end their life and asks the social worker not to tell anyone. The social worker is concerned about the client’s safety and believes that they may be in immediate danger of harming themselves.

Ethical Issues:

• Duty to Warn: The social worker has a duty to warn potential victims of impending harm. In this case, the client’s suicidal ideation poses a serious risk to their own safety. The social worker has a responsibility to take steps to protect the client from harm, even if this means breaking confidentiality.
• Confidentiality: Confidentially is a cornerstone of the social worker-client relationship. However, it is not absolute. In cases where a client is at risk of harming themselves or others, the duty to protect supersedes the duty to maintain confidentiality.
• Client Self-Determination: The social worker must balance the client’s right to self-determination with their responsibility to protect the client’s safety. While the client has the right to make their own choices, the social worker cannot simply allow them to harm themselves.

Applying Ethical Concepts to Resolve the Dilemma:

In this situation, the social worker should follow these steps:

1. Assess the Client’s Risk: The social worker should carefully assess the client’s level of risk and determine the likelihood that they will act on their suicidal thoughts.
2. Engage the Client in Discussion: The social worker should openly discuss the client’s suicidal ideation and explore the underlying factors contributing to their distress.
3. Develop a Safety Plan: The social worker should collaborate with the client to develop a safety plan that outlines specific steps to take if they experience suicidal thoughts or urges. This may include contacting a crisis hotline, seeking professional help, or removing access to means of self-harm.
4. Consider Disclosure to Others: If the social worker believes that the client is at imminent risk of harming themselves, they may need to consider breaking confidentiality and informing trusted individuals, such as family members, emergency services, or mental health professionals.

Relevant Legislation:

• Mandatory Reporting Laws: Some states have mandatory reporting laws that require certain professionals, including social workers, to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
• Duty to Warn Laws: Several states have enacted duty to warn statutes that specifically apply to mental health professionals. These laws clarify the legal obligations of mental health professionals to protect potential victims of harm from clients who pose a danger to themselves or others.

Conclusion:

Navigating ethical dilemmas in social work requires careful consideration of the ethical principles that guide the profession, as well as relevant legislation and legal obligations. In the scenario described above, the social worker must balance the client’s right to confidentiality with their responsibility to protect the client from harm. By engaging in open communication, collaborating with the client to develop a safety plan, and considering disclosure to others when necessary, the social worker can uphold their ethical obligations and contribute to the client’s well-being.