9.1 Ethical dilemmas and decision-making models

Ethical dilemmas in social work often involve conflicting moral obligations. Social workers use decision-making models to navigate these complex situations, applying core principles and guidelines from the NASW Code of Ethics to protect client interests and maintain professional standards.

Structured approaches like the ETHIC Model help break down ethical challenges into manageable steps. By considering all stakeholders and assessing risks, social workers can make sound decisions that align with professional values and best serve their clients and communities.

Ethical Foundations

Core Principles and Guidelines

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• Ethical principles form the foundation of social work practice, guiding professional conduct and decision-making
• NASW Code of Ethics provides comprehensive guidelines for ethical social work practice, addressing areas like client relationships, confidentiality, and professional responsibilities
• Ethical framework consists of structured approaches to analyzing and resolving ethical issues in social work
• Values-based decision making incorporates core social work values (dignity and worth of the person, social justice) into the problem-solving process

Application of Ethics in Practice

• Social workers apply ethical principles to navigate complex situations and protect client interests
• NASW Code of Ethics serves as a reference for ethical conduct, helping social workers maintain professional standards
• Ethical frameworks provide step-by-step processes for addressing ethical dilemmas systematically
• Values-based decision making ensures alignment between social work actions and professional values

Ethical Dilemmas

Understanding Ethical Challenges

• Ethical dilemma occurs when social workers face conflicting moral obligations or competing ethical principles
• Moral reasoning involves applying ethical principles and critical thinking to analyze complex situations
• Stakeholder consideration requires identifying all parties affected by a decision and evaluating potential impacts
• Ethical risk assessment evaluates potential negative consequences of different courses of action

Navigating Ethical Complexities

• Social workers encounter ethical dilemmas in various practice settings (child welfare, mental health, community organizing)
• Moral reasoning skills develop through experience and reflection on challenging cases
• Stakeholder consideration includes clients, families, communities, and the broader society
• Ethical risk assessment weighs factors like client safety, confidentiality, and professional integrity

Decision-Making Models

Structured Approaches to Ethical Decision-Making

• Ethical decision-making models provide systematic frameworks for analyzing and resolving ethical dilemmas
• Models often include steps like identifying the problem, gathering information, and evaluating alternatives
• Common ethical decision-making models include the ETHIC Model, the Transcultural Integrative Model, and the Social Work Values-Guided Model
• Ethical analysis involves breaking down complex situations into manageable components for thorough examination

Applying Decision-Making Models in Practice

• Social workers select appropriate decision-making models based on the specific ethical dilemma and practice context
• Models guide practitioners through structured processes to ensure comprehensive consideration of ethical issues
• Ethical analysis techniques include stakeholder analysis, values clarification, and risk-benefit assessment
• Application of decision-making models helps social workers document their ethical reasoning and justify their actions