Social Work Ethics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of the SWRB code of practice?

Protection of clients and enhancing public trust (correct)

Establishing a regulatory body for social work professionals

Enhancing social work education

Promoting social workers' personal interests

Which principle emphasizes the importance of human relationships in social work?

Cultural awareness

Professional responsibility

Central importance of human relationships (correct)

Advancement of social justice

What responsibility does the social worker have regarding informed decision and self-determination?

To make all decisions on behalf of the client for better outcomes

To minimize client participation to reduce confusion

To inform clients of their rights and assist in decision-making (correct)

To maintain total confidentiality regardless of circumstances

Which of the following best describes the principle of cultural awareness in social work?

Recognizing and respecting ethnic and cultural diversity Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the purposes of the SWRB code of practice?

As a basis for adjudication of alleged violations of standards Signup and view all the answers

Which value is NOT listed as a fundamental belief in social work according to the SWRB?

Promote self-interest among professionals Signup and view all the answers

How should social workers handle the confidentiality of information?

Respect clients’ privacy while informing them of statutory requirements Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to protect the confidentiality of client information when using electronic media?

Seek consent and remove all identifying information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following expresses a belief that society should provide benefits to its members?

Society has a responsibility to care for its members Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is it acceptable to maintain a sexual relationship with a client?

It is never acceptable to have a sexual relationship with a client. Signup and view all the answers

What should be communicated to clients regarding billing practices?

Clients must be clearly informed of all fee rates before services are delivered. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the principle related to conflicts of interest?

Maintaining personal interests at the expense of client welfare is prohibited. Signup and view all the answers

What is expected when supervising or consulting with colleagues?

Advice should only be sought from knowledgeable colleagues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approach to interdisciplinary collaboration?

To treat co-workers in a fair and professional manner. Signup and view all the answers

How should ethical concerns among colleagues be addressed?

By attempting to resolve them through appropriate channels. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the priority when dealing with clients facing financial constraints?

To ensure clients are not denied timely services due to financial constraints. Signup and view all the answers

What should be conveyed to clients concerning co-worker communications?

Only the client's personal particulars Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action for supervisors in relation to sexual contact?

Avoid any sexual activities with clients Signup and view all the answers

In which matters should social workers uphold ethics and integrity?

All professional responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of social workers towards policy makers?

To bring attention to detrimental policies Signup and view all the answers

What should social workers do when working outside their areas of competence?

Offer referrals when necessary Signup and view all the answers

How should social workers respond to unjust accusations against their peers?

Defend their peers publicly and privately Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility do social workers have towards their professional development?

Upgrade themselves proactively Signup and view all the answers

Which principle should social workers follow regarding misrepresentation?

They should claim only what is true Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the core values according to the NASW?

Service Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical responsibility relates to ensuring that social workers do not exploit relationships with clients?

1.09 Sexual relationships Signup and view all the answers

How does the NASW Code of Ethics support social workers in their practice?

By providing guidance in ethical dilemmas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities to clients emphasizes their right to make their own choices?

1.02 Self-determination Signup and view all the answers

What should social workers avoid according to the ethical responsibilities regarding colleagues?

Discrimination Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical responsibility focuses on maintaining the professional standards within the social work profession?

5.01 Integrity of the Profession Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ethical responsibilities to clients related to the handling of their personal information?

1.07 Privacy and confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a purpose of the Code of Ethics in social work practice?

To provide a framework for decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of professional conduct does the ethical responsibility 4.04 address?

Dishonesty, fraud, and deception Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility requires social workers to engage in public and political advocacy?

6.01 Social Welfare Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) both have codes of ethics to guide social work practice.
The NASW code of ethics:
- Core Values: Service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
- Functions and purposes:
  - Establish standards for behavior and practice
  - Provide framework for ethical decision-making
  - Guide in navigating ethical dilemmas
  - Promote advocacy
  - Ensure consistency in practice
  - Emphasize lifelong learning
  - Encourage self-care
  - Promote accountability
Ethical standards:
- NASW: The ethical standards are categorized based on responsibilities to:
  - Clients
  - Colleagues
  - Practice settings
  - The profession
  - Broader society
SWRB code of practice:
- Sets standards for social work practice in Hong Kong.
- Objectives: To protect clients and society at large, enhance public trust and confidence in the profession.
- Purpose: Adjudication and disciplinary action when a social worker's conduct violates the code.
- Values and beliefs:
  - Help people in need
  - Respect individual dignity and worth
  - Individual potential for growth
  - Commitment to social justice
  - Society should provide maximum benefits to its members
  - Importance of human relationships
  - Utilize professional knowledge and skills
Principles and practices (SWRB): Categorized by responsibilities to:
- Clients:
  - Primary duty is to clients
  - Cultural awareness
  - Informed decision-making and self-determination
  - Confidentiality and privacy
  - Conflicts of interest
  - Ethical considerations surrounding sexual relationships
  - Service continuity
  - Billing practices
- Colleagues:
  - Respect
  - Interdisciplinary collaboration
  - Supervision and training
  - Consultation
  - Client's right of choice
  - Professional communication
  - Ethical considerations surrounding sexual relationships
- Employing agency:
  - Responsiveness to agency's requirements
  - Effective influence on policies and procedures
  - Honesty and integrity
  - Professional responsibility
  - Maintaining the agency's reputation
- The profession:
  - Upholding values and ethical standards
  - Advance knowledge and professional development
  - Reporting violations of the code that endanger clients
  - Defending social workers against unfair accusations
  - Maintaining high standards of competence
  - Honest and transparent professional representation
- Society:
  - Advocate for social justice
  - Combat discrimination
  - Support policies and programs that benefit society
  - Contribute to public discourse on social issues

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Description

Explore the key principles and codes of ethics that guide social work professionals, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB). Learn about the core values, ethical standards, and the importance of ethical decision-making in social work practice.