This is the first text of its kind to deal exclusively with applied social work ethics. It focuses on an eclectic mix of difficult moral questions or issues encountered in much modern day practice. It is therefore not theoretically driven with some practical elements attached, but is instead is a practice-based book, where any theory introduced is linked to tangible practice situations. It is also thought-provoking, controversial in parts and always engaging. With a focussed and clear writing style, this book will be of interest to all social work students and practitioners interested in the practical yet complex moral ramifications of their applied role.
For decades, teachers and practitioners have turned to Frederic G. Reamer’s Social Work Values and Ethics as the leading introduction to ethical decision making, dilemmas, and professional conduct in practice. A case-driven, concise, and comprehensive textbook for undergraduate and graduate social work programs, this book surveys the most critical issues for social work practitioners. This sixth edition incorporates significant updates to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and discussion of challenging issues related to cultural competency, antiracism, moral injury, human rights, environmental justice, ethical humility, non-Western perspectives on ethics, and practitioner self-care. Reamer also focuses on how social workers should navigate the digital world through discussion of the ethical issues that arise from practitioner use of online services and social networking sites to deliver services, communicate with clients, and provide information to the public, and he examines the standards that protect confidential information transmitted electronically. He highlights potential conflicts between professional ethics and legal guidelines and expands discussions of informed consent, confidentiality and privileged communication, boundaries and dual relationships, documentation, conflicts of interest, and risk management. Conceptually rich and attuned to the complexities of ethical decision making, Social Work Values and Ethics is unique in striking the right balance among history, theory, and practical application.
Professional knowledge doesn't guarantee you'll make the right decisions when it comes to professional ethics Ethics in Social Work introduces students, practitioners, and educators to theoretical and conceptual approaches to professional ethics and to the practice-related aspects of dealing with ethical problems and dilemmas. This unique book equips social workers with the ability to choose among different perspectives on the place and value of ethics in their approach to clients, and to use, defend, and explain their choices to clients, colleagues, supervisors, administrators, the general public, and the courts, if necessary. The book examines classical ethics, theories, and codes of ethics, virtues and values, etiquette, professional responsibilities, distributive justice, judiciary relationships, professional misconduct, and malpractice. A working knowledge of ethics is essential for the development of a healthy and happy relationship between service providers and consumers. Ethics in Social Work looks at how ethical issues and conflicts can affect the daily lives of social work practitioners and how an increased sensitivity to those issues can help enrich their professional experience. The book addresses the basic concepts relating to ethics, as well as theories, principles, rules and values that guide service provision based on the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Standards for Cultural Competence in social work practice. Ethics in Social Work examines: * the leading theories of ethics, including deontology and teleology * compromising or choosing between opposing values * professional etiquette in advertising and counseling * moral and professional responsibilities * the ethical dilemmas of telling the truth * social justice * practice-related aspects of distributive justice * fiduciary relationships * confidentiality in therapeutic work * resolving ethical dilemmas * the Hippocratic Oath and its relevance to social work * the Code of Ethics in social work * real-life cases of malpractice * and much moreEthics in Social Work includes case illustrations from existing literature and from professional experience, as well as an up-to-date bibliography. It is an essential read for anyone working, or preparing to work, in the helping professions.
Ethics and Values in Social Work offers a clear and systematic account of professional ethics in relation to social work practice, framed within a global context. Having sold over 38,000 copies across its lifetime, this is a thoroughly revised edition of a modern social work classic from a leading international author. Combining a sound grasp of theoretical issues with a sharp focus on the latest policy and practice, this edition features: • Detailed discussion of the participation of service users, including their role as activists and the importance of the service user movement; • Extended analysis of professional regulation and codes of practice, and their role in defining the nature of social work; • A vast array of practice examples, which bring current social issues to life; • Comparison of the latest codes of ethics from across the globe; • A wealth of supportive features, such as points for reflection, extended case studies and further resources. Ethics and Values in Social Work successfully synthesizes the complex ideas and concepts that characterize social work's value base. Written with Banks' trademark accessibility and theoretical rigour, this book will continue to be an invaluable resource for all students, educators and practitioners of social work.
Today’s practitioners and researchers are looking, now more than ever, at the ethical issues that are raised through the practice of social work and social services. As such, it is crucial that they are up-to-date on the latest data on how to address, manage, and overcome ethical issues in their practice. Ethical Issues in Social Work Practice is a pivotal reference source for the latest research on the role of moral values within social work and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the profession. Highlighting extensive coverage among a variety of applicable perspectives and themes, such as governing principles of social work practice, ethical analysis of social work cases, and individual and social responsibility in social services, this book is ideally designed for professionals and researchers working in the field of social work and social services as well as academics and upper-level students seeking cutting-edge research on ethics in the practice of social work.
Applying values and ethics to social work practice is taught widely across the qualifying degree programme, on both Masters and BA courses. This book is a clear introduction to this subject and will help students develop their understanding by showing social work students how ethics can have positive impacts on the lives of vulnerable people. There are chapters on how social workers can make good ethical and value-based decisions when working with risk, and how the role of the social worker as professional can impact on service users. Above all the book is a timely and clear introduction to the subject, with an emphasis on advocacy and empowerment and how the beginning social worker can start to apply these concepts.
Ethics is an increasingly important theme in social work practice. Worldwide, social workers experience common ethical challenges (how to be fair, whether to break a rule, how to act in politically tense situations) in very different contexts – from disaster relief in China to child protection work in Palestine. This book takes as its starting point real life cases featuring ethical problems in the areas of: negotiating roles and boundaries, respecting rights, being fair, challenging and developing organisations and working with policy and politics. Each case opens with a brief introduction, is followed by two commentaries and ends with questions for reflection. The commentaries, written by authors from different countries, refer to relevant theories, concepts, practical matters, alternative courses of action and their implications. Features within the book include: An introductory chapter covering issues of global ethics Cases and commentaries drawn from across the world – from Peru to Finland Cases based on real life situations and chapter introductions from leading authorities in social work and ethical theory Questions and practical exercises to aid teaching and professional development This book is a unique and accessible resource for stimulating ethical reflection, expanding ethical horizons and developing ethical and intercultural sensitivity. It is designed for use by undergraduate and postgraduate students and professionals in the fields of social work, social education/pedagogy, social care work, international social work, community development, community organisation, youth work and related fields.
Social Work Ethics in a Changing Society analyzes the challenges social workers face in applying social work values and ethics due to recent significant social, political, cultural, and technological changes. It provides readers with guidelines for ethical practice based on a philosophic foundation rooted in social justice principles. The book begins with a summary of key ethical concepts and principles. It then provides a brief history of social work ethics and analyzes their core assumptions in the context of new realities. The book provides readers with several frameworks through which to analyze a variety of contemporary ethical issues. In subsequent chapters, it applies these frameworks to situations largely derived from real world experience. Global sources provide a comparative perspective on the interpretation and implementation of social work values and ethics. The book contains extensive case examples and reflection exercises that illustrate ethical dilemmas in all areas of practice and those created or complicated by increasing social and cultural diversity. It includes content on the application of ethics to policy practice through examples drawn from the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and other current policy issues. Designed to help current and future social workers navigate a fractious, ever-evolving society, Social Work Ethics in a Changing Society is an excellent resource for students, faculty, and practitioners within the discipline.
