It has always been recognised that the practice of social work raises ethical questions and dilemmas. Recently, however, traditional ways of addressing ethical issues in social work have come to seem inadequate, as a result of developments both in philosophy and in social work theory and practice. This collection of thought-provoking essays explores the ethics of social work practice on the light of these changes. Ethical Issues in Social Work provides up to date critical analyses of the ethical implications of new legislation in community care and criminal justice, and of trends in social work thought and policy, such as managerialism, user empowerment, feminism and anti-oppressive practice. This study provides important and stimulating reading for social work students and their teachers, and for all practitioners and managers who are concerned about the ethical dimensions of their work.

Is it right for a relative to assist in the suicide of an ailing loved one? Is it fair for a boss to avoid firing an employee? Ethics is a hot topic these days. Hardly a day goes by without a news story detailing breaches of ethical conduct in government, business, education, and the professions. Ethical dilemmas test the personal value system of all individuals at different points in their lives. This book provides a unique integration of theory and practice, by presenting ethical dilemmas that many people will encounter in their careers and personal lives, and offering models for classifying value conflicts and making ethical decisions. This how-to approach provides a way of thinking about values and ethics that permits the reader to make his or her own decisions based on rational decision-making models. The author provides numerous examples that encapsulate all sides of certain ethical conflicts, helping readers to visualize and understand the issues and processes involved in resolving ethical dilemmas. The book is divided into three sections: Values, Ethics, and Autonomy & Paternalism. Social workers, educators, theologians, and professional and community leaders. A Longwood Professional Book

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.

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.

This key text examines ethical concerns arising at different stages of professional development in social work and offers guidelines to overcoming them. Practice pointers equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge to move beyond professional codes and work to a broader set of values.

This introduction to professional ethics for social workers recognizes that social work is largely state-sponsored. Traditional values and rules are explained, followed by a concept of social work and its relationship to the state.