Ethical Considerations in Group Practice for Social Workers

1 Ethics in Group Practice LaShonda Gordon Bachelor of Social Work, Walden University SOCW 4004: Generalist Practice II Groups Dr. Dana Dillard June 24, 2023

2 Introduction This essay aims to explain the distinction between individual and group ethics as well as the rules that apply in a group situation. The goal is for the social worker to give the client the necessary resources and services in an ethical and beneficial manner, regardless if the engagement is between individuals or groups. While recognizing the distinct nature of cultural values and variation, the objective of ethical principles in therapy is to protect the integrity of both client and the social worker interactions. However, in group practice, some ethical standards may have some variations that differ from those of individual practice. Ethics in Group Practice Before beginning a group session, social workers should ensure that their clients understand the ethical changes that occur in group session. The NASW Code of Ethics is intended to assist social workers in identifying relevant factors when ethical doubts or conflicts between professional commitments develop (NASW, 2013). When dealing with groups, it is important to convey the value of confidentiality as well as the boundaries of that confidentiality to the group as a whole. According to Toseland and Rivas (2017), among the ethical practices with groups are (1) informed consent, (2) competent and trained leaders, and (3) proper group meeting behavior. Elements of ethical practices should be discussed with an explanation of informed consent and group work offers and requires of the members individually and as a group should be shared with group members. All members of the group will benefit from the informed consent procedure. It discusses moral and legal concerns that arise when a therapeutic relationship is formed. Ethics in Individual Practice

3 The counseling process must also include ethics at its core in order to be beneficial for the clients who seek aid in individual practice. Toseland and Rivas (2017) recommend that workers have a strict policy not to discuss individual group members outside of the setting of the group, with the exception of during supervision. Additionally, it is critical to safeguard both the worker and the client from harm by taking all required precautions. With individual practice the client’s grasp of the various legal and ethical aspects of the counseling process constitutes a good, informed consent bond. These include things like the services to be prepared for, the client’s expected conduct, the length of the therapy, and the overall objectives of the counseling and others. Group work requires the purposeful use of intervention strategies and group processes in order to accomplish individual, group, and community goals in accordance with the profession’s fundamental values and ethical practice guidelines (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Confidentiality, Mandating Reporting, and Group Membership Maintaining confidentiality is essential in the setting of group counseling, but it is made more challenging by the fact that there are numerous interactions between members in addition to those between clients and therapists. In accordance with the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW, 2013) Code of Ethics legal duties, such as mandated reporting, may take precedence over social workers obligations to their clients (Ethical Standard 1.01). Reporting ethical violations is essential for upholding professional standards and failing to do so may have an impact on the group or the individual member. Groups have a significant impact on people’s ethical frameworks, and the pattern of these impacts vary depending on the kind of ethical framework at issue. Ethics in group work is based on counseling core values as well as the concepts of autonomy, self-respect, and trustworthiness. It offers guidelines for excellent practice and practitioner care.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 In conclusion, ethics in group practice plays a vital role, and a number of factors need to be considered to protect both the client and the worker. The social worker must advise clients of the boundaries of confidentiality in order to obtain their informed permission. Obtaining the client’s consent is necessary in order to perform any kind of action. Individual, group, and organizational ethics are all closely related. In any circumstance, ethical behavior and more principles are obvious. Each person’s underlying moral principles have a significant impact on the group’s overall effectiveness.

5 References Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An Introduction to group work practice (8 th ed.). Boston , MA: Pearson National Association of Social Workers. (2013). NASW standards for social work case management. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx? fileticket=acrzqmEfhlo%3D&portalid=0

Wk4AssgnGordon L

Related Documents