SWK 350-Topic 1 DQ 1
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University of Wisconsin, –Parkside *
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350
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Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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Uploaded by joymeiller
SWK 350-Topic 1 DQ 1 (Obj. 1.2)
You live in a large community, are in recovery from a sexual assault, and attend a PTSD support group near your home. At one of the meetings a former client introduces
herself as a new member of the support group. Detail how you handle this situation while following the six ethical principles stated in the NASW Code of Ethics. This discussion question will help prepare you for the ASWB licensure exam.
Hello Class,
In this case I would not announce that they were a former client in the session, but I would address it after the session. I would attempt to find other resources for myself and if I was unable to do so I would contact my supervisor or the group leader. NASW Code of Ethics states that it is unprofessional to have a dual relationship with a client (NASW 2023). It is unhealthy for a social worker to over share with a client. Having people in the group that you have treated possibly would make it hard for you to open up and get 100% help that is needed. Joy
NASW, 2023.
Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-
English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients
Milka Kinuthia Mwangi
The situation presented is complex and sensitive requiring one to use ethical decision -
making, I would seek help from my supervisors on handling this situation to avoid any conflict
of interest given that I am going to the same support group as my client. According to NASW Code of Ethics, social workers are to avoid dual relationships due exploitation or potential harm to clients (NASW 2023). Progress made between a social worker and client can be deterred by the possible engagement in dual relationship, in this case being in the same support group can undermine this progress. Considering the principles of NASW Code of
Ethics in handling this situation warrants careful ethical decision making. As a social worker I should uphold the NASW Code of Ethics and realize that my goal is to help others through service, pursue social change by challenging social injustice, recognize the power imbalance and advocate for myself and the client. Additionally, respect the inherent dignity and worth of
every person by being compassionate and empathetic to the client, recognize the importance of human relationships and communicate openly with the client and finally maintain trust and
competence.
NASW, 2023.
Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-
English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients
*Milka, The NASW code of ethics gives us as professionals guidelines to follow that will keep us compassionate and empathetic to our clients needs. Even though it is a large community, it is very common to still run into others that you know or have known. As we get older, we realize
how small the world really is. I agree this scenario would be difficult, but I would not want to share in front of someone that I had treated before. I may have to go to online Tella support. Blessings, Joy
Marisol Garcia
According to the NASW, it’s an ethical responsibility for social workers to avoid “engaging in a dual of multiple relationships with clients or former clients” in order to evade conflict of interest, which can lead to potential harm to the client. If I happened to be in such a scenario, I would make sure not to address the former client unless she/he does. I would then acknowledge the former client with respect and empathy and ensure my attendance there is merely as civilian, nothing else. As a professional part of a large community, I would be able to find a substitute support group.
*Marisol,
You are so right, the engagement of dual relationships with a client is so unhealthy. I feel that staying in the group together would not be appropriate. You both maybe there for the same thing but you still knew them in a professional setting. People forget about online groups. They
can be from anyplace so it would be unlikely to know someone in the group. I personally have never used it just when our clinic closed, that is where some of the clients went. Blessings, Joy
Heather Hembree,
This dilemma is a tough one. While the client and social worker no longer have a working relationship, this could still cause conflict for both the client and the social worker. The social worker has a duty to prevent dual relationships and should work to prevent them at all costs, current or previous client. The social worker may find themselves with no other option than to continue this activity if there is no other option for a support group in their area. With the explanation that the social worker lives in a large community, there may be an opportunity to seek out another support group. This would prevent the social worker from feeling reserved to share in front of her former client and could prevent the client from feeling the need to have a dual relationship with the social worker.
The NASW social workers ethical responsibilities to clients shares;
"Social workers should not engage in dual or multiple relationships with clients or former clients in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client. In instances when dual or multiple relationships are unavoidable, social workers should take steps to protect clients and are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries. (Dual or multiple relationships occur when social workers relate to clients in more than one relationship, whether professional, social, or
business. Dual or multiple relationships can occur simultaneously or consecutively" (NASW, 2023) . If the social worker can find an alternate support group, then both the social worker and former client may be able to find autonomy in their need for support
without a potential dual relationship causing harm.
Heather,
Treatment can become convoluted if you treat and have or do have a personal relationship with. I can give you a great example that deeply affected me. I was going through my divorce and the judge presiding over the case knew my husband and his bide to be. I had no idea for many months, until I was in court, and she was giving legal advice to him from the podium. I said it loud and proud “is that not illegal? They
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are friends or they know each other.” I also said other things that were not very Christian. The next day she personally handed a letter to my attorney recusing herself from the case. That cost me 10 K more than it should have. Knowing better yet she chose to let her personal and professional life intertwine. The most heartfelt sadness was she was an elder in their church. I still to this day feel betrayed and would like to let others know but what will that do? Joy NASW, 2023.
Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-
English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients
Devon Thomas
Nov 1, 2023, 6:53 PM
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Based on the code of ethics and ethical principles I believe that first, you would need to assess yourself and how you are feeling about the group and about how the former client being there makes you feel. Setting and respecting the boundaries of yourself and the other client is important and maintaining confidentiality is a must. Offering support to the client could be helpful to them and help them feel welcome and comfortable, which goes into the code of ethics of treating a person with dignity and respect (NASW 2023). Also, continue to be ethically competent while interacting with the former client.
*
Devon,
The code of ethics is very important to follow and if you have any questions, you should always feel free to go to a supervisor. You are responsible for keeping your meetings professional and with high ethics. It is important that you do not breach confidentiality but know enough to hear when you need to
share with your supervisor and or the police if someone may be in danger.
With the world as it is today I would rather lean on caution and safety. With the code of ethics book, it makes it better to treat our clients the best way that we can. Joy
Joy,
Yes! Supervisors are a great source of information and support when dealing with an ethical dilemma. It is important for us to maintain good boundaries and understand our biases. What do you think was the most important "takeaway" from this unit?
Professor Cooper
Hello Professor Cooper,
I think that working with different situations will be of major importance to take away from this unit. I am sure that no matter everything that we are going to be learning, we are still going to make mistakes and learn from them as well. There are many things to take away from this unit and they all are important. Joy