DB Sowk post 2
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Antelope Valley College *
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Course
503
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by scruz6
Create a hypothetical ethical dilemma that could violate one of the NASW ethical
responsibilities for clients in social work practice with groups, communities, or
organizations. Make sure to identify the NASW code of ethic of concern. Ask a question of
your peers that demonstrates critical thought and encourages discussion. All responses to
the ethical dilemma must apply an ethical decision-making process.
As a Social worker, I have been working continuously with a client for the last several
weeks and have been able to build a good rapport with her. She is a single mother with a lot of
trauma and has had suicidal ideation in the past; her depressive symptoms are severe. As the
holidays start to approach, I have my last session with her before Christmas break, and she shows
up with a gift that is specialized for me. She tells me, “Thank you for all of your help and hard
work, this is for you, Merry Christmas.” I am touched by this kind gesture and accept this gift
and thank her for it. Because I sympathize with her due to her trauma history and know she
means well, I feel guilty for saying no to her and don’t want to offend her. However, I am in
violation of my NASW Code of Ethics.
Although this gift for this client may seem harmless, it is violating The National Association of
Social Workers Code of Ethics Standard 1.06(a) Conflicts of Interest. The NASW states that
“Social workers should be alert to and avoid conflicts of interest that interfere with the exercise
of professional discretion and impartial judgment” (NASW, 2023). As their social worker, it is
my duty to set clear boundaries and keep the relationship strictly professional to avoid any
conflict and any wrong signals that the client may interpret. Additionally, Social workers should
not take unfair advantage of any professional relationship or exploit others to further their
personal, religious, political, or business interests (NASW, 2023).
My question to my peers is: what is the most appropriate response to a client that is
attempting to give you a personalized gift?
Kindly,
Stephanie Cruz
Hello Denise,
I valued your response to this week’s discussion post; you brought up a good hypothetical
scenario and it was an interesting read! As far as the father asking you not to report his actions on
how he is handling his son’s behavior, I would calmly explain to him that it is your responsibility
to report this incident as it is in your contract of code of ethics as a social worker (NASW, 2023).
Additionally, I would offer this father a resource for his 11-year-old child that specializes in this
kind of behavior and provide him with social skills groups, and a referral for a psychological
evaluation where he could be prescribed with medication that will decrease his hyperactive
symptoms. Furthermore, I would also provide this father with linkages to support groups that
deal with children with behavioral problems and parenting support groups that will improve his
and his children’s communication skills and relationships.
Warm Regards,
Stephanie Cruz
Hi Alexandra,
Your hypothetical scenario is not uncommon in our field, your response to this week’s post was
an interesting read and I appreciated it. Regarding your question of what we must consider prior
to rejecting this gift from a client, according to the website
Ethical Social Work
, there might be a
hidden agenda behind the gift giving by family members. For example, expecting to receive
faster nursing home placement or financial assistance (Spirit of Givers, 2023). I would kindly
explain to this client why I am declining this gift as I am violating my code of ethics (NASW,
2023), express gratitude in the gesture, and offer to donate it another organization that may
benefit from it.
As for the client’s culture affecting this situation, most cultures, such as Hispanics for example,
would see this rejection as disrespectful as it is common for them to show appreciation by gift
giving. As previously stated, explaining to this client that accepting this gift would not be
possible due to violating terms of employment, and that it is not a personal choice. Additionally,
I would remind the client that this is a professional relationship and that you are their social
worker in order to set boundaries and protect your job.
Kind regards,
Stephanie Cruz
References
National Association of Social Workers (2022). Code of ethics of the National Association of
Social Workers.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-
Ethics-English
Spirit of giving (2023)
Ethical Social Work
. Available at:
https://ethicalsocialwork.wixsite.com/ethicalsocialwork/spiritofgiving.
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