Social Work Ethics on the Line

This guide aims to help social workers through ethical dilemmas and assist them in their exercise of professional discretion without exclusive reliance on the codes of professional ethics to which they are committed. 24 vignettes are included representing situations commonly encountered.

Social Work Ethics on the Line discusses social work ethics in-depth and the process of making ethical judgements in social work practice. This much-needed book guides social workers through ethical dilemmas and assists them in their exercise of professional discretion without exclusive reliance on the codes of professional ethics to which they are committed. The author proposes a method to lead social workers through making ethical decisions which enables them to evaluate decisions in actual practice and in the adjudication of grievances and complaints of unethical conduct. This method is fully demonstrated in twenty-four vignettes representing situations commonly encountered by social workers in a variety of professional and educational situations. Raising the ethical consciousness of social work practitioners, trainees, and students, this book helps them develop the awareness and skills necessary for choosing ethical actions in their work. Social Work Ethics on the Line is an invaluable guide for social work practitioners, supervisors, administrators, and community organization workers. It is also helpful for in-service training in social agencies and undergraduate and graduate schools of social work.