Ethics

Assent

Agreement or approval from a client who may not have legal capacity to provide full consent (e.g., minors). Example: A 12-year-old agreeing to participate in therapy, though their parent provides the formal consent.

Dual Relationship

When a social worker has two or more roles with a client, such as professional and personal.

Boundary Crossing

A deviation from strict professional boundaries that may benefit the client.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where ethical principles conflict, requiring a choice between competing values. Example: Balancing confidentiality with duty to warn.

Confidentiality

The ethical duty to protect a client’s private information. Limits: Danger to self/others, abuse, or court orders.

Build Rapport

Establishing trust and understanding with clients to foster a productive relationship. Example: Active listening and showing empathy during sessions.

Dichotomous Thinking

Viewing situations in black-and-white terms with no middle ground. Example: A client thinking they are either a complete success or total failure.

Transference

When a client unconsciously transfers feelings about someone else onto their social worker. Example: A client sees their social worker as a parental figure.

Countertransference

When a social worker unconsciously transfers their feelings onto a client. Example: Feeling overprotective of a client due to their resemblance to a family member.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Interventions and techniques that are backed by research, client values, and professional expertise. Example: Using CBT for treating anxiety disorders.

Burnout

Emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to prolonged work-related stress. Signs: Fatigue, irritability, and lack of motivation.

Secondary Trauma

Experiencing emotional distress from exposure to clients’ trauma. Example: Social workers feeling overwhelmed by clients’ traumatic stories.

Compassion Fatigue

Reduced capacity to empathize due to cumulative exposure to others’ suffering. Example: Social workers feeling emotionally drained.

Self-Determination

A client’s right to make their own choices and decisions. NASW Code: Social workers must respect and promote self-determination unless it poses harm.

Competence

Practicing within one’s scope of knowledge, skills, and expertise. Example: Referring a client to a specialist if needed.

Privilege

Legal protection that prevents disclosure of client information in court without permission. Example: Therapist-client privilege under HIPAA.

Subpoena

A legal document requiring the social worker to produce records or appear in court. Response: Consult legal counsel and comply with ethical standards.

Court Order

A judge’s ruling that mandates compliance, overriding confidentiality. Example: Providing client records to the court.

Utilization Review

Reviewing a client’s care plan to ensure services are necessary and appropriate. Example: Managed care organizations requiring reviews for continued treatment.

Referrals

Directing a client to another professional for services outside the social worker’s expertise. Example: Referring a client to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation.

Consent

A client’s informed permission for treatment or services. Elements: Competency, disclosure, understanding, and voluntary agreement.

Limits of Confidentiality

Circumstances where confidentiality cannot be maintained. Example: Reporting child abuse or suicidal ideation.

Consultation

Seeking advice or input from another professional regarding client care. Example: Consulting a supervisor about an ethical dilemma.

Third-Party Payer

An entity (e.g., insurance company) that pays for a client’s services. Ethics: Ensure client confidentiality when sharing information for reimbursement.

HIPAA

Federal law ensuring privacy and protection of clients’ health information. Example: Keeping client records secure.

Conflict of Interest

When a social worker’s interests interfere with professional judgment. Example: Providing services to someone the worker has a personal relationship with.

Jurisdiction

The legal authority over specific cases, persons, or geographic areas. Example: A social worker being licensed in one state but not another.

Pro Bono

Providing services at no cost to clients who cannot afford them. Example: Offering therapy sessions to low-income families.

Bartering

Exchanging goods or services instead of payment for services. NASW Code: Should be avoided unless it does not harm the client or exploit the relationship

Termination

Ending the professional relationship with a client appropriately. Reasons: Goal achievement, lack of progress, or client discontinuation.

Social workers should provide services only in the context of a professional relationship.

True: This aligns with ethical standards to maintain professional boundaries and ensure accountability.

It is acceptable for a social worker to accept gifts of any value from clients.

False: Social workers must avoid conflicts of interest, including accepting gifts that might impair judgment or create a sense of obligation.

Social workers are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, even if it breaches confidentiality.

True: Social workers have a legal and ethical duty to report suspected abuse or neglect as mandated by law, despite confidentiality concerns.

Social workers can have a romantic relationship with a former client as long as one year has passed since the professional relationship ended.

False: The NASW Code of Ethics prohibits romantic relationships with former clients because of the potential for harm and exploitation.

Social workers should advocate for changes in policy to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

True: Advocacy is a core value of social work, aiming to promote social justice and well-being for vulnerable groups.

It is acceptable to share client information with other professionals without the client’s consent if the social worker believes it will benefit the client.

False: Social workers must obtain informed consent before sharing client information unless required by law or in emergencies to prevent harm.

Social workers should terminate services to a client only when they are no longer needed or desired by the client.

The ethical principle emphasizes appropriate service termination to prevent abandonment.

Social workers must prioritize their personal values over professional ethics when making decisions.

False:Professional ethics outlined in the Code of Ethics should guide social workers' decision-making.

Social workers must respect and protect a client’s right to self-determination.

True: Self-determination is a fundamental ethical principle unless it poses a serious risk to the client or others.

Social workers are allowed to provide services outside their areas of competence if they are asked by a client.

False:Social workers must practice within their areas of competence and seek training or supervision when working in new areas.

Social workers should avoid dual relationships with clients that could impair professional judgment.

True: Dual relationships can create conflicts of interest and harm professional boundaries.

Social workers must maintain confidentiality even after a client’s death.

True: The ethical obligation to maintain confidentiality continues even after a client has passed away.

Social workers can engage in dishonesty, fraud, or deception if it benefits their clients.

False:Social workers must adhere to principles of honesty and integrity in all professional activities.

Social workers should provide clients with reasonable access to their records.

True: Clients have the right to access their records, though social workers may limit access if it could cause harm.

Social workers should consult with colleagues to resolve ethical dilemmas, even if it breaches client confidentiality.

False: Consultation must be done in a way that protects client confidentiality, sharing only necessary information.

Social workers can discontinue services abruptly if a client cannot pay for services.

False: Social workers should assist with transitions or provide referrals to ensure continuity of care before terminating services.

Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure their personal biases do not interfere with professional practice.

True: Social workers must strive to remain objective and uphold professional standards.

It is ethical for social workers to use client stories for teaching or publication without altering identifying information.

False: Social workers must obtain informed consent and/or de-identify information to protect client confidentiality.

Social workers should respect cultural differences and avoid imposing their personal values on clients.

True: Cultural competence and respect for diversity are essential in ethical social work practice.

Social workers are required to report unethical conduct of colleagues to the NASW regardless of circumstances.

False: Social workers should first attempt to address ethical concerns with the colleague directly unless the behavior poses an immediate threat.

Social workers must document all decisions made in response to ethical dilemmas.

True: Proper documentation ensures accountability and demonstrates thoughtful ethical decision-making.

Social workers can use their professional relationship with clients to gain personal, financial, or other advantages.

False: Exploiting professional relationships is a violation of the Code of Ethics and undermines client trust.

Social workers have an ethical obligation to protect a client’s privacy in all electronic communications.

True: Social workers must take reasonable steps to ensure confidentiality when using technology or electronic communication.

It is acceptable for social workers to participate in political activities that conflict with their professional responsibilities.

False: Social workers should ensure that personal political activities do not interfere with their ethical obligations or professional responsibilities.

Social workers must take steps to prevent harm to clients if they suspect that a colleague is impaired by substance use or other issues.

True: Protecting clients is a priority, and social workers have a duty to address concerns about colleagues’ competence.

Social workers can provide clinical services to family members if it is in their best interest.

False: Providing services to family members can create conflicts of interest and is discouraged unless no other options are available.

Social workers should provide services to clients regardless of their ability to pay.

True: Access to services should not be denied solely based on a client’s financial situation, in line with the value of service.

Social workers are not required to stay current with changes in laws or regulations that affect their practice

False: Staying informed about laws, policies, and regulations is essential to ensure ethical and competent practice.

Social workers should advocate for policies that promote social and economic justice.

True: Advocacy for social and economic justice is a key value of the social work profession.

Social workers are allowed to share client information with insurance companies without client consent.

False: Client consent must be obtained before sharing information with third parties, including insurance companies, unless required by law.

Social workers should avoid derogatory language in their written and verbal communications about clients.

True: Using respectful and professional language upholds client dignity and aligns with the ethical standards of the profession.

Social workers can ignore a client’s informed consent if they believe it is in the client’s best interest.

False: Social workers must respect clients' right to informed consent unless legally required to act without it.

Social workers are required to address instances of discrimination and oppression in their work.

True: Advocating against discrimination and oppression is central to promoting social justice and ethical practice.

Social workers may share client information without consent if consulting with a supervisor.

True: Sharing information with supervisors for consultation purposes is acceptable, but only necessary details should be shared to protect confidentiality.

Social workers have an ethical duty to provide appropriate referrals when terminating a client relationship.

True: Ensuring continuity of care is an ethical responsibility when ending a professional relationship.

Social workers are allowed to represent themselves as specialists in a field even if they lack formal training in that area.

False: Social workers must practice within their areas of competence and represent their qualifications accurately.

Social workers should base their decisions solely on agency policies, even if they conflict with ethical principles.

False: Ethical principles take precedence over agency policies if they conflict.

Social workers should engage in lifelong learning to enhance their professional competence.

True: Continuous professional development is an ethical obligation to ensure effective and informed practice.

Social workers can disclose confidential information about a client without consent to protect themselves from legal action.

False: Social workers can disclose confidential information only as permitted by law, such as in response to a subpoena or court order.

Social workers should only address ethical concerns in their field when directed by their employer.

False: Social workers have an independent ethical responsibility to address ethical concerns and promote integrity in the profession.

Social workers must take steps to ensure that their private conduct does not interfere with their ability to fulfill professional responsibilities.

True: Social workers are expected to maintain professional integrity and ensure personal conduct does not compromise their work.

Social workers can withhold information about available services if they believe the client is not ready for them.

False: Social workers must inform clients about all available options to support informed decision-making.

Social workers have an ethical obligation to educate themselves about cultural competence to work effectively with diverse populations.

True: Cultural competence is a core ethical principle that helps ensure equitable and respectful treatment of all clients.

Social workers can prioritize organizational policies over the well-being of their clients

False: The client’s well-being should take precedence over organizational policies if they conflict.

Social workers should discuss the purpose, risks, and benefits of services with clients as part of obtaining informed consent.

True: Clients have the right to fully understand the services they are receiving to make informed choices.

Social workers are allowed to share confidential information with family members without the client’s consent.

False: Social workers must obtain the client’s consent before sharing information with family members unless required by law.

Social workers should consider environmental factors that contribute to a client’s challenges.

True: Understanding environmental factors is essential to addressing systemic issues and promoting social justice.

Social workers can use derogatory statements about colleagues if it serves the client’s interest.

False: Social workers must treat colleagues with respect and refrain from making derogatory or false statements.

Social workers are required to take reasonable steps to address ethical concerns within their organizations.

True: Social workers should promote ethical practices and address concerns to uphold professional standards.

Social workers are obligated to protect clients from harm caused by technological practices, such as breaches in confidentiality.

True: Social workers must take reasonable steps to ensure ethical use of technology and protect client information.

Ethics

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