Boundary Issue in Social Work
Running head: BOUNDARY ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK
Boundary Issues in Social Work: Its implication for Social Workers
Florida Atlantic University
Boundary issues in social Work: It implication for social workers
Reamer’s article entitled. “Boundary issues in social work: Managing dual relationships.” provides an overview of boundary issues in social work, and also stresses the fact that social work literature clearly demonstrates that ethical issues related to boundaries are among the most problematic and challenging (2003,p.121). Consequently, for Social Workers, establishing a solid professional, ethical and consistent relationship with their clients must be their ultimate goal. Unfortunately, many find themselves in situations where their ethical and professional careers come into question, because of boundary issues. As defined by Reamer in his article, boundary issues occur when social workers face possible conflicts of interest in the form of what has become know as dual or multiple relationships (121). Social workers should not enter into dual relationship with their clients, because of the negative implications it can generate. This paper will discuss ethical issues that violate boundaries. Be it may social, emotion or professional relationship, for both social worker and clients when a social worker form a dual relationship with his/her clients, and create boundary issues. This relationship as stated by Reamer occurs when professionals engage with clients or social groups in more than one relationship, assumes a second role with a client, becoming social worker and friend, employer, teacher, and family member.
The NASW Code of Ethics identifies core values (service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence) on which social workers should base their professional relationships with their clients, and
Boundary Issues in Social Work: Its implication for Social Workers
Florida Atlantic University
Boundary issues in social Work: It implication for social workers
Reamer’s article entitled. “Boundary issues in social work: Managing dual relationships.” provides an overview of boundary issues in social work, and also stresses the fact that social work literature clearly demonstrates that ethical issues related to boundaries are among the most problematic and challenging (2003,p.121). Consequently, for Social Workers, establishing a solid professional, ethical and consistent relationship with their clients must be their ultimate goal. Unfortunately, many find themselves in situations where their ethical and professional careers come into question, because of boundary issues. As defined by Reamer in his article, boundary issues occur when social workers face possible conflicts of interest in the form of what has become know as dual or multiple relationships (121). Social workers should not enter into dual relationship with their clients, because of the negative implications it can generate. This paper will discuss ethical issues that violate boundaries. Be it may social, emotion or professional relationship, for both social worker and clients when a social worker form a dual relationship with his/her clients, and create boundary issues. This relationship as stated by Reamer occurs when professionals engage with clients or social groups in more than one relationship, assumes a second role with a client, becoming social worker and friend, employer, teacher, and family member.
The NASW Code of Ethics identifies core values (service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence) on which social workers should base their professional relationships with their clients, and