Ethical Dilemmas As A Social Worker

As a social worker you are faced with many different ethical dilemmas or problems in your profession. Advising the different ethical dilemmas or problems, there are guidelines social workers should follow, such as the Code of Ethics. After reading this vignette, I realized there was an ethical dilemma. With my responsibility as a social worker after recognizing this problem, I know I have to respect the well being of my client. The problem I recognized in this case is that the daughters of Ling do not want to inform their mother on her illness. In this case, there is a decision-making strategy to follow to address this ethical dilemma.
With my responsibility as a social worker, I have to realize that Ling still has the right to know her condition, and I have to …show more content…
After recognizing the problem in this ethical dilemma, I would need to investigate the different variables that are present in this dilemma. Next, I would need to get feedback on which step to take next. I would first contact my supervisor to discuss the issue that is at hand. My next step would be to assess the values and ethical standards that apply to this dilemma. As a social worker, I always have to remember to respect the well-being of my clients. In this dilemma, I should demonstrate commitment and self-determination before my client. Ling is well enough at this point to know her condition, and has the right to know. It’s my responsibility to respect her by informing her. The fifth step is to evaluate the dilemma according to the ethical principles. It is best for Ling to know the truth on her condition whether or not her daughters do not want to inform her. Telling the truth is the right ethical decision to make in this dilemma. Also I would need to decide on an alternative based on her daughter’s decision. I would meet with Ling’s daughters to inform them that