Social Work Ethical Principles

Ethical Values and Principles When considering the main ethical values of social work that surround this case all should be considered and taken into account when trying to make a decision. Even so, there are two that I believe stand out above the rest. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has dignity and worth of the person listed under ethical principles and with regards to this case I think it is one that should contribute to making an ethical decision. The Code of Ethics says that “Social workers promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination” but also that social workers “are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader society” (Code of Ethics, 2008, p. 5). A social worker should respect
Using Dolgoff’s Hierarchy Scale of principles it is possible to gain a sense of how future actions may affect the client and what is most important in the role of a social worker. The first ethical principle to consider is the protection of life, both the life of the client and other’s lives. It is important to think about Jeanne’s life and how informing her partner will affect her quality of life but it is also important to think about her partner and his health. Next the client’s freedom and her self-determination should be taken into account it is the client’s right to disclose personal information to others. Also applicable is the causing the least harm to the client, in deciding what to do several outcomes could have emotional and physical effects on the client. If the client chooses not to tell her partner and she conceives her partner will likely later find out that she is HIV positive which could damage their relationship more later on. It could also have an effect on her future child and the child’s health. If the client’s partner finds out that she is HIV positive now he could react negatively and abuse her (Dolgoff,
I would make sure what the client has told me has been well documented and case noted so that the notes can be referred to later on if necessary. I would then seek consultation from my supervisor within my agency to see what the most ethical decision would be. Ultimately any possible option could have a negative effect on my client whether that effect happens now or later on. I would advise my client to tell her partner of her virus and inform her that I am legally obligated to report that she is HIV