Rural Communities and the Risk of Dual Relationships
- Ethical Dilemmas
What Guides Our Practice With Clients, Employees and
Colleagues?
Delegate
Assembly Language
Ethical Practice in Rural Areas Requires Special Attention to Dual Relationship
Issues. Few Other Settings Expose
Social Workers More to the Risk of Violating the Code of Ethics That States
Social Workers Are to “… Take Steps to Protect Clients and Are Responsible for
Setting Clear, Appropriate and Culturally Sensitive Boundaries.” (1.06c).
Social Workers Practicing in Rural Areas Must Have Advanced Understanding of
Ethical Responsibilities, Not Only Because Dual or Multiple Relationships Are
Unavoidable, but Also Because the Setting May Require That Dual or Multiple
Relationships Be Used and Managed As an Appropriate Method of Social Work
Practice.
Introduction
Goals of
Professional Codes of Ethics
l Identifies core values of
the profession.
l Summarizes broad ethical
principles that reflect the profession’s values.
l Establishes a set of
specific standards that should be used as a guide for practice.
l Guide practitioners in
resolving ethical dilemmas that arise in practice.
l Standards which hold the
profession accountable.
Goals of
Professional Codes of Ethics
l Protect the public from
incompetent practitioners
l Socializes new professionals
as to what is expected of them as professionals
l Articulates standards that
can identify when a professional has unethical behavior
l Ensure self regulation
rather than government
l Protect professionals from
litigation
NASW Arenas of
Professional Relationships
l Responsibilities to clients
l Responsibilities to
colleagues
l Responsibilities to the
practice setting
l Responsibilities to
professionals
l Responsibility to the
profession
l Responsibility to the
broader society
Sound Decision Making
Identify the Boundary and Dual Relationships
Including the Professional Duties and the Obligations That Conflict
Reamer Tangled Relationships (2001)
1. Identify
the Individuals, Groups and Organizations That the Ethical Decision Is Likely
to Effect
2.
Tentatively Identify All Viable Courses of Action and the Participants
Involved in Each Along With the Potential Benefits and Risks for Each.
3. Thoroughly Examine the Reasons in Favor and
Opposed to Each Course of Action Considering Relevant
l Ethical theories principles
and guidelines.
l Codes of ethics and legal
principles.
l Practice theory and
principles from the literature of human services.
4. Thoroughly Examine the Reasons in Favor and
Opposed to Each Course of Action Considering Relevant
l Values particularly those that conflict with one's
own.
l Consult with colleagues and appropriate experts.
l Make the decision and document the decision making
process.
l Monitor, evaluate and document the decision.
Arguments Against Dual Relationships
l The Concern of Boundaries
l The Slippery Slope
l Power and exploitation
l Familiarity and issues
pertaining to transference
l Risk Management
l Leaving the office and
incidental encounters
Dual Relationships Involve Boundary Violations
Boundary Issues
and Dual Relationships
l Intimate relationships
l Personal benefit
l Emotional and dependency
needs
l Altruistic gestures
l Unanticipated circumstances
What Does the NASW Code of Ethics Say About Dual
Relationships?
Primary Responsibility
Social Workers’
Primary Responsibility Is to Promote the Well-being of Clients. In General Client's Interests Are Primary.
(NASW 1.01)
Conflict of Interest
Social Workers
Should Be Alert to and Avoid Conflict of Interests That Interfere With the
Exercise of Professional Discretion and Impartial Judgment. (1.06a)
Social Worker
Should Not Take Unfair Advantage of Any Professional Relationship or Exploit
Others to Further Their Personal, Religious, Political, or Business
Interests. (1.06b)
Social Workers
Should Not Engage in Dual or Multiple Relationships With Clients or Former
Clients in Which There Is a Risk of Exploitation or Potential Harm to the
Client. (1.06c)
Social Workers
Should Respect Client’s Right to Privacy.
Social Workers Should Not Solicit Private Information From Clients
Unless It Is Essential to Providing Services.
Once Private Information Is Shared, Standards of Confidentiality Apply.
(NASW 1.07)
Developing a Friendship With a Client
Extreme Caution Most in Exhibited Here – How Does
the Client See It?
Sexual Relations
1996 Code Goes Into Detail on Social Workers Sexual
Relationships With Clients
Social Workers
Should Under No Circumstances Engage in Sexual Activities or Sexual Contact
With Current Clients, Whether Such Contact Is Consensual or Forced. (1.09a)
Social Workers
Should Not Engage in Sexual Activities or Sexual Contact With Clients’
Relatives or Other Individuals With Whom Clients Maintain a Close Personal
Relationship When There Is a Risk of Exploitation or Potential Harm to the
Client. (1.09b)
Social Workers
Should Not Engage in Sexual Activities or Sexual Contact With Former Clients
Because of the Potential for Harm to the Client. (1.09c)
Social Workers
Should Not Provide Clinical Services to Individuals With Whom They Have Had a
Prior Sexual Relationship. (1.09d)
Social Workers
Should Not Terminate Services to Pursue a Social, Financial, or Sexual
Relationship With a Client. (1.16d)
Education and Training
Social Workers Who
Function As Educators or Field Instructors for Students Should Not Engage in
Any Dual or Multiple Relationships With Students in Which There Is a Risk of
Exploitation or Potential Harm to the Student (2.07a)
Social Workers
Should Avoid Engaging in Sexual Relationships With Colleagues When There Is a
Potential for a Conflict of Interest.
Social Workers Who Become Involved in or Anticipate Becoming Involved in
a Sexual Relationship With a Colleague Have a Duty to Transfer Professional
Responsibilities When Necessary to Avoid Conflict. (2.07b)
Emotional and
Dependency Needs
l Friendships With Clients
l Self Disclosure
l Affectionate Communications
l Community-based Contact with
Clients
Personal Benefit
l Barter for services
l Business and Financial
Relationships
l Advice and Services
l Favors and gifts
Unavoidable and Unanticipated Circumstances