Wk 2: Ethics, Confidentiality, and Informed Consent Ethical behavior in social work can be confusing and unclear at times, because social work is a value-laden profession, fraught with conflicting values. This conflict might sometimes be between one’s own personal values and professional values, or conflicts within the Code of Ethics itself. The purpose of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics is to guide the professional conduct of social workers. Learning Objectives: Analyze the importance of confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship Analyze the impact of mandated reporting on vulnerable populations Analyze dual-role relationships Learning Resources Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus. Required Readings Resources Daley, M., R., & Hickman, S. (2011). Dual relations and beyond: Understanding and addressing ethical challenges for rural social work. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 8(1). Retrieved from http://jswve.org/download/2011-1/spr11-daley-hickman-Dual-relationships-and-beyond.pdf Gonyea, J. L., Wright, D. W., & Earl‐Kulkosky, T. (2014). Navigating dual relationships in rural communities. Journal of marital and family therapy, 40(1), 125-136. Halabuza, D. (2014). Guidelines for social workers’ use of social networking websites. Journal Of Social Work Values & Ethics, 11(1), 23-32. Mattison, M. (2018). Informed consent agreements: Standards of care for digital social work practices. Journal of Social Work Education, 54(2), 227-238. National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English Reamer, F. G. (2011, November 30). When bad things happen to good social workers: The perils of ethics mistakes. Social Work Today. Retrieved from http://www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_113011.shtml Reamer, F. G. (2017). Evolving ethical standards in the digital Age. Australian Social Work, 70(2), 148-159. Sawyer, S., & Prescott, D. (2011). Boundaries and dual relationships. Sexual Abuse: Journal Of Research And Treatment, 23(3), 365-380. Discussion 1: Informed Consent Informed consent means that a social worker or another professional will not intervene in a client’s life or release confidential information about him unless that client has freely consented — Dolgoff, Harrington, & Loewenberg, 2012, p. 160 Social workers are bound by the NASW Code of Ethics (2008) to provide informed consent with every client. A signed informed consent form protects the client and the social worker. It exemplifies the profession’s respect for its clients, allows for self-determination, and is the cornerstone of good social work practice. Sometimes, though, reporting of confidential information is mandated by law. Post a description of the importance of confidentiality when working with your client. How does the principle of confidentiality impact the therapeutic relationship? Then, explain your understanding of mandated reporting and how it empowers vulnerable populations. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English Reamer, F. G. (2011, November 30). When bad things happen to good social workers: The perils of ethics mistakes. Social Work Today. Retrieved from http://www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_113011.shtml No cover page.