LMSW Social Work Ethics and Values Questions and Answers

Question 1

A social worker in private practice is asked by a close friend to provide therapy for their teenage son.
The friend states that their pre-existing relationship will help the son build trust more quickly.
What is the social worker's MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Decline to provide therapy and refer the friend to other qualified professionals.

Answer

Agree to provide the therapy but establish firm professional boundaries from the outset.

Answer

Provide the therapy but refuse to accept payment to eliminate the financial conflict of interest.

Answer

Suggest co-facilitating the therapy sessions with another therapist to manage the dual relationship.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the six core values identified in the Preamble of the NASW Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Self-Determination

Answer

Service

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Social Justice

Question 3

A social worker is providing services to a family, and the parents have given legal consent for their 12-year-old child to participate in counseling. During the first individual session, the social worker explains the purpose of therapy, confidentiality, and the child's role in the process using age-appropriate language. This process of securing the child's willing participation is best described as obtaining:

Accepted Answer

Assent

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Parental permission

Answer

Legal guardianship

Question 4

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, a social worker's primary responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Clients

Answer

The social work profession

Answer

Their employing agency

Answer

Broader society

Question 5

A social worker is meeting with a client who states, "I'm going to kill my former boss. I know where he lives, and I'm going to his house tonight to do it." The client has no history of violence but appears very agitated. What is the social worker's FIRST ethical and legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Perform a thorough risk assessment to determine the seriousness and imminence of the threat.

Answer

Immediately contact the police and warn the former boss of the threat.

Answer

Maintain client confidentiality, as the threat is likely not credible given the lack of violent history.

Answer

Explore the client's feelings of anger and discuss alternative coping mechanisms.

Question 6

When a social worker is confronted with a complex ethical dilemma involving conflicting professional values, what is the MOST appropriate initial step in the ethical problem-solving process?

Accepted Answer

Identify the specific ethical issues, including the conflicting values and duties.

Answer

Consult with a supervisor and document the consultation.

Answer

Review the relevant sections of the NASW Code of Ethics.

Answer

Develop and weigh several alternative courses of action.