LMSW Social Work Ethics and Values 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A social worker in a rural community is the only mental health provider available and is asked to provide therapy to a close friend's spouse. The most ethical action is to:
- Accept the case because geographic necessity overrides the dual relationship concern
- Decline and refer to the nearest available provider, even if distant
- Provide services with a written agreement acknowledging the dual relationship
- Consult with a supervisor and document the decision-making process carefully (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Consult with a supervisor and document the decision-making process carefully
In rural settings where multiple relationships may be unavoidable, the NASW Code advises careful consultation, documentation, and safeguards rather than an absolute prohibition.
Question 2: Which action best exemplifies the social work value of 'social justice'?
- Providing pro bono services to one low-income client per year
- Advocating for policy changes that address systemic barriers faced by marginalized populations (Correct answer)
- Treating all clients equally regardless of their individual circumstances
- Referring clients experiencing poverty to food banks and shelters
Correct answer: Advocating for policy changes that address systemic barriers faced by marginalized populations
Social justice in social work requires advocacy at the macro level to challenge systemic inequities and structural barriers, not just individual client interventions.
Question 3: A social worker is subpoenaed to testify about a client in a custody hearing. The client has not given consent to disclose. The worker should:
- Refuse to testify on the grounds of therapeutic privilege
- Comply with the subpoena but assert privilege and request a court ruling (Correct answer)
- Testify fully and completely as directed by the attorney who issued the subpoena
- Immediately disclose all records to avoid contempt of court
Correct answer: Comply with the subpoena but assert privilege and request a court ruling
When subpoenaed without client consent, social workers should comply with the legal process while asserting the client's privilege and requesting that the court rule on whether disclosure is required.
Question 4: Informed consent in social work practice is best described as:
- A one-time signature on intake paperwork that covers all future services
- An ongoing process that ensures clients understand and agree to services throughout treatment (Correct answer)
- Permission obtained from a client's family member on their behalf
- A legal requirement applicable only in medical social work settings
Correct answer: An ongoing process that ensures clients understand and agree to services throughout treatment
Informed consent is an ongoing process, not a single event, requiring continued communication about services, changes in treatment, and the client's right to withdraw consent.
Question 5: A social worker is beginning to experience burnout and notices their work quality has declined. The ethical obligation under the NASW Code is to:
- Reduce caseload without notifying the supervisor to avoid stigma
- Seek consultation, supervision, and personal help to address the impairment (Correct answer)
- Continue working while scheduling a vacation to recover
- Refer all current clients to other workers and take a leave of absence
Correct answer: Seek consultation, supervision, and personal help to address the impairment
The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to address personal impairments that affect professional performance by seeking appropriate help, including supervision and personal support.
Question 6: A client from a collectivist cultural background insists that family members make all treatment decisions on their behalf. The social worker's ethical approach should be to:
- Insist that the client make independent decisions to preserve their self-determination
- Explore the client's wishes regarding family involvement and incorporate their cultural values (Correct answer)
- Refuse family involvement to maintain client confidentiality
- Contact a cultural liaison before beginning any services
Correct answer: Explore the client's wishes regarding family involvement and incorporate their cultural values
Culturally responsive practice requires understanding that self-determination may be expressed collectively in some cultures, and services should reflect the client's own definition of decision-making.
Question 7: Under the principle of fidelity in social work ethics, a social worker is obligated to:
- Prioritize agency policies over client needs in all situations
- Keep promises and commitments made to clients (Correct answer)
- Maintain loyalty to their professional organization above all else
- Follow supervisor instructions without question
Correct answer: Keep promises and commitments made to clients
Fidelity refers to keeping promises, honoring commitments, and being trustworthy in the professional relationship, which is foundational to the therapeutic alliance.
LMSW Social Work Ethics and Values 4
A social worker in a rural community is the only mental health provider available and is asked to provide therapy to a close friend's spouse.
The most ethical action is to: