Your Case from the Field

Present a case from your practice that posed an ethical dilemma.

1. Who was the dilemma between? (i.e., Explain that the dilemma was between: social worker [you] and client; social worker and agency; social worker and family member; or social worker and colleague.)

2. Name the social work values in conflict (make reference to the Code of Ethics).

3. What were the ethical principles? (i.e. Respect for Autonomy, Beneficence [Paternalism], Non-Maleficence, or Justice.)

4. What were the prima facie duties? (i.e. autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, repairing a wrong [reparations], fidelity/confidentiality, self-improvement, or truth-telling [informed consent])

5. Which model of ethical decision-making would best apply? Refer to either Mattison or Beauchamp & Childress.

6. Which theory would engender the best solution?

7. Finally, were there any moral traces (regrets or recriminations) as a result of the outcome?