Question 1

A client discloses information to a social worker about domestic violence within the home. Several times it has involved the injury of their child. At a court proceeding, this is shared as circumstantial evidence. The client is angry with the social service agency and declares her confidentiality was violated. The administrator looks at the case and determines:

Accepted Answer

Considering the danger to the child, the social worker acted appropriately.

Question 2

A social worker is taking part in an interdisciplinary team meeting. During the course of determining the well-being of a client, ethical concerns become an issue. One of the team members openly displays a problem with the client's ethnic background, and this leads to negativity towards decisions being made. What should the social worker do?

Accepted Answer

Professional and ethical obligations should be clearly established pertaining to the NASW Code of Ethics. Administration may be contacted to rectify a situation within an interdisciplinary meeting when there are ethical concerns. Social workers should participate in decisions that affect the well-being of a client by drawing on experiences, values and perspectives.

Question 3

A social worker is providing services for a client whosuffered years of sexual abuse by a guardian. There is very little rapport, and the professional understands the challenges ahead. What needs to be established before therapy can be successful?

Accepted Answer

Before therapy can be successful, an intimate relationship must be established. A relationship in social work is defined as a beginning and end with human encounters between twoor more people.

Question 4

A social worker providing services for an elderly woman helps by doing her grocery shopping every week. The client is unable to leave her home and purchase provisions on her own, but she receives food assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services. Every Friday the social worker takes the woman's assistance card and her list of groceries to the local store. A colleague observes the social worker buying items on her own list as well. At the cash register, the professional only provides the elderly woman's assistance card. What should the colleague do next?

Accepted Answer

The colleague needs to discuss the problem first with the social worker. If the issue is not rectified, then administration needs to be contacted. All professionals should pursue measures to prevent, discourage, expose or correct unethical conduct. Social workers need to be aware of the standards and policies for professionalism.

Question 5

Social workers empower individuals to function effectively through personal growth and development. They provide advocacy and education to help end oppression and promote self-determination. What do professionals strive to uphold for their clientele?

Accepted Answer

Individuals have a right and responsibility to participate in society, working toward a common good. When these rights are protected, a healthy community can be achieved. Everyone has a right to options necessary for human decency. Clientele have responsibilities to society, community and family.

Question 6

Social workers engage in organized action to improve working conditions and services to clients. Injustice related to unemployment, inhumane labor practices and workers' rights is challenged. What principle do professionals adhere to in regards to the basic rights of workers?

Accepted Answer

The dignity of work and the rights of workers often take a backseat to marketplace profit. Individuals are not present to serve the economy. The basic rights of workers must be respected in the manner of fair wages, private property, union membership and economic initiative.

Question 7

One of the principles professionals adhere to in the promotion of social justice is the advocacy for basic human needs. Social workers pursue change on behalf of individuals to expand opportunity and choice. What group of people should be considered top priority?

Accepted Answer

Poor and vulnerable people within society are characterized by extreme divisions between them and the rich. Professionals strive to promote economic, social, political and cultural values compatible with social justice. Change is advocated on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed to address poverty, discrimination and unemployment.

Question 8

Governance structures are imperative to promote human rights, dignity and the common good. Lower levels of government insure self-determination and empowerment. Higher levels provide leadership and set policies. What is the social worker's role?

Accepted Answer

Professionals take part in social and political action in an effort to promote equality, expand opportunity, challenge injustice and empower others. Individuals, families and groups should be urged to participate in governance structures at all varying levels.

Question 9

Social workers empower clients and groups to promote social justice. Human dignity requires that all individuals be assured a minimum level of what within the community?

Accepted Answer

It is the ultimate injustice for individuals or groups to be unfairly excluded from community participation. Social workers empower clients to influence social policies and gain equal access to resources.

Quiz 4: Professionalism: Ethical Issues in Social Work