Introduction
Social workers might encounter numerous ethical issues and moral dilemmas in their practice. In a situation with multiple choices, none of which is entirely positive and beneficial, social workers must be aware of the applicable federal and state laws and relevant elements of a code of ethics. Additionally, moral theories are very helpful in dealing with ethical dilemmas. Reamer describes an example of such a challenge in their article on the limits of confidentiality and whether a social worker can disclose information they know about their client if the latter has not provided informed consent.
Case Summary
To begin with, it is essential to summarize the article and its basic elements. According to Reamer, Ms. N is a clinical social worker who cares about school-age kids and their families. Ms. N is asked to consult with an 8-year-old, Lance, who has suddenly become uncooperative, despondent, and oppositional in the classroom.
When working with his mother, Ms. N also learns from her that she has violated a court order and moved her son out of state without legal permission. Therefore, Ms. N believes that such actions, as well as taking Lance away from his father, who is reported to be emotionally abusive, are affecting the child in a negative way (Reamer). The social worker does not know whether she should respect the mother’s confidentiality or disclose the information about Ms. R’s illegal and potentially harmful behavior.
Identification of Stakeholders
There are four primary stakeholders in the case. Ms. N possesses valuable information and has to decide what to do with it in order not to hurt her clients and to act in accordance with her professional code of ethics and relevant laws (Reamer). Ms. R is the social worker’s client, who is interested in receiving professional support and keeping the information she shares confidential. Next, Lance is also a party in the dilemma as he needs his mother to be with him, but requires mental treatment and should be placed in better conditions.
Eventually, society as a whole might be considered a stakeholder. Communities are interested in keeping children safe from adverse parental influences and behaviors while ensuring that what they share with their social workers is private. The National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) Code of Ethics can serve as a historical base for the conflict because it was created due to numerous past ethical dilemmas.
Application of Moral Theories
Different ethical theories can be applied to the situation described in the reading. For instance, according to Vaughn, objectivism holds that objective principles might justify an exception if required by circumstances. Subjective relativism is a theory based on one’s approval of an action; if a choice is approved, it is morally right (Vaughn). Thirdly, in emotivism, a judgment is ethical or unethical following individual attitudes.
Suppose objectivism is used to resolve the current issue. In that case, it is recommended that Ms. N carefully review the case and understand whether Ms. R’s behavior adversely affects Lance. If so, this situation is an exception, and Ms. N should disclose the information to help the child.
Conclusion
To conclude, this topic is challenging and involves questions and problems without certain answers and solutions. As Reamer states, such ethical dilemmas “require careful process in the form of conscientious consultation, supervision, and documentation.” Suppose Ms. N studies the case’s details and consults her colleagues or supervisors. In that case, she might find the optimal and most beneficial solution. However, some parties will still experience negative consequences, regardless of the social worker’s final decision and sincere intentions.
Works Cited
Reamer, Frederic G. “The Limits of Confidentiality.” Social Work Today. 2002. Web.
Vaughn, Lewis. Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues. 5th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2019.