Ethical Issues In Social Work Ethics

• Agency: Youth Pride Inc. is a community based center especially for youth that identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning. The center provides resources, drop in hours (lounge or hang-out), group sessions, individual counseling, leadership groups, peer groups, food/basic needs pantry, trainings and special events to the Youth Pride Inc.

• Client Situation: 16-year old African American student who frequently visits Youth Pride Inc. She usually hangs out at YPI at least twice a week. She has been a regular youth of YPI for the past couple of years. I began my internship at Youth Pride Inc. two weeks ago and met her on my second day at YPI. As I was introducing myself to her she made a few comments to insinuate

Although, she is a child and I wish for her to continue to attend YPI to feel safe, secure and the ability to be herself I am not comfortable with the conversation that took place.

• Theory related to work: A professional boundary is an important topic within social work practice. Without the establishment of boundaries one can easily get into dual relations which may cause additional problems with the client and the social workers profession. Dual relationships with clients are a direct violation of the NASW code of ethics. Once it has been established that a conflict of interest has occurred it is the responsibility of the Social Worker to “take reasonable steps to resolve the issue”. Although it is vital to obtain authencity a social worker should not compromise the code of ethics to create authencity.
Question for class: Do you think I should have a conversation with this student about establishing some boundaries the next time I see her or do you think it is too late to have this conversation? And I you agree that it is too late to have this conversation if this problem occurs with her or another student should establish boundaries when the incident