"Technology, Ethics, and Social Work"

08/11/2015Technology, Ethics, and Social Work
1

Objectives
 Explore ethical challenges created by use of
technology in social work.
 Understand benefits and challenges created by use
of technology in social work.
 Identify and apply the ethical and legal standards to
use of technology.
 Develop strategies for addressing potential ethical
concerns in using technology.
2

Ethical Issues – In Review
Ethical Challenges
 Situations involving ethical
principles.
 Ethical decision making
based on policies,
professional code of ethics,
and/or laws.
Ethical Dilemmas
 Involves two (2) or more
competing ethical principles.
 Conflict of values, rights
and/or professional
responsibilities.
 Each possible alternative will
result in an undesirable
outcome for one (1) or more
stakeholders.
3

Types of Technology
Electronic Tools
 Personal Computers
 Mobile Telephones
 Fax Machines
 Websites
 Email
Social Media/Networks
4
 Facebook
 Twitter
 LinkedIn
 Instagram
 Snapchat

Social Media Revolution 2015
5
Social Media Revolution 2015

Code of Ethics and Technology
 Purpose:
 Offer guidance and professional standards.
 Improve practice & promote accountability.
 Protect the public.
 Essential Tools for Social Work Practice:
 National Association of Social Work (NASW)
Code of Ethics
 Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
6

NASW/ASWB Standards:
Technology and Social Work Practice
 Maintain and improve quality of
technology-related to social work
services.
 Guide for social workers incorporating
technology into practice.
 Guidelines for monitoring and
evaluating technology used in service
delivery.
 Inform individuals and agencies about
professional standards.
7

Use of Technology in Social Work
 Confidentiality
 Maintaining privacy and
integrity of information
 Accessibility
 How accessible should one be?
 Professional Integrity of Communication
 What type of communication is
appropriate?
8

Benefits:
Convenient
Accessible
Cost-effective
Quick Response Time
08/11/2015
Technology, Ethics, and Social Work
9

Challenges:
Difficult to maintain confidentiality.
Cannot interpret non-verbal
behaviors.
Little or no knowledge of
technology/access to technology.
10

11

Let’s Discuss…
Scenario One
“The Case of the Mean Social Workers”
12

Client’s Access to
Professionals’ Personal Information
 Prior to initial meeting, clients my use technology and
social media to collect information
How much personal information should be available
for public view?
Pictures, interests, hobbies, phone #, address,
communication with others (Facebook wall, etc.)
13

Professionals’ Access to
Clients’ Personal Information
 Pictures, interests, hobbies, communication with others
(Facebook, etc.)
 Using technology and social media “scoping out client”
prior to meeting.
 Gain access to client’s information not expressed in
discussions.
 “Checking up” on clients after services have been
terminated
14

Let’s Discuss…
Scenario Two
“A Friend of a Friend”
15

Ethical Framework for Use of Technology
in Social Work
 Social workers are mindful that technology can blur the
boundaries between personal & professional lives.
 Applicable ethical principles relevant to social work & social
media:
Confidentiality
Multiple Relationships
Testimonials
Informed Consent
Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy
Initiating Professional Relationships
Documenting and Maintaining Records
16

Social Media/Technology Policies
 Essential for ethical practice.
 Share with clients upon meeting and throughout
duration of services.
 Must be carefully created addressing:
Policy overview and understanding
All forms of technology
17

Develop Your Social Work
Technology Policy
18

Technology Is Not Evil
 Technology provides offers valuable opportunities and
tools to connect with our clients and families.
 Be clear with clients on how it will be used in your work
with them.
 Each professional must decide how they will use
technology with their clients, within the guidelines of the
NASW/ASWB and MACF policies.
19

References
• Beckett, C. & Maynard, A. (2005). Values & ethics in social work:
an introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications
• Dolgoff, R. Loewenberg, F.M. & Harrington, D. (2005). Ethical
decisions for social work practice. 7th edition. Belmont, CA:
Brooks/Cole.
• Kolmes, K. , Psy.D. – Social Media Policy – 4/26/13
(www.drkkolmes.com)
• NASW News: It’s ‘Better to Be Informed’ About Tech Tools, M.
Malamud, 6, 2011.
• NASW Code of Ethics, 2008, NASW.
20

References
• NASW/ASWB Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice,
2005
• Chernack, K.B., DSW, LCSW-R, Update, Vol. 36, No. 4, Summer
2012, pp. 8-9, 26. National Association of Social Workers New
York Chapter.
• Young, T.B., LCSW. Facebook: Ethical and Clinical
Considerations. www.socialworker.com, 10/25/2013.
• Reamer, F.G. (2013). Social Work in a Digital Age: Ethical and
Risk Management Challenges. National Association of Social
Workers.
21

"Technology, Ethics, and Social Work"

More Related Content

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked (20)

Similar to "Technology, Ethics, and Social Work" (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

"Technology, Ethics, and Social Work"