"Technology, Ethics, and Social Work"

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

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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.


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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.

08/11/2015Technology, Ethics, and Social Work3

Types of Technology

Electronic Tools

Personal Computers

Mobile Telephones

Fax Machines

Websites

Email

Social Media/Networks


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Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Instagram

Snapchat

Social Media Revolution 2015


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Social Media Revolution 2015

https://youtu.be/0eUeL3n7fDs

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)

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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.

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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?


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Benefits:

Convenient

Accessible

Cost-effective

Quick Response Time


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Challenges:

Difficult to maintain confidentiality.

Cannot interpret non-verbal

behaviors.

Little or no knowledge of

technology/access to technology.


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Let’s Discuss…

Scenario One

“The Case of the Mean Social Workers”


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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.)


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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


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Let’s Discuss…

Scenario Two

“A Friend of a Friend”


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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


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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


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Develop Your Social Work

Technology Policy


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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.


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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.


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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.


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