SOAD7015 Ethical Issues and Critical Reflexivity

This topic analyses the links between moral philosophy and social work practice, focussing particularly on descriptive ethics and normative ethics (which examines and applies the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics). The topic explores decision-making in environments fraught with ethical complexity. The topic covers the underpinning practice; and examines the choices available to practitioners and the assumptions underlying professional choice.

This topic aims to:

• Examine moral principles and reasoning underpinning practice decisions
• Understand the impact of the law and legislative requirements on practice, that is what social workers are legally required to do and what they are prohibited from doing
• Determine resources available at our disposal to resolve problems
• Reflect on the extent to which personal beliefs and values influence or constrain practice decisions

In considering these aims, professional responsibilities will be considered. These include:

• The social worker's responsibility to the profession and to the society
• The social worker's responsibility to clients
• The social worker's responsibility to self, others and the agency
• Ethical problem solving and the code of ethics

1. Demonstrate a capacity to conceptualise dilemmas in all forms of social work practice
2. Obtain facts and information, and assess the values, principles, and competing influences in practice problems
3. Propose and justify solutions to practice problems
4. Make explicit and assess one's basic assumptions and values
5. Anticipate and defend objections to proposed solutions