Technology, Ethics, and Social Work

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Technology, Ethics, 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 Dilemmas

• Ethical Challenges

• Situations involving ethical principles.
• Ethical decision making based on policies,
  professional code of ethics, and/or laws.

• 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.

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Types of Technology

• Electronic Tools

• Social Media/Networks

• Personal Computers
• Mobile Telephones
• Fax Machines
• Websites
• Email

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Snapchat

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Social Media Revolution 2015
Social Media Revolution 2015
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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 StandardsTechnology 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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Use of Technology in Social Work

• Benefits
• Convenient
• Accessible
• Cost-effective
• Quick Response Time

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Use of Technology in Social Work

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

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Lets Discuss

• Scenario One
• The Case of the Mean Social Workers

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Clients 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 clients information not expressed
  in discussions.
• Checking up on clients after services have been
  terminated

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Lets 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 Its 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.