ETHICS IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

Presented by Dr Lizette Labuschagne

Ethics training is crucial for social workers, providing the framework to navigate complex moral dilemmas and uphold clients' dignity and rights. It fosters understanding of values like confidentiality, integrity, and respect, ensuring effective advocacy and protection. By emphasizing ethical principles, social workers handle challenging situations with professionalism, promoting trust and accountability. Including international codes of ethics supplements national standards, offering a broader perspective and acknowledging diverse cultural contexts and global best practices.

During the webinar, active participation is key to deepening understanding and application of ethical principles. The webinar aims to be an interactive session:

Case Study Discussions: Small groups will analyse real-life scenarios, identify ethical dilemmas and discuss possible solutions.

Group Debates: Attendees will debate ethical issues, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.

Reflection Sessions: Individuals will reflect on their values and biases, sharing insights with peers.

The participants will be provided with a theoretical overview as well as study materials in the form of presentation slides, additional relevant literature and articles. Furthermore, the participants will be provided with the opportunity to practice practical skills through active debates and case study discussions.

The workshop provides a comprehensive understanding of social work ethics, focusing on practical application and critical thinking. Participants delve into complex ethical scenarios, enhancing problem-solving skills. Through specialized case studies and role-playing, they will gain insights into social work ethics and conflict resolution. Overview of national and international codes of conduct and ethical guidelines emphasizes procedural adherence and professional integrity, preparing social workers to confidently address ethical challenges in their practice.