Kansas Social Workers – Facing Ethical Issues and How an Attorney Can Help You

Social workers take on a variety of responsibilities that are intended to serve the best interests of many Kansas residents.  Most professions carry with them certain challenges that can present ethical dilemmas, and social work is no different.  Many Kansas families depend on social workers to resolve a variety of serious issues that implicate one’s rights and interests.  Understanding how to address ethical dilemmas as a Kansas social worker is essential to protecting your professional license.

Ethical Dilemmas You May Face as a Kansas Social Worker

Social workers provide services to people who have been through a very traumatic or emotional experience, whether that be a child custody dispute, the loss of a loved one, or the inability to live independent from day to day, among others.  Regardless of what the particular case may be, social workers face a variety of ethical dilemmas, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Maintaining confidentiality – This is a very important issue that affects most professions.  Information regarding a particular client should always be kept confidential.  However, in situations where certain information is very concerning, social workers may feel compelled to share this information.  For example, if a client states that he or she is contemplating suicide, this is information that may need to be shared in order to protect this client.
  • A client’s right to self-determination – Whatever the situation may be, the client is always the decision-maker in any social worker/client relationship.  This can be very difficult when a client’s decisions are contrary to his or her best interests.  This can be disheartening, as social workers strive to help clients make the right choices, but it is also a reality of being a social worker – clients do not always follow good advice.
  • Keeping the relationship professional – Social workers know all too well that relationships with patients must remain strictly professional.  If a social worker wishes to become involved with a client, or simply wishes to become friends, the social worker cannot have both a professional relationship and a personal relationship simultaneously, as this is in violation of the social worker code of conduct.  It is best to never initiate personal relationships if at all possible.  In the even that a personal relationship begins, any professional relationship should be terminated.

You are likely to come across other ethical dilemmas during your career that are not outlined above.  No matter what issue you are dealing with, it is essential to ensure you are following your profession’s guidelines, rules and regulations.  A professional license defense attorney can provide you with the information you need to determine how to proceed in a given situation that presents an ethical dilemma.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

As a Kansas social worker, you play a vital role in the health and well-being of many individuals.  You may come across ethical dilemmas leaving you feeling a little uncertain.  Knowing what the right decision is in any given situation is sometimes a very difficult task.  If you are facing the loss of your Kansas social worker license or have questions regarding an ethical issue, it is important that you consider how a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney can help you.  Speaking with an attorney is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.  By speaking with an attorney, you are taking the proper steps to address the situation and find a solution that allows you to continue your career as a social worker.  Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office is a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who has helped many Kansas professionals successfully fight the potential loss of their licenses.  As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Ms. Sanger offers a unique perspective not shared by all attorneys.  If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with Ms. Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.

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