What are some common ethical dilemmas faced by social workers?

Confidentiality breaches and dual relationships represent significant ethical dilemmas that social workers frequently encounter in their professional practice. Maintaining client confidentiality is a fundamental principle of social work that helps build trust and protect clients' privacy. However, difficult situations may arise where the social worker feels a need to disclose information due to safety concerns or legal obligations, creating tension between upholding confidentiality and ensuring client safety or compliance with the law.

Dual relationships occur when a social worker has multiple roles with a client, such as being both a professional and a friend or family member. This situation can lead to conflicts of interest, exploitation, or biases that compromise the integrity of the professional relationship. Navigating these complexities demands a strong ethical framework and adherence to professional guidelines to protect the client's best interests and maintain professional boundaries.

The other options, while relevant to social work, do not encapsulate the depth of ethical dilemmas as effectively as the issues of confidentiality and dual relationships. Client advocacy versus agency policy addresses the balance between supporting clients' needs and adhering to organizational requirements, which is important but generally less personally impactful than breaches of trust. Resource allocation and case management focus on logistical and systemic challenges rather than ethical conflicts. Time management and documentation relate more to organization and efficiency rather than the ethical principles