Case Study Analysis
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is protected information. The NASW (2021) standard 2.07: Confidentiality and the use of
Technology, addresses this specific type of situation. This standard refers to the responsibility of
the social worker to maintain confidentiality procedures and processes when accessing
information using technology.
The third ethical concern mentioned in this case study was Candice's dismissive behavior
once she was caught acting unethically. Candice has been a social worker for many years,
holding many different social work positions in the past. Candice should be well versed in the
NASW code of ethics and should be acting as a role model to the new social workers at her
agency. Candice expressing that what she is doing is no big deal, or that she was simply giving
her friend the "all clear" for her daughter to attend a party is showing that Candice does not
prioritize the code of ethics as well as does not respect the social work ethical boundaries. Being
an experienced social worker, she is likely looked up to and respected at her agency. She is
modeling unethical behaviors to influential upcoming social workers. This is what the NASW
(2017) would consider to be her not acting with ethical competence. In addition, to the ethical
issues that Candice's coworker has brought to the attention of the supervisor, Candice is not
behaving in a culturally competent manner by making assumptions that this child's parents
would be in the system due to them receiving free lunches or the fathers unemployment status.
Plan to Address the Issue
As the supervisor it is vital to ensure that all staff are acting in an ethical manner with the
client's well-being as a top priority. Since concerns were brought to the attention of the
supervisor, it is important to gain further information about the ethical concern and address it
appropriately. The first step would be to get a formal statement of the ethical breach from the
staff member that witnessed it. This will allow us to look back on his account of the behavior and