What is the standard approach to ethical decision making in social work?

• A. Diagnose client pathology; select a treatment; document outcomes; terminate
• B. Identify problems; collect data; enforce compliance; report to board
• C. Identify ethical issues; gather facts; determine who is affected; review relevant codes and laws; consider options; choose a course of action; implement, and reflect
• D. Determine funding; implement program; evaluate results; publish

Answer: (C)

In ethical decision making in social work, the standard approach is a structured, reflective process that helps you act in line with professional values, rights, and responsibilities. The best answer follows this sequence: identify the ethical issues, gather relevant facts and context, determine who will be affected, review applicable codes and laws, weigh possible actions and their consequences, choose a course of action, implement it, and then reflect on the outcome to learn from the experience. This approach aligns with the NASW Code of Ethics and similar frameworks, ensuring considerations of client welfare, autonomy, confidentiality, cultural context, and justice, while also promoting accountability.

Other options don’t fit because they focus on activities outside ethical decision making: diagnosing and treating clients, enforcing compliance or reporting to a board, or addressing program funding and evaluation. Those are important tasks, but they aren’t the step-by-step process for making ethical decisions in social work practice.