Helping Social Workers Traverse the Ethical Minefields of Innovation and Change: A Technology and Social Work Practice Ethical Framework

Technology is transforming the manner social workers practice, but how do we ethically keep up with these digital innovations and their impact on our work? The profession of social work is rooted in the knowledge and application of an ethical code of conduct. The learning of ethical standards starts with a student’s entrance into a social work program and continues throughout their career. Social workers increase their understanding of ethics through processing dilemmas with the help of their supervisors and through requirements of continuing education for licensing. But how are we evaluating our digital practices?

Many ethical frameworks in social work exist, from general models, such as the ETHIC model by Elaine Congress, to practice specific models of practice. Reamer (2017) writes extensively about ethics with a current focus on the impact of technology on social work practice. Developed with the influence of these ethical models, the Technology and Social Work Practice Ethics Framework aims to provide a method of evaluating the impact/risk aspects of our digital choices in the profession. As social workers practice the active assessment of potential ethical dilemmas with technology, their efficacy with digital social work practice will create a more secure environment for professionals and clients alike. 

 Technology and Social Work Practice Ethics Framework

      1. Identify: Identify the nature of the digital application then behavior or situation needing ethical evaluation.

a.       Identify the use, behavior, situation, or policy of the potential ethical concern

b.       Determine technological platform used

c.       Identify which individuals would be or were impacted

 2. Understand: Explain the purpose of the action related to the digital application, behavior or situation.

a.       Define the intention/appropriateness of use, behavior, or action

b.       Recognize the pros and cons of the digital platform in regards to confidentiality, Evidence Based Practice, security, safety, accuracy, boundary concerns

c.       Evaluate appropriateness of use to intersectional digital perspectives involved (culture, generation, accessibility, language, economic issues, etc.)

      3. Research: Review technology standards, policies, and law, as applicable to the application use, behavior, or situation (agency, professional, State, Federal) to determine relevant areas of concern or breach. Considering these standards, policies, and laws, would colleagues connect these same concerns?

a.       Agency policies – policy and procedures manual, grant/foundation stipulations

b.       Professional Standards – NASW code of ethics, NASW, ASWB, CSWE, CSWA standards for technology in social work practice, APA App Evaluation Model for practice

c.       State Laws – Applicable state laws

d.       Federal Laws – HIPAA, HITECH Act, FERPA, Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, Uniform Code of Military Justice or other applicable legislation.

       4. Assess: Involve needed agency stakeholders and technology experts to consult about the use of application, behavior, or situation. Experts may include technologically literate and ethically informed staff, supervisors, lawyers, board members, and consultants. The assessment includes evaluation of micro and macro systems technology impact/risk. Areas of digital impact and risk include; access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, security, health and wellness, and laws, rights and responsibility (adapted from Riddle, 2015, p. 16-17). Document results, include potentially positive and harmful examples. Internet resources can be used to explore and substantiate impact.

a.       Potential/actual impact on client(s) and their system

b.       Potential/actual impact on staff member(s)

c.       Potential/actual impact on agency

      5. Determination: Determine any actions the agency needs to pursue regarding ethical implications of the digital application, behavior, or situation. Actions may include policy formation, technology adoptions, confidentiality and consent revisions, educational support for staff, disciplinary actions, etc.

           How do you use ethical frameworks in social work practice? When introducing new digital practices in your organization, how do you identify their potential impact or risk with clients? What policies do you have in place to address the evolving nature of digital social work practices?

Elaine P. Congress. (2000). What social workers should know about ethics: Understanding and resolving ethical dilemmas. Advances in Social Work, 1, 1.

Reamer, F. G. (1998). The Evolution of Social Work Ethics. Social Work, 43(6), 488–500. https://doi-org.libproxy.chapman.edu/10.1093/sw/43.6.488

Reamer, F. G. (2017). Evolving ethical standards in the digital age. Australian Social Work, 70(2), 148–159. https://doi-org.libproxy.chapman.edu/10.1080/0312407X.2016.1146314

Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools : Nine elements all students should know: Vol. Third edition. ISTE.