Class Ethics and Deontology in Social Work

This CU intends to train students in the ethical dimension of social worker’s actions, teaching them how to make ethical choices in their contexts, actions and fields of intervention based on professional' ethical principles and to became aware of their professional actions implications for the subjects.

1.         Introduction to ethics

1.1.       Ethics concept

1.2.       Ethic and it’s relation to morals

1.3.       Ethical thinking chains

2.         Professional ethics

2.1.       The role of professional ethics in modern societies

2.2.       The importance of ethics in social work

2.3.       Historical evolution of social worker’s ethical conduct

2.4.       Professional dilemmas and ethical decision-making

2.4.1.    Ethical dilemmas

2.4.2.    Ethical decision-making

3.         Social Work’s Ethics and professional deontology

3.1.       Deontology concept

3.2.       International deontological instruments

3.3.       National deontological instruments: the portuguese code

3.3.1.    Social work ethical principles

3.3.2.    Code of conduct

4.         Contemporary ethical challenges

Teaching: The syllabus of the course will be presented using expository and interrogative methodologies, based on student participation through debates based on texts and videos selected by the teacher. There will also be a place to discuss practical cases on ethical dilemmas in order to train professional reflexivity. Students are expected to present group work, using new technologies and focusing on the development of oral skills and rules for the presentation of works. 

Assessment: The assessment will be continuous, based on the following elements: 1) Written individual test (55%); 2) Group work with presentation and oral discussion in the classroom (30%); 3) Participation in classes (15%). The average of the evaluation elements must be greater than or equal to 9,5 points. The appeal exam will consist in a written test (100%), with a minimum grade for approval is 9,5 points.

APSS (2018). Código deontológico dos assistentes sociais em Portugal. Lisboa: APSS.

Banks, Sarah (1995). Ética y valores em el trabajo social. Barcelona: Paidós.

Banks, Sarah, & Nørh, Kristen (2008). Ética prática para as profissões do trabalho social. Porto: Porto Editora.

Becket, Chris, Maynard, Andrew, & Jordan, Peter (2017). Values and ethics in social work (3ª ed.). Londres: Sage.

Carvalho, Maria Irene (2016). Ética aplicada ao serviço social. Lisboa: Pactor.

Congress, Elaine (2000). What social workers should know about ethics: Understanding and resolving practice dilemmas. Advances in Social Work, 1(1), 1-25.

Reamer, Frederic (2014). The evolution of social work ethics: Bearing witness. Advances in Social Work, 15(1), 163-181.

Rutter, Lynne, & Brown, Keith (2012). Critical thinking and professional judgement for social work. Londres: Sage.