Case study

choose one of four scenarios provided below and respond to the 5 prompts that follow. 

1. Based on the scenario you chose, describe three instances in which you would demonstrate professional demeanor in your behavior, appearance and communication. 

2. Discuss three social work roles that you would utilize in this scenario and provide two examples of how these roles are carried out in a professional manner. Based on the scenario you selected, describe three ways in which you as the Social Worker on this case would maintain professionalism during the session with your client. 

3. Using the scenario you chose, provide two specific reasons why this is an ethical dilemma? (Be very descriptive) 

4. Provide two specific NASW core values and ethical standards that you would utilize to resolve the problem in the scenario and why? Please list and explain in detail. Also, whom would you go to for guidance and consultation to help you resolve this dilemma? 

5. This question has to do with managing your personal values. Explain at least two biases you might have in dealing with this scenario and how you would resolve these biases. If you were the social worker assigned to this case, whom would you go to for guidance?

As you respond to these questions, demonstrate the ability to conduct yourself as a professional social worker. 

apply at least two of the following six NASW ethical principles and core values: Six core values of the social work profession

• Service.


• Social justice.


• Dignity and worth of the person.


• Importance of human relationships.


• Integrity.


• Competence.

These core values will assist you as you resolve the ethical dilemma presented in this case. 

Be sure to answer each question thoroughly and thoughtfully. This paper should be written using APA standards, in paragraph/essay form, and using professional language. Each prompt will be used as a section heading in the paper. Include citations and references for any idea that is not original. This paper should be no more than 5 pages long, not including a cover sheet and reference page. 

Scenario #1: Mrs. Kehl is a single mom who is two months pregnant. She works part-time in a shoe factory and is paid minimum wage. She already has seven children and they are living in substandard poverty conditions. She does not wish to have additional children; this pregnancy resulted from a failure of the birth control method she was using. Her family is Catholic and she attends church regularly with them. On the one hand, she wants to have an abortion. She feels her children are already being hurt because of lack of money. On the other hand, she believes having an abortion is immoral. This client has come to you for help. 

Scenario #2: Mr. Ritter is 82 years old and has terminal cancer. He has lived a full life but now he is in severe pain. He is rather depressed and does not want to be visited by family and friends. Mr. Ritter pleads and begs for physician assisted suicide or else he might seriously consider taking his own life. His wife and daughter are very supportive of his wishes and believe that he should be allowed to die with dignity. You are the social worker on this case and the family is looking to you for answers. 

Scenario #3: Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair have a 2-year-old child who has profound cognitive disability and who also needs extensive medical care. They have three older children. The family’s emotional and physical resources are being severely drained, and family relationships are increasingly tense. Yet the family feels the child will develop at a faster pace in their home than in an institution or in a group home. This couple is seeking assistance from you. 

Scenario #4: Mr. and Mrs. Stonek’s only child was taken away two years ago and placed in a foster home because of neglect. The father drank excessively, and the mother was very depressed. Over the past two  years, the Stoneks have occasionally made efforts to improve their lives but have always “slid back.” For the past two months, Mr. Stonek has been involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and has only occasionally gotten drunk. Mrs. Stonek presently seems less depressed and feels having her son back would make her life more meaningful. The Stoneks ask to have their child returned. This family was referred to you. 

These scenarios were taken from: Zastro, C. (2010). Value dilemmas in social work: A comprehensive work text (9th ed.). Brooks Cole/Cengage Learning.