Social Work Ethics Case Study

Words: 450
Pages: 2

Imagine what you would do if you found out that the Government owed you thousands or even a hundred thousand dollars? Would you force yourself into homelessness, carry around luggage filled with paperwork, refuse to cash a check regardless of the amount, or even openly fight for what you know is right? Wanda Witter did not have to imagine this scenario because it had become her reality. At eighty years old and homeless, Wanda was in desperate need of help. Because of the competence and code of ethics taking by social worker Julie Turner, Wanda Witter was finally able to receive adequate help. An exploration of the National Association of Social Workers or NASW code of ethics will bring a greater understanding to the aid that Julie Turner …show more content…
Although many thought she did in fact need help, mental help, there was one individual who heard Wanda’s cries for help. Julie Turner, a local social worker, used her competence and code of ethics to determine that Wanda was in fact not mentally ill, just needed someone to listen and advocate on her behalf. The NASW code of ethics are made up of six guidelines set in place for social workers to follow. The guidelines aid social workers as they provide the support and resources necessary to assist individuals (Brill, 2001). Three of the guidelines that are evident in Turners actions are service, dignity and worth of the person, and social …show more content…
The guideline of service is essentially that as a social worker one must advocate on behalf of individuals who are in need or dealing with social conflict (Assembly, 2008). When Turner sought out to help Wanda she did so without regard to her own interest. Turner wanted Wanda to understand that not everyone was against her or thought she was crazy. In fact, this was not the first time Turner had wanted to help. She tried before at a soup kitchen, but Wanda assumed that she like everyone else would be dismissive of her situation (Petula, 2008). While it was not the first time Turner tried to help it was the first time that her persistency paid off and allowed Wanda to be respective of the help. Turner not only looked through the paper work herself, but she also knew that legal services were the necessary resource to ensure that the case was being handled properly. Through competence and the NASW code of service Turner was able to give the adequate help Wanda had desired for so