Open Access

Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice: The Fine Line Between Intervening and Not Intervening

1 Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi
2 Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Univesity

Abstract

Social work is a profession that aims to improve the social welfare of individuals and is shaped on the basis of human rights, justice and equality. Social workers may face various ethical issues and dilemmas while working to improve the quality of life of individuals. These issues are related to individuals' rights, confidentiality, independence, justice and other fundamental values. Ethical decision-making in social work practice helps to overcome such challenges in an appropriate and professional manner. Ethical decision-making is vital to the success of social work, and the proper management of this process by professionals has beneficial consequences for both clients and society. This article aims to draw attention to the professional ethical issues and dilemmas that social workers face in their practice. In addition, the stages of the ethical decision-making process will be discussed. In this context, the aim of the article is to analyze the ethical dilemmas faced by social workers and to reveal the ethical decision-making processes that should be followed in these situations. As a result, making decisions in accordance with ethical principles in social work practice increases the credibility and effectiveness of the profession by providing more effective and fair services at both individual and social levels.

Keywords

How to Cite

Altun, G., & Say Şahin, D. (2025). Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice: The Fine Line Between Intervening and Not Intervening. International Journal of Active & Healthy Aging, 3(1), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15647956

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