Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships in Social Work Practi

Course Details

Course Description

This course is based on a 72-minute web-based video clip, which is a recording of a live presentation by Dr. Frederic G. Reamer, PhD, during a recent NASW California Chapter Annual Conference. Dr. Reamer, a nationally recognized expert in social work ethics, provides a comprehensive overview of legal and ethical issues related to boundaries and dual relationships that arise in numerous settings including the following: social media and social networking contact; proper management of confidential information; practitioner self-disclosure; friendships and social contact with current and former clients; managing favors, gifts, and invitations; hiring former clients; and unavoidable dual relationships. To complete the course, registrants read online content before viewing the 72-minute video clip. (There is no transcript of this video clip.) To print a certificate of completion, the online posttest must be passed with a score of 80% or better.

Target Audience

This course can be used to meet California’s mandated license renewal requirement for six (6) CEUs in law and ethics training every two years. The course is also appropriate as continuing education or professional development for all social workers (licensed, non-licensed and students) nationwide.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, readers will be able to do the following:

Identify common legal and ethical issues related to boundaries and dual relationships.
Identify the typology of boundary issues and dual relationships while exploring the themes of intimacy, emotional and dependency needs, personal benefit, altruism, and unavoidable circumstances.
Identify issues related to boundaries and dual relationships that pose malpractice and liability risks.
Identify strategies to protect clients and prevent ethics complaints and lawsuits.