The Common Ethical Dilemma of Gifts
by Peggy Reed-Lohmeyer, MSW, LCSW
Undoubtedly, one of the most common ethical issues reported by social workers is being given gifts from clients or clients’ families. It is not surprising that people would want to show appreciation to someone who has helped them or their loved one, especially at this time of year, when gift giving is common. However, accepting gifts can rub up against or clearly violate the Code of Ethics. Standard 1.06(a) indicates social workers should “avoid conflicts of interest that interfere with the exercise of professional discretion and impartial judgement” (National Association of Social Workers, n.d.). Standard 1.06(b) states that “social workers should not take unfair advantage of any professional relationship…” (National Association of Social Workers, n.d.).
How do these standards play out in practice? Does accepting a drawing or coloring page from client breach the Code? What about baked goods or some other small homemade gift? They may not. Some social workers and some agencies follow a hard line against accepting any gifts. This can make it easier for them, in that there is no need to decide when a gift passes the point of being a “small gift” or acceptable gift and when it becomes inappropriate or a concern. For example, a crochet coaster may be fine, but a crochet full sized blanket is too much. Where is the dividing line between acceptable and “too much”? Is a set of coasters okay? What about a potholder? A lap blanket? Where is the line? It can get murky, which is why many allow no gifts.
Though social workers often take the stance of accepting no gifts, some social work ethics experts suggest that if gifts are to be accepted, there are some clear steps and considerations that should occur. Both Allan Barsky (2017) and Fredrick Reamer (2013) note that the client intent and value of the gift can be considered. They further note there may be occurrences when accepting a genuine gift of appreciation that is of small monetary value may be acceptable and meaningful for the client. Barsky (2017) notes that “if gift-giving is an authentic expression of the client’s gratitude, then the principle of self-determination suggest that social workers should honor the client’s wishes.” This should not be interpreted as a blanket permission slip to accept all gifts offered. Reamer (2013) and Barsky (2017) recommends the following occur when making a decision about accepting gifts: seek supervision/consultation, consider the meaning of the gift, explore motivations in giving and accepting the gift, assess implications clinically and ethically (e.g. will it impact impartial judgement), reflect on what may be some potential consequences of accepting or refusing the gift, think from a risk management perspective. Barsky (2017) also recommends that if a gift is to be accepted, it should be with transparency. If being honest with co-workers about having accepted the gift is uncomfortable, it is a sign the gift should not be accepted.
Ideally, clients are informed at the initiation of services of any agency or individual social worker’s stance that gifts are not allowed. Now would be a great time to remind clients of such, to lessen any awkwardness or potential issues with having to deny gifts.
References
Barsky, A. (January 2017). Ethics Alive-Gifts from Clients: the good, the bad, and the ethically ugly. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/ethics-alive-gifts-from-clients-the-good-the-bad-the-ethically-ugly/
National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). 1. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients
Reamer, F. (December 2013). Eye on Ethics. Social Work Today. https://www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_121913.shtml
If you are interested in learning more about the NASW-Missouri Chapter Ethics Committee or potentially serving on the committee, please email the committee’s chair at Peggy.Reed-Lohmeyer.MSW.LCSW@hotmail.com.