Ethical decision-making is the cornerstone of social work practice. Social workers are often faced with complex situations where they must balance the needs of clients, communities, and society, while adhering to the profession’s core ethical principles. Navigating these dilemmas with clarity, compassion, and cultural competence is essential to delivering effective and ethical care.

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Time: 12-2pm (EST)

CEUs: 2

Location: Online via Zoom

This course is eligible for 2 CEUs for social workers through the NASW National CE Approval Program in 48 states (EXCLUDING: New Jersey and West Virginia).

This course is eligible for 2 CEUs for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Psychologists in New York State

For more information about CEU approval, please click here.

What to Expect

This seminar will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of ethical decision-making frameworks, explore real-world case examples, and offer practical strategies for addressing ethical challenges in diverse practice settings.

Key Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Deepen Understanding of Core Ethical Principles: Explore the values outlined by the NASW Code of Ethics, including service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, integrity, competence, and the importance of human relationships.

2. Examine Common Ethical Challenges

3. Discuss key ethical dilemmas such as:

a. Balancing confidentiality with the duty to warn

b. Navigating client self-determination and safety

c. Managing dual relationships and setting boundaries

d. Allocating limited resources equitably

4. Learn Structured Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

5. Review models like Reamer’s Ethical Decision-Making Framework and Kitchener’s Five Moral Principles to guide thoughtful, defensible decision-making.

6. Enhance Cultural Competence: Explore how cultural diversity influences ethical decision-making and learn to address personal biases to ensure equitable and respectful care.

7. Engage in Supervision and Consultation: Understand the vital role of supervision and peer consultation in making sound ethical decisions and preventing professional burnout.

Case Study Exploration

Participants will engage in a real-world case study involving ethical dilemmas related to confidentiality, substance use, and risk management, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

Why Attend?

This seminar is ideal for social workers, mental health professionals, and other helping professionals seeking to:

1. Strengthen ethical decision-making skills

2. Gain practical tools for navigating ethical dilemmas

3. Enhance cultural competence and person-centered care

4. Build confidence in applying ethical frameworks in complex situations.

Testimonial from a SWEET Institute Participant

“The SWEET Institute has transformed the way I approach ethical dilemmas. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about empowering clients while maintaining integrity. This seminar will provide invaluable insights and practical tools for any social worker.” — Kathy Pearson, LCSW

Join the SWEET Institute for this transformative seminar and enhance your ability to make ethical decisions with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

For more information: contact@sweetinstitute.com

The SWEET Institute is committed to empowering mental health professionals through innovative training that promotes excellence, person-centered care, and ethical practice.

Here's what attendees have been saying about SWEET seminars:

"The facilitator was excellent. I also learned a great deal from the interplay of the participants and the facilitator." - Loretta, LMSW

“The seminars are informative and offer practical methods that are easy to use. The day goes so quickly, and the case examples are interesting.” – Georgette, LCSW-R

"The material is presented in such a way that it is retained more than other webinars that I have attended." - Marie, LCSW