Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice Social Work: Quizzes and Practice Tests

Question 1

Which ethical principle highlights the importance of respecting individuals' self-determination and making their own decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

A social worker in a prison learns that an inmate is planning an escape attempt. This situation presents an ethical dilemma of:

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality versus public safety

Answer

Dual relationship versus autonomy

Answer

Beneficence versus non-maleficence

Answer

Justice versus fairness

Question 3

Ethical guidelines suggest that social workers encountering uncomfortable or conflicting situations should:

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor or colleague

Answer

Refer the case to another social worker

Answer

Act based on their personal beliefs and values

Answer

Document the situation and take no action

Question 4

When working with people who have committed offenses, social workers should prioritize the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Rehabilitation and reintegration

Answer

Punitive justice

Answer

Public condemnation

Answer

Incapacitation

Question 5

In criminal justice social work, which ethical principle prioritizes an individual's right to make choices about their life?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Privacy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 6

According to the British Association of Social Workers, which of the following is a key ethical consideration in working with offenders?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the needs of individuals with the needs of society

Answer

Prioritizing the rehabilitation of offenders

Answer

Protecting the rights of victims

Answer

Ensuring that offenders are punished appropriately

Question 7

In the context of criminal justice social work, the principle of self-determination means that:

Accepted Answer

Clients have the right to make their own decisions

Answer

Social workers should never challenge a client's decisions

Answer

Clients must always obey the law

Answer

Social workers are responsible for protecting clients from making harmful decisions

Question 8

The ethical principle of beneficence requires social workers to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize benefits and minimize risks

Answer

Do no harm

Answer

Respect the client's wishes

Answer

Promote justice

Question 9

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals' right to make their own decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 10

In a criminal justice setting, who is the primary beneficiary of a social worker's duty of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

The client

Answer

The court

Answer

The police

Answer

The social worker's supervisor

Question 11

Which type of conflict of interest arises when a social worker has a close personal or professional relationship with someone involved in the same case as their client?

Accepted Answer

Dual relationship

Answer

Financial conflict

Answer

Organizational conflict

Answer

Professional conflict

Question 12

According to the Social Work Code of Ethics, how should social workers approach ethical dilemmas?

Accepted Answer

Seek guidance from colleagues and supervisors

Answer

Rely solely on their own personal values

Answer

Always follow the law, regardless of the circumstances

Answer

Disregard any ethical concerns that may arise

Question 13

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines and codes of conduct in social work?

Accepted Answer

To guide ethical behavior and decision-making

Answer

To provide a legal framework for social work practice

Answer

To punish social workers who violate ethical standards

Answer

To guarantee that social workers never make mistakes

Question 14

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of fairness and equality in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 15

When a social worker becomes aware of a potential ethical violation by a colleague, what is their professional obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the violation to their supervisor

Answer

Ignore the issue and hope it resolves itself

Answer

Confront the colleague directly

Answer

Conceal the violation to protect their reputation

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental ethical principle guiding social work practice in criminal justice settings?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a neutral stance towards the criminal justice system.

Answer

Respect for human rights and dignity.

Answer

Self-determination.

Answer

Confidentiality.

Question 17

In a criminal justice setting, when is a social worker legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

In all cases where there is reasonable suspicion

Answer

Only when the social worker has direct evidence of abuse or neglect

Answer

Only when the child is under the age of 16

Answer

Only when the child is in immediate danger

Question 18

When a social worker in a criminal justice setting advocates for a client's right to make their own decisions about treatment, they are practicing:

Accepted Answer

Client self-determination

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 19

When faced with an ethical dilemma in social work practice, which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for managing it?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the dilemma and hoping it will go away

Answer

Seeking guidance from professional codes of ethics

Answer

Consulting with colleagues and supervisors

Question 20

In a criminal justice setting, social workers have a duty to protect the confidentiality of client information. This means that they should:

Accepted Answer

Only disclose information when legally required or with the client's consent

Answer

Use client information for research or teaching purposes without their consent

Answer

Share information freely with other professionals involved in the client's case

Question 21

When a social worker in a criminal justice setting has a conflict of interest, they should:

Accepted Answer

Disclose the conflict to all parties involved and take steps to avoid any harm

Answer

Ignore the conflict and continue providing services

Answer

Terminate their relationship with the client

Question 22

A social worker working with a young offender on probation learns that the individual has been involved in a recent, unreported crime. What is the social worker's primary ethical obligation in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Report the crime to the appropriate authorities, as mandated by law.

Answer

Prioritize the client's right to confidentiality and maintain silence.

Answer

Encourage the client to disclose the information to their legal representative.

Answer

Seek guidance from their supervisor before taking any action.

Question 23

During a home visit, a social worker observes a client on probation engaging in potentially illegal online activities to generate income. What ethical consideration should primarily guide the social worker's response?

Accepted Answer

Balance the client's right to self-determination with the potential harm to themselves and others.

Answer

Immediately report the observation to the client's probation officer without further assessment.

Answer

Engage in direct confrontation with the client about their activities.

Answer

Ignore the situation as it falls outside the scope of the social worker's professional role.

Question 24

Which of the following situations presents a clear ethical conflict of interest for a social worker employed within a prison setting?

Accepted Answer

Accepting a valuable gift from a recently released former client who expresses gratitude for the social worker's support.

Answer

Participating in a professional development workshop focusing on prison rehabilitation.

Answer

Providing emotional support to a correctional officer who is experiencing work-related stress.

Answer

Attending a community event where a former client might be present.

Question 25

A social worker facilitating a group therapy session for individuals on parole encounters resistance from a participant who refuses to engage. What ethical principle should guide the social worker's response?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy, allowing the individual to participate at their own pace while ensuring a safe space for others.

Answer

Beneficence, prioritizing the potential benefits of the group over the individual's resistance.

Answer

Non-maleficence, preventing any potential harm to the resistant individual or other group members.

Answer

Justice, ensuring that all group members have equal opportunities to participate.

Question 26

A social worker discovers that a colleague who provides counseling to victims of crime is also providing private consultancy services to individuals accused of similar crimes. This situation raises concerns about which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Dual relationships, as the colleague's involvement with both victims and perpetrators presents a potential conflict of interest.

Answer

Competence, as the colleague may not have the necessary expertise to work effectively with both groups.

Answer

Justice, as the colleague's actions could create an imbalance in the legal system.

Answer

Confidentiality, as the colleague may inadvertently disclose sensitive information obtained from one party to another.

Question 27

A social worker is approached by a client's family member who offers a substantial financial reward for information about the client's case. What is the most appropriate course of action for the social worker to take?

Accepted Answer

Refuse the offer, clearly explaining the unethical nature of disclosing confidential information and the potential legal consequences.

Answer

Inform the client about the offer and allow them to decide how to proceed.

Answer

Accept the offer, justifying the decision based on the potential financial benefit for the social worker and their family.

Answer

Report the family member's offer to their supervisor and seek guidance.

Question 28

In the context of restorative justice, what role does a social worker play in facilitating ethical practice?

Accepted Answer

Mediator, ensuring all parties involved are treated fairly and have an equal opportunity to participate in the process.

Answer

Advocate solely for the victim, prioritizing their needs and perspectives over those of the offender.