Hi everyone,
Greetings from MI!
I'm looking to connect with other social work practicum folks who have experience navigating ethical dilemmas related to practicum placements in faith-based settings. I'm particularly interested in resources, policies, guidance, or examples addressing situations where a placement site's religious mission, practices, or expectations may intersect with social work's professional values and ethical standards. For example, I'd be interested in how programs have approached questions related to:
- Religious or faith-based practices being incorporated into the student's practicum experience
- Expectations that students participate in or promote religious activities that violate the NASW Code of Ethics
- Client autonomy, religious freedom, and culturally responsive practice
- Potential conflicts between a site's policies or beliefs and the NASW Code of Ethics
- How programs assess whether a faith-based agency is an appropriate practicum setting
- Student concerns about religious expression, proselytization, or pressure to participate in faith-based activities
- Managing ethical concerns that arise after a student has already been placed
- Guidance provided to Practicum Instructors, Task Supervisors, students, and agencies regarding these issues
If your program has policies, decision-making frameworks, training materials, articles, examples, or other resources that you would be willing to share, I would greatly appreciate it. I want to strike a balance between respect for faith-based organizations and religious diversity with students' professional development, client self-determination, and social work ethical standards. Thank you in advance for anything you're willing to share or point me toward!
Best,
Kayla
------------------------------
Kayla Bueby
Clinical Assistant Professor, Practicum Education Coordinator
University of Michigan-Flint
kmfree@umich.edu810-762-3390
------------------------------