Webinars
Description
Explore the distinctions between boundary crossings, boundary violations, and dual relationships in social work practice, with particular attention to the ethical complexities they present. Through case examples and critical reflection, we will examine how factors such as structural oppression, power imbalances, and marginalized identities can complicate boundary management. The session will also highlight strategies for ethical decision-making that center on client well-being and incorporate an anti-oppressive framework, ensuring that social workers remain accountable to both ethical codes and broader social justice principles.
Join BUSSW Clinical Associate Professor Mark Gianino for an interactive and engaging program. Learners will have the opportunity to analyze real-life case scenarios involving boundary crossings, violations, and dual relationships. They’ll also work in groups to identify the ethical dilemma presented, discuss potential solutions, and share their insight and self-reflection along the way.
This workshop is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced practitioners. Though it will be helpful that participants have had a range of experiences in practice contending with ethical dilemmas that involve boundaries, it could be useful to those new in the field to put these concepts on their radar and proactively develop strategies for identifying and addressing boundary issues in SW practice.
About the Instructor:
Mark Gianino, LICSW, PhD is a Clinical Associate Professor at Boston University School of Social Work where he teaches a range of courses within the MSW program. His scholarly interests include inclusive pedagogy, social work ethics, LGBTQ parenthood, continuing professional education in social work, education and training in suicide prevention and intervention, and group work. Dr. Gianino has coordinated the ethics course at Boston University since 2015 and has offered numerous post graduate trainings on the topic of ethics to social work and other behavioral health professionals. He served on the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Social Workers from 2014-2016 and collaborated with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) on a variety of initiatives.
Objectives
1. Define and differentiate between boundary crossings, boundary violations, and dual relationships in social work practice, and understand their ethical implications.
2. Examine how structural oppression, power imbalances, and marginalized identities influence boundary management and ethical decision-making.
3. Articulate strategies for ethical decision-making that prioritize client well-being and integrate anti-oppressive principles into practice.
4. Engage in critical reflection on case examples to identify ethical dilemmas related to boundaries and assess the impact of personal and professional values on decision-making.
5. Explore how adherence to the Code of Ethics and a commitment to social justice can guide boundary-related decisions and ensure accountability in practice.
Course Outline
A more detailed agenda will be available before the program in late February.
Course Policies
For information about refunds, cancellations, accommodations and to contact us please visit the policies page.