Breakout 3B: Just Because It’s Easier Doesn’t Mean It’s Right: Ethical Considerations in Co-Response Programs

Our communities have seen a drastic rise in programs which embed social workers in police and fire departments, widely known as co-response programs. Research has shown that embedding social workers into these first responder organizations has led to complex dynamics. As such, it is imperative to discuss the ethical implications of these programs to ensure we, as social workers, are upholding our Code of Ethics. This session will discuss the complex ethical issues that arise in this up-and-coming social work practice, how to understand the profession's role in these programs, and what is happening legislatively that we must be aware of to ensure we are prepared to practice ethically. The time is right to be ethical!