This book explores the ethical development of social workers and the role of supervision in that development. It explores the history of social work and the ethical theories and traditions that have contributed to the development of social work ethics and concludes that no one ethical theory is sufficient to support the ethical decision making required in the practice of social work. Rather, a pluralist approach combining a number of ethical theories is required for ethical decision-making in social work. It is also argued that the reflective approach required to make justifiable ethical decisions and to develop as ethical decision-makers is most logically located within the relationship and processes of supervision and that supervisors have an important role in guiding that development.

Marian Esler has been a social worker in Australia for over 20 years. She completed her PhD in social work at the Australian Catholic University and now works in the area of families research.