Noting that child welfare professionals can improve the quality and integrity of the services they provide if they develop ethical decision making skills, this book provides child welfare administrators and caseworkers with a framework for assessing ethical dilemmas, making sound ethical decisions, and delivering services with integrity to clients. The first of two planned publications, this volume focuses on clinical issues and the provision of direct services to child welfare clients, and is based on the view that professionals can make the best decisions and protect themselves from liability by documenting a well-reasoned course of action that is consistent with ethical principles and that reflects a process involving supervisors and other relevant professionals. The chapters address the following topics: (1) ethical decision making; (2) integrity; (3) client self-determination and informed consent; (4) confidentiality; (5) conflicts of interest; (6) competence; (7) responsibilities to the court; (8) termination of services and transfer of cases; and (9) when others act unethically. Each chapter concludes with a set of case studies in which to apply the principles discussed. A glossary of terms completes the volume. (Contains 12 references.) (KB)