Ethical Assessment of the Use of Influence in Adult Protective Services

The role of influence in social work practice has been generally understated despite its importance to the course and outcome of the clinical process. This paper examines the influence strategies used by adult protective service workers with clients who refuse the services that the workers think the clients need for their own protection. It then discusses the moral justifications provided by the workers for using influence to overcome their clients' reluctance to comply with their recommendations. Finally it suggests questions to guide an ethical assessment of the use of influence in practice.