Negotiating roles and boundaries: Case 2.3 When is it right to accept a gift?: a Lithuanian social work student's dilemma: Commentary 2

On the face of it, the giving of a gift, and its acceptance, is entirely appropriate within the ethics of normal human relationships. Helping someone in trouble if they need it, without going too much out of your way" what Reiman (1990) calls 'easy rescue'" is an ethical obligation in human relationships. Lina's effort goes beyond this general duty to help. It is not surprising that the family feels grateful; in such circumstances, gratitude to the person who has helped is also a moral obligation. A gift is a common and appropriate way to express that gratitude, and to offer it is a tangible and, in this case, enduring symbol of the relationship. There are a number of caveats, however, which have together led to a tradition in social work and other professions of not accepting gifts from clients.