Introduction

• The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics serves as the preeminent guide for ethical practice in social work, defining core values, principles, and standards to guide professional conduct.
• It outlines the fundamental obligations of social workers to their clients, colleagues, profession, and society at large.
• It’s a living document, regularly revised to reflect evolving social issues, cultural contexts, and professional advancements.

Core Values

• Service: Social workers are committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, promoting social justice, and addressing societal challenges.
• Social Justice: Social workers strive to challenge social injustice and advocate for equitable access to resources, opportunities, and rights for all people.
• Dignity and Worth of the Person: Social workers uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances.
• Importance of Human Relationships: Social workers recognize the central importance of relationships in human development and well-being.
• Integrity: Social workers act with honesty, trustworthiness, and responsibility in their professional and personal lives.
• Competence: Social workers continuously strive to maintain and enhance their professional knowledge and skills to provide competent and effective services.

Ethical Principles

• Social workers’ primary responsibility is to promote clients’ well-being.
• Social workers respect clients’ right to self-determination.
• Social workers treat clients with respect and dignity.
• Social workers seek to protect clients from harm.
• Social workers promote social justice and social change.
• Social workers are honest and responsible in their professional conduct.
• Social workers maintain competence in their practice.
• Social workers behave in a professional manner.

Standards for Practice

• Social workers’ ethical responsibilities to clients:
  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
  • Cultural competence
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Termination of services
• Social workers’ ethical responsibilities to colleagues:
  • Respect
  • Collaboration
  • Consultation
  • Dispute resolution
• Social workers’ ethical responsibilities in practice settings:
  • • Supervision and consultation
  • • Education and training
  • • Performance evaluation
  • Client records
  • Billing
• Social workers’ ethical responsibilities as professionals:
  • Competence
  • Continuing education
  • Advocacy
  • Impairment and misconduct
  • Social and political action

Application of the Code of Ethics

• Social workers apply the Code of Ethics in all aspects of their professional practice, including direct service, research, administration, and policy development.
• The Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making, helping social workers navigate complex ethical dilemmas and conflicts.
• It’s essential for social workers to be familiar with the Code of Ethics and seek consultation when ethical issues arise.

Conclusion

• The NASW Code of Ethics is a cornerstone of the social work profession, defining the ethical obligations and responsibilities of social workers to their clients, colleagues, profession, and society.
• It’s a dynamic document that evolves to reflect the changing landscape of social work practice and the broader social context.
• By upholding the core values, ethical principles, and standards for practice outlined in the Code of Ethics, social workers can ensure ethical and effective service to individuals, families, and communities.