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If there is a right and wrong answer, there is no ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma occurs when one or more competing ethical principles must be considered and weighed against each other.
1
RESOLVING ETHICAL DILEMMAS
If there is a right and wrong answer, there is no ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma occurs when one or more competing ethical principles must be considered and weighed against each other.
Social workers serve individuals, families, and communities who experience complex problems for which there are rarely simple solutions, or right or wrong answers. As such, social workers use the NASW Code of Ethics to identify the various ethical principles and standards that will guide ethical decision making.
In this Discussion, you apply social work ethics as you analyze an ethical dilemma.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
TO PREPARE
· Consider the ethical decision-making framework outlined in this week’s resources, including Figure 1.1 on page 439 of Kirst-Ashman and Hull.
· Select one of the following options, and then engage in the first few steps of the ethical decision-making process, including consultation with colleagues through your response posts.
Option 1
· As technology advances, so do the ways that social workers can connect with clients. Is it acceptable to look at a client’s activities on social media or seek information through an internet search? Should a social worker allow clients to contact them by text or e-mail? How does a social worker’s personal social media presence influence the worker/client relationship?
Option 2
· Consider the presence of dual relationships in social work practice. What are examples of nonharmful and harmful dual relationships between clients and workers? How do social workers determine if dual relationships are harmful to a client?
Option 3
· Your Instructor will post a social work ethical dilemma related to a current event.
BY DAY 3
Post a response to the following:
· Describe a specific ethical dilemma based on one of the options above.
· Describe the ethical issues in the option chosen.
· Identify specific values or ethical standards that apply.
· Identify who is likely to be affected by the ethical dilemma.
· Describe potential courses of action.
· Examine reasons in favor of or opposed to the course of action.
Support your post with examples from the course text and any other resources used to respond to this Discussion. Demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts. Include a full reference of resources at the bottom of the post.
BY DAY 6
Respond by providing consultation to at least two colleagues on the ethical dilemma they described by doing one of the following:
· Explain additional ethical standards and values that your colleague may need to consider in the case.
OR
· Explain any previously unconsidered course of action and reasons in favor of or opposed to that course of action.
REFERENCES
· Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018).
Empowerment series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning.
· Chapter 11, “Values, Ethics, and the Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas” (pp. 419–465)
· National Association of Social Workers. (2021).
Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers
. Links to an external site.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English.aspx
· Reamer, F. G. (2014, June).
Eye on ethics: The evolution of social work ethics. Links to an external site.
Social Work Today. http://www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_061614.shtml
·
Document:
Social Media and Ethical Considerations
Download Social Media and Ethical Considerations
(PDF)
Social Media and Ethical Considerations
Walden’s MSW Social Media Policy
A student’s presence on and use of social media reflects on the MSW program and the social
work profession; therefore, behavior on social media will be held to the same professional
standards and student code of conduct expectations. Social Work professionals, including
students, are expected to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics related to virtual communications.
Students should use social work values and principles, as well as specific agency policy, to guide
their social media interactions.
Students need to consider the ethical consequences of their own social media use, as well as use
of social media in practice. Be aware of and follow agency policies regarding the use of social
media. Before using social media communication tools on behalf of a field agency, students
must seek agency approval of any messages or posts.
Walden MSW students are expected to adhere to the ethical standards outlined in the NASW
Code of Ethics. Common ethical issues that social workers need to understand and manage when
utilizing social media include, but are not limited to, privacy and confidentiality (Section 1.07),
conflicts of interest and dual relationships (Section 1.06), and informed consent (Section 1.03).
There is significant risk of unintentionally sharing protected information when using social
media. Be cautious when posting information about an agency. Never post confidential or
private information about clients or colleagues, even using pseudonyms.
Students need to remain aware of professional boundaries even when participating in social
media in their personal time. Managing “friend” requests and maintaining privacy settings is
critical regardless of whether a student uses social media for personal or professional reasons.
According to the Code of Ethics, “social workers should not engage in dual or multiple
relationships…in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client…and social
workers…are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries”
(1.06c). The Code of Ethics further clarifies use of technology as related to 1.06 Conflicts of
Interest:
(e) Social workers should avoid communication with clients using technology (such as
social networking sites, online chat, e-mail, text messages, telephone, and video) for
personal or non-work-related purposes.
(f) Social workers should be aware that posting personal information on professional
Web sites or other media might cause boundary confusion, inappropriate dual
relationships, or harm to clients.
(g) Social workers should be aware that personal affiliations may increase the likelihood
that clients may discover the social worker’s presence on Web sites, social media, and
other forms of technology. Social workers should be aware that involvement in electronic
communication with groups based on race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, mental or physical ability, religion, immigration status, and other
personal affiliations may affect their ability to work effectively with particular clients.
(h) Social workers should avoid accepting requests from or engaging in personal
relationships with clients on social networking sites or other electronic media to prevent
boundary confusion, inappropriate dual relationships, or harm to clients.
The NASW Code of Ethics goes on to state, “Social workers should respect clients’ right to
privacy. Social workers should not solicit private information from clients unless it is essential
to providing services” (1.07a). Social work students should consider the ethics of obtaining
information about a client through social media means. According to the NASW Code of Ethics,
“Social workers should obtain client consent before conducting an electronic search on the client.
Exceptions may arise when the search is for purposes of protecting the client or other people
from serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm, or for other compelling professional reasons”
(1.03i).
Students are encouraged to further review the NASW, ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA Standards for
Technology in Social Work Practice.
https://www.socialworkers.org/includes/newIncludes/homepage/PRA-BRO-33617.TechStandards_FINAL_POSTING
https://www.socialworkers.org/includes/newIncludes/homepage/PRA-BRO-33617.TechStandards_FINAL_POSTING
Guidelines for the Use of Social Media
by Social Work Graduate Students
Walden MSW students are expected to adhere to the ethical standards outlined in the NASW
Code of Ethics. Our ethical obligations to clients, colleagues, and other professionals are no
different when using Facebook, Twitter, or other social media channels, as well as
communications via our cell phones such as texting or email.
Social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Instagram, Snapchat, and
various blog sites are just a few examples of ways to connect with others and share information.
However, the rapid growth of social media communication tools and their ease of accessibility
can also have unintended and potentially damaging consequences to users if basic guidelines are
ignored whether intentionally or not. Social Work professionals, including students, are
expected to adhere to social work values, ethics and engage in professional conduct as outlined
in the NASW Code of Ethics when using social media communication tools, whether they are
using a personal site or an agency site. Common issues that social workers need to understand
and manage when utilizing social media include, but are not limited to, privacy and
confidentiality (Section 1.07), conflicts of interest and dual relationships (Section 1.06), and
informed consent (Section 1.03) in our relationships with clients, colleagues, and in our practice
settings. Utilizing social media communication tools as a social work professional requires
ongoing attention to these ethical challenges. Inadvertent postings about trouble with coworkers,
classmates, and clients on different social media sites can be very harmful, especially in rural
practice where the identities of these mentioned individuals could be quickly surmised or
presumed. Keep in mind that your presence on and use of social media reflects on Walden and
the social work profession and your behavior will be held to the same professional standard and
student expectations.
Professional Use of Social Media versus Personal Use of Social Media:
As a social work professional, it is important to consider whether you are using social media
channels for professional activities such as advancing social justice issues, advocating for
vulnerable populations and promoting your professional identity versus using these sites to
maintain contact with friends and family. We must be cognizant that the legal, ethical, and
clinical responsibilities we have as professionals does not cease when we leave the agency nor is
it confined to the physical setting of an office. Our ethical obligations extend to the virtual world
of the Internet and include the use of social media communication tools whether we use them
professional or personally and to what sites or organizations we belong. It is therefore
paramount that our professional lives are mirrored in our personal ventures as well. It is your
responsibility to understand social media privacy settings and set them appropriately.
Facebook:
Managing friend requests and maintaining privacy settings is critical regardless of whether you
use social media for personal and/or professional reasons. Allowing clients, former clients, or
others, such as supervisors (and field instructors) in your professional circle to cross into your
personal life may complicate and blur your professional boundaries. This is particularly tricky
when managing Facebook accounts. As a professional, you must fully consider the extent of your
privacy settings, how you will manage friend requests, your level of self-disclosure, and how you
will monitor wall posts or other interactions on your site. Be aware that if you do not employ any
privacy settings on your social media site, your profile is public and anyone can see what is on
your page. Additionally, people can see when you are tagged in photos, view comments made
by others, note your status updates and see who you’ve friended. All professionals must evaluate
the scope of their social media connections. Since this is still an emerging professional topic,
some professionals may be cautious and guarded in their use of social media while others may be
more open and exposed. It is your responsibility as a professional social worker or student and
to abide by the Code of Ethics and your specific agency policy, including your virtual
communications and use social work values and principles to guide your interactions.
Text, email, and Twitter:
With the proliferation of hand held devices such as smart phones, accessing the Internet and
connecting with others is literally in the palm of our hands. Text, email, and Twitter are quick
and effective ways to communicate with others; however, many ethical, legal, and clinical issues
must be addressed when using these communication tools. For example, if you text a client, is
the text considered protected information under HIPAA? Are you ethically, legally, and/or
clinically bound to respond to a client who texts you after hours? How will you maintain the
privacy and confidentiality of these digital communications? Should texts be included in the
clinical record? If you maintain a public Twitter profile, anyone can read or reply to what you
post. Are you prepared to monitor and respond to questions and comments from clients who
follow your Tweets? These and many other issues are emerging as professionals learn to
navigate new and evolving technologies. As such, it is important to consider the security,
privacy, and confidentiality of all communication methods and when in doubt, seek consultation
and supervision before embarking into unfamiliar or uncertain areas.
Below are some general guidelines for the use of social media communication tools.
Maintain confidentiality and privacy:
There is a huge risk for unintentionally sharing protected information when using social media so
always use good ethical judgment. Be cautious when you post information about your agency
(field placement and classroom work, if you are a student) or agency staff. Never post
confidential or private information about clients or colleagues, even using pseudonyms. Be
aware of agency policies regarding the use of social media and scrupulously follow agency
policies. Do not discuss a client, patient, or situation on a social media site even if you are
disguising the information. In general, do not post anything about yourself that you would not
want on the front page of a newspaper. It is almost impossible to remove anything from the
Internet so once it is posted, tagged, tweeted, or followed, you had better feel good about it.
Respect time and property:
Before using social media communication tools on behalf of your agency, be sure to seek
approval of any messages or posts. Be careful not to endorse or promote a product, cause, or
position without prior approval. If you have personal sites, maintain them on your own time
using your own computer. (If you are a student, your time in field and the resources provided to
you in your field placement are to be used for field related matters.)
Be accurate and authentic:
Do not pretend to be someone else or hide your identity when using social media. Be clear if you
are sharing personal views and use good judgment regarding sensitive issues. Verify information
before you post it, correct mistakes in a timely manner, and be aware of legal liability issues such
as copyright infringement, defamation, and posting proprietary information.
Protect your identity:
Understand how privacy settings work and review them regularly. Refrain from providing too
much personal information such as your home address or full birth date. Don’t post in advance
when you plan to be on vacation or away from home for an extended period of time. In addition,
by no means post provocative images of yourself or family that may come back to haunt you at
some future point in time.
Think before you post:
There is no such thing as privacy on a social media site or the Internet. Comments can be
forwarded or copied, posts and pictures can be found on search engines years after the initial
publication, and archival systems save information even after you delete it. Consider the image
you are portraying by the photos and comments you post. Are you projecting the image you want
future employers (and faculty members), advisors and friends to know you by? What you write
or post is ultimately your responsibility so be thoughtful about your on-line communication. Be
certain that what you post today will not come back to haunt you a few years from now.
Do no harm:
Social media channels provide an excellent means to build our community; however, as you
navigate these channels, do no harm to yourself, your field site, your clients, Walden, or the
social work profession in the process.
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Ethics >
Code of Ethics
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Code of Ethics: English
Read the Code of Ethics
The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of standards that guide the professional conduct of social workers. The 2021 update includes language that addresses the importance of professional self-care. Moreover, revisions to Cultural Competence standard provide more explicit guidance to social workers. All social workers should review the new text and affirm their commitment to abide by the Code of Ethics. Also available in Spanish.
The first Section, “
Preamble
,” summarizes the social work profession’s mission and core values.
The second section,
Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics
, provides an overview of the Code’s main functions and a brief guide for dealing with ethical issues or dilemmas in social work practice.
The third section,
Ethical Principles
, presents broad ethical principles, based on social work’s core values, that inform social work practice.
The final section,
Ethical Standards
, includes specific ethical standards to guide social workers’ conduct and to provide a basis for adjudication.
Preamble
The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human
well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with
particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are
vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature
of social work is the profession’s dual focus on individual well-being in a
social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is
attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address
problems in living.
Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on
behalf of clients. “Clients” is used inclusively to refer to individuals,
families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are
sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination,
oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities
may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision,
consultation, administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy
development and implementation, education, and research and evaluation.
Social workers seek to enhance the capacity of people to address their own
needs. Social workers also seek to promote the responsiveness of
organizations, communities, and other social institutions to individuals’
needs and social problems.
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core
values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the
profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose
and perspective:
- service
- social justice
- dignity and worth of the person
- importance of human relationships
- integrity
- competence.
This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social
work profession. Core values, and the principles that flow from them, must
be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience.
Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics
Professional ethics are at the core of social work. The profession has an
obligation to articulate its basic values, ethical principles, and ethical
standards. The NASW Code of Ethics sets forth these values, principles, and
standards to guide social workers’ conduct. The Code is relevant to all
social workers and social work students, regardless of their professional
functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve.
The NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes:
- The Code identifies core values on which social work’s mission is
based. - The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the
profession’s core values and establishes a set of specific ethical
standards that should be used to guide social work practice. - The Code is designed to help social workers identify relevant
considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical
uncertainties arise. - The Code provides ethical standards to which the general public
can hold the social work profession accountable. - The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social work’s
mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards, and encourages
all social workers to engage in self-care, ongoing education, and other
activities to ensure their commitment to those same core features of
the profession. - The Code articulates standards that the social work profession itself
can use to assess whether social workers have engaged in unethical
conduct. NASW has formal procedures to adjudicate ethics
complaints filed against its members.* In subscribing to this Code,
social workers are required to cooperate in its implementation,
participate in NASW adjudication proceedings, and abide by any
NASW disciplinary rulings or sanctions based on it.
The Code offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide
decision making and conduct when ethical issues arise. It does not provide a
set of rules that prescribe how social workers should act in all situations.
Specific applications of the Code must take into account the context in
which it is being considered and the possibility of conflicts among the Code’s
values, principles, and standards. Ethical responsibilities flow from all human
relationships, from the personal and familial to the social and professional.
* For information on the NASW Professional Review Process, see NASW Procedures for
Professional Review.
Furthermore, the NASW Code of Ethics does not specify which values,
principles, and standards are most important and ought to outweigh others in
instances when they conflict. Reasonable differences of opinion can and do
exist among social workers with respect to the ways in which values, ethical
principles, and ethical standards should be rank ordered when they conflict.
Ethical decision making in a given situation must apply the informed
judgment of the individual social worker and should also consider how the
issues would be judged in a peer review process where the ethical standards
of the profession would be applied.
Ethical decision making is a process. In situations when conflicting
obligations arise, social workers may be faced with complex ethical dilemmas
that have no simple answers. Social workers should take into consideration all
the values, principles, and standards in this Code that are relevant to any
situation in which ethical judgment is warranted. Social workers’ decisions and
actions should be consistent with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code.
In addition to this Code, there are many other sources of information about
ethical thinking that may be useful. Social workers should consider ethical
theory and principles generally, social work theory and research, laws,
regulations, agency policies, and other relevant codes of ethics, recognizing
that among codes of ethics social workers should consider the NASW Code
of Ethics as their primary source. Social workers also should be aware of the
impact on ethical decision making of their clients’ and their own personal
values and cultural and religious beliefs and practices. They should be aware
of any conflicts between personal and professional values and deal with them
responsibly. For additional guidance social workers should consult the
relevant literature on professional ethics and ethical decision making and seek
appropriate consultation when faced with ethical dilemmas. This may involve
consultation with an agency-based or social work organization’s ethics
committee, a regulatory body, knowledgeable colleagues, supervisors, or
legal counsel.
Instances may arise when social workers’ ethical obligations conflict with
agency policies or relevant laws or regulations. When such conflicts occur,
social workers must make a responsible effort to resolve the conflict in a
manner that is consistent with the values, principles, and standards expressed
in this Code. If a reasonable resolution of the conflict does not appear possible,
social workers should seek proper consultation before making a decision.
The NASW Code of Ethics is to be used by NASW and by individuals,
agencies, organizations, and bodies (such as licensing and regulatory boards,
professional liability insurance providers, courts of law, agency boards of
directors, government agencies, and other professional groups) that choose
to adopt it or use it as a frame of reference. Violation of standards in this
Code does not automatically imply legal liability or violation of the law.
Such determination can only be made in the context of legal and judicial
proceedings. Alleged violations of the Code would be subject to a peer
review process. Such processes are generally separate from legal or
administrative procedures and insulated from legal review or proceedings to
allow the profession to counsel and discipline its own members.
A code of ethics cannot guarantee ethical behavior. Moreover, a code of
ethics cannot resolve all ethical issues or disputes or capture the richness
and complexity involved in striving to make responsible choices within a
moral community. Rather, a code of ethics sets forth values, ethical
principles, and ethical standards to which professionals aspire and by which
their actions can be judged. Social workers’ ethical behavior should result
from their personal commitment to engage in ethical practice. The NASW
Code of Ethics reflects the commitment of all social workers to uphold the
profession’s values and to act ethically. Principles and standards must be
applied by individuals of good character who discern moral questions and,
in good faith, seek to make reliable ethical judgments.
With growth in the use of communication technology in various aspects
of social work practice, social workers need to be aware of the unique
challenges that may arise in relation to the maintenance of confidentiality,
informed consent, professional boundaries, professional competence, record
keeping, and other ethical considerations. In general, all ethical standards in
this Code of Ethics are applicable to interactions, relationships, or
communications, whether they occur in person or with the use of technology.
For the purposes of this Code, “technology-assisted social work services”
include any social work services that involve the use of computers, mobile
or landline telephones, tablets, video technology, or other electronic or
digital technologies; this includes the use of various electronic or digital
platforms, such as the Internet, online social media, chat rooms, text
messaging, e-mail and emerging digital applications. Technology-assisted
social work services encompass all aspects of social work practice, including
psychotherapy; individual, family, or group counseling; community
organization; administration; advocacy; mediation; education; supervision;
research; evaluation; and other social work services. Social workers should
keep apprised of emerging technological developments that may be used in
social work practice and how various ethical standards apply to them.
Professional self-care is paramount for competent and ethical social
work practice. Professional demands, challenging workplace climates, and
exposure to trauma warrant that social workers maintain personal and
professional health, safety, and integrity. Social work organizations,
agencies, and educational institutions are encouraged to promote
organizational policies, practices, and materials to support social workers’
self-care.
Ethical Principles
The following broad ethical principles are based on social work’s core
values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person,
importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These
principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire.
Value: Service
Ethical Principle: Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need
and to address social problems
Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. Social workers
draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to
address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer some
portion of their professional skills with no expectation of significant
financial return (pro bono service).
Value: Social Justice
Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.
Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of
vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social
workers’ social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty,
unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These
activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression
and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access to
needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and
meaningful participation in decision making for all people.
Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person
Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth
of the person.
Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful
of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers
promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination. Social workers
seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and to address
their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to
clients and to the broader society. They seek to resolve conflicts between
clients’ interests and the broader society’s interests in a socially responsible
manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and ethical standards
of the profession.
Value: Importance of Human Relationships
Ethical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of
human relationships.
Social workers understand that relationships between and among people are
an important vehicle for change. Social workers engage people as partners
in the helping process. Social workers seek to strengthen relationships
among people in a purposeful effort to promote, restore, maintain, and
enhance the well-being of individuals, families, social groups,
organizations, and communities.
Value: Integrity
Ethical Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.
Social workers are continually aware of the profession’s mission, values,
ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent
with them. Social workers should take measures to care for themselves
professionally and personally. Social workers act honestly and responsibly
and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which
they are affiliated.
Value: Competence
Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence
and develop and enhance their professional expertise.
Social workers continually strive to increase their professional knowledge
and skills and to apply them in practice. Social workers should aspire to
contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.
Ethical Standards
The following ethical standards are relevant to the professional activities
of all social workers. These standards concern (1) social workers’
ethical responsibilities to clients, (2) social workers’ ethical responsibilities
to colleagues, (3) social workers’ ethical responsibilities in practice settings,
(4) social workers’ ethical responsibilities as professionals, (5) social
workers’ ethical responsibilities to the social work profession, and (6) social
workers’ ethical responsibilities to the broader society.
Some of the standards that follow are enforceable guidelines for
professional conduct, and some are aspirational. The extent to which each
standard is enforceable is a matter of professional judgment to be exercised
by those responsible for reviewing alleged violations of ethical standards.
1.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients >>
2.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues >>
3.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings >>
4.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals >>
5.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Social Work Profession >>
6.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society >>
Revised Code of Ethics
- Order a copy of the Code of Ethics
-
Order a copy of Código de Ética
(Spanish version)
About the Revisions
- 2021 Highlighted Revisions to the Code of Ethics
-
Frequently Asked Questions
National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street, NE Suite 800
Washington, DC 20002
About NASW
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership
organization of
professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional
growth and
development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards for
social workers,
and to advance sound social policies.
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
ET
Member Services:
800-742-4089
membership@socialworkers.org
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Ethics >
Code of Ethics
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Code of Ethics: English
Read the Code of Ethics
The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of standards that guide the professional conduct of social workers. The 2021 update includes language that addresses the importance of professional self-care. Moreover, revisions to Cultural Competence standard provide more explicit guidance to social workers. All social workers should review the new text and affirm their commitment to abide by the Code of Ethics. Also available in Spanish.
The first Section, “
Preamble
,” summarizes the social work profession’s mission and core values.
The second section,
Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics
, provides an overview of the Code’s main functions and a brief guide for dealing with ethical issues or dilemmas in social work practice.
The third section,
Ethical Principles
, presents broad ethical principles, based on social work’s core values, that inform social work practice.
The final section,
Ethical Standards
, includes specific ethical standards to guide social workers’ conduct and to provide a basis for adjudication.
Preamble
The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human
well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with
particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are
vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature
of social work is the profession’s dual focus on individual well-being in a
social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is
attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address
problems in living.
Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on
behalf of clients. “Clients” is used inclusively to refer to individuals,
families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are
sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination,
oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities
may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision,
consultation, administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy
development and implementation, education, and research and evaluation.
Social workers seek to enhance the capacity of people to address their own
needs. Social workers also seek to promote the responsiveness of
organizations, communities, and other social institutions to individuals’
needs and social problems.
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core
values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the
profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose
and perspective:
- service
- social justice
- dignity and worth of the person
- importance of human relationships
- integrity
- competence.
This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social
work profession. Core values, and the principles that flow from them, must
be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience.
Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics
Professional ethics are at the core of social work. The profession has an
obligation to articulate its basic values, ethical principles, and ethical
standards. The NASW Code of Ethics sets forth these values, principles, and
standards to guide social workers’ conduct. The Code is relevant to all
social workers and social work students, regardless of their professional
functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve.
The NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes:
- The Code identifies core values on which social work’s mission is
based. - The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the
profession’s core values and establishes a set of specific ethical
standards that should be used to guide social work practice. - The Code is designed to help social workers identify relevant
considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical
uncertainties arise. - The Code provides ethical standards to which the general public
can hold the social work profession accountable. - The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social work’s
mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards, and encourages
all social workers to engage in self-care, ongoing education, and other
activities to ensure their commitment to those same core features of
the profession. - The Code articulates standards that the social work profession itself
can use to assess whether social workers have engaged in unethical
conduct. NASW has formal procedures to adjudicate ethics
complaints filed against its members.* In subscribing to this Code,
social workers are required to cooperate in its implementation,
participate in NASW adjudication proceedings, and abide by any
NASW disciplinary rulings or sanctions based on it.
The Code offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide
decision making and conduct when ethical issues arise. It does not provide a
set of rules that prescribe how social workers should act in all situations.
Specific applications of the Code must take into account the context in
which it is being considered and the possibility of conflicts among the Code’s
values, principles, and standards. Ethical responsibilities flow from all human
relationships, from the personal and familial to the social and professional.
* For information on the NASW Professional Review Process, see NASW Procedures for
Professional Review.
Furthermore, the NASW Code of Ethics does not specify which values,
principles, and standards are most important and ought to outweigh others in
instances when they conflict. Reasonable differences of opinion can and do
exist among social workers with respect to the ways in which values, ethical
principles, and ethical standards should be rank ordered when they conflict.
Ethical decision making in a given situation must apply the informed
judgment of the individual social worker and should also consider how the
issues would be judged in a peer review process where the ethical standards
of the profession would be applied.
Ethical decision making is a process. In situations when conflicting
obligations arise, social workers may be faced with complex ethical dilemmas
that have no simple answers. Social workers should take into consideration all
the values, principles, and standards in this Code that are relevant to any
situation in which ethical judgment is warranted. Social workers’ decisions and
actions should be consistent with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code.
In addition to this Code, there are many other sources of information about
ethical thinking that may be useful. Social workers should consider ethical
theory and principles generally, social work theory and research, laws,
regulations, agency policies, and other relevant codes of ethics, recognizing
that among codes of ethics social workers should consider the NASW Code
of Ethics as their primary source. Social workers also should be aware of the
impact on ethical decision making of their clients’ and their own personal
values and cultural and religious beliefs and practices. They should be aware
of any conflicts between personal and professional values and deal with them
responsibly. For additional guidance social workers should consult the
relevant literature on professional ethics and ethical decision making and seek
appropriate consultation when faced with ethical dilemmas. This may involve
consultation with an agency-based or social work organization’s ethics
committee, a regulatory body, knowledgeable colleagues, supervisors, or
legal counsel.
Instances may arise when social workers’ ethical obligations conflict with
agency policies or relevant laws or regulations. When such conflicts occur,
social workers must make a responsible effort to resolve the conflict in a
manner that is consistent with the values, principles, and standards expressed
in this Code. If a reasonable resolution of the conflict does not appear possible,
social workers should seek proper consultation before making a decision.
The NASW Code of Ethics is to be used by NASW and by individuals,
agencies, organizations, and bodies (such as licensing and regulatory boards,
professional liability insurance providers, courts of law, agency boards of
directors, government agencies, and other professional groups) that choose
to adopt it or use it as a frame of reference. Violation of standards in this
Code does not automatically imply legal liability or violation of the law.
Such determination can only be made in the context of legal and judicial
proceedings. Alleged violations of the Code would be subject to a peer
review process. Such processes are generally separate from legal or
administrative procedures and insulated from legal review or proceedings to
allow the profession to counsel and discipline its own members.
A code of ethics cannot guarantee ethical behavior. Moreover, a code of
ethics cannot resolve all ethical issues or disputes or capture the richness
and complexity involved in striving to make responsible choices within a
moral community. Rather, a code of ethics sets forth values, ethical
principles, and ethical standards to which professionals aspire and by which
their actions can be judged. Social workers’ ethical behavior should result
from their personal commitment to engage in ethical practice. The NASW
Code of Ethics reflects the commitment of all social workers to uphold the
profession’s values and to act ethically. Principles and standards must be
applied by individuals of good character who discern moral questions and,
in good faith, seek to make reliable ethical judgments.
With growth in the use of communication technology in various aspects
of social work practice, social workers need to be aware of the unique
challenges that may arise in relation to the maintenance of confidentiality,
informed consent, professional boundaries, professional competence, record
keeping, and other ethical considerations. In general, all ethical standards in
this Code of Ethics are applicable to interactions, relationships, or
communications, whether they occur in person or with the use of technology.
For the purposes of this Code, “technology-assisted social work services”
include any social work services that involve the use of computers, mobile
or landline telephones, tablets, video technology, or other electronic or
digital technologies; this includes the use of various electronic or digital
platforms, such as the Internet, online social media, chat rooms, text
messaging, e-mail and emerging digital applications. Technology-assisted
social work services encompass all aspects of social work practice, including
psychotherapy; individual, family, or group counseling; community
organization; administration; advocacy; mediation; education; supervision;
research; evaluation; and other social work services. Social workers should
keep apprised of emerging technological developments that may be used in
social work practice and how various ethical standards apply to them.
Professional self-care is paramount for competent and ethical social
work practice. Professional demands, challenging workplace climates, and
exposure to trauma warrant that social workers maintain personal and
professional health, safety, and integrity. Social work organizations,
agencies, and educational institutions are encouraged to promote
organizational policies, practices, and materials to support social workers’
self-care.
Ethical Principles
The following broad ethical principles are based on social work’s core
values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person,
importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These
principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire.
Value: Service
Ethical Principle: Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need
and to address social problems
Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. Social workers
draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to
address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer some
portion of their professional skills with no expectation of significant
financial return (pro bono service).
Value: Social Justice
Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.
Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of
vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social
workers’ social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty,
unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These
activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression
and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access to
needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and
meaningful participation in decision making for all people.
Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person
Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth
of the person.
Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful
of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers
promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination. Social workers
seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and to address
their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to
clients and to the broader society. They seek to resolve conflicts between
clients’ interests and the broader society’s interests in a socially responsible
manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and ethical standards
of the profession.
Value: Importance of Human Relationships
Ethical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of
human relationships.
Social workers understand that relationships between and among people are
an important vehicle for change. Social workers engage people as partners
in the helping process. Social workers seek to strengthen relationships
among people in a purposeful effort to promote, restore, maintain, and
enhance the well-being of individuals, families, social groups,
organizations, and communities.
Value: Integrity
Ethical Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.
Social workers are continually aware of the profession’s mission, values,
ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent
with them. Social workers should take measures to care for themselves
professionally and personally. Social workers act honestly and responsibly
and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which
they are affiliated.
Value: Competence
Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence
and develop and enhance their professional expertise.
Social workers continually strive to increase their professional knowledge
and skills and to apply them in practice. Social workers should aspire to
contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.
Ethical Standards
The following ethical standards are relevant to the professional activities
of all social workers. These standards concern (1) social workers’
ethical responsibilities to clients, (2) social workers’ ethical responsibilities
to colleagues, (3) social workers’ ethical responsibilities in practice settings,
(4) social workers’ ethical responsibilities as professionals, (5) social
workers’ ethical responsibilities to the social work profession, and (6) social
workers’ ethical responsibilities to the broader society.
Some of the standards that follow are enforceable guidelines for
professional conduct, and some are aspirational. The extent to which each
standard is enforceable is a matter of professional judgment to be exercised
by those responsible for reviewing alleged violations of ethical standards.
1.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients >>
2.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues >>
3.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings >>
4.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals >>
5.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Social Work Profession >>
6.
Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society >>
Revised Code of Ethics
- Order a copy of the Code of Ethics
-
Order a copy of Código de Ética
(Spanish version)
About the Revisions
- 2021 Highlighted Revisions to the Code of Ethics
-
Frequently Asked Questions
National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street, NE Suite 800
Washington, DC 20002
About NASW
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership
organization of
professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional
growth and
development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards for
social workers,
and to advance sound social policies.
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
ET
Member Services:
800-742-4089
[email protected]
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RESPONSE 1
Denise Mae Freeman
YesterdayLocal: Jan 10 at 8:33pm
Course: Jan 10 at 9:33pm
Manage Discussion Entry
Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
Option 2
Option 2 addresses an ethical dilemma involving dual relationships in social work. The NASW Code of Ethics contains standards that regulate the conduct of social workers. For instance, social workers must avoid conflicts of interest with their clients. Such conflicts may interfere with a social worker’s professional conduct and judgment. Social workers are prohibited from having dual relationships with clients (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). Precisely, these individuals should avoid dual or multiple relationships that may cause harm or exploitation to a client. Social workers should protect clients in situations where such relationships are unavoidable. Such relationships are common in social work due to clients’ vulnerability and the nature of work.
Dual relationships represent any relationship a social worker may have with a client beyond professional boundaries. Engaging in such relationships is risky for social workers. Therefore, social workers should avoid crossing professional boundaries to avoid conflict of interest. Dual relationships may include nonsexual and legitimate engagements. Such interactions may be unplanned but have ethical ramifications for social workers. Besides, these relationships may harm the client or the social practice (Reamer, 2014). A sexual relationship with a client is an example of a harmful dual relationship. Social workers are prohibited from engaging in such relationships with clients, their clients’ family members, or partners.
Social workers can engage in interactions that benefit their practice and clients. For instance, a social worker can attend a client’s formal ceremony, such as a wedding or graduation. Such an individual must document the potential benefits and consequences of such an interaction before it occurs. Also, such an interaction should only be initiated if the client has given his consent (Reamer, 2014). A social worker can determine whether a dual relationship is likely to harm the client or practice. For instance, such an individual can conclude that a relationship will be harmful if it lacks objectivity. A social worker should also avoid an interaction if there is no clear boundary between roles. A relationship that does not provide guidelines on when therapy will end is likely to harm a client.
References
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018).
Empowerment series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Links to an external site.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics=English.aspxLinks to an external site.
Reamer, F. G. (2014). Eye on ethics: The evolution of social work ethics. Links to an external site.
Social Work Today. http://www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_061614.shtml
RESPONSE 2
Jaimee Villareal Borja
YesterdayLocal: Jan 10 at 11:13pm
Course: Jan 11 at 12:13am
Manage Discussion Entry
Describe a specific ethical dilemma based on one of the options above.
According to Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2018), an ethical dilemma in social work practice is a situation where conflicting ethical principles are involved. In other words, an ethical dilemma is a circumstance that goes against the ethics of social work and warrants careful consideration before acting. The specific ethical dilemma for Option 1 is when a social worker checks their client’s social media to look for their activities. In this situation, the social worker may feel that looking for their clients’ online activities is acceptable.
Describe the ethical issues in the option chosen. Identify specific values or ethical standards that apply.
Suppose social workers check their clients’ activities online without obtaining informed consent. In that case, they are violating the Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients 1. 03 (i) Informed Consent and 1.07 (q) Privacy and Confidentiality. The Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients 1.07 (q) Privacy and Confidentiality states that
“Social workers should avoid searching or gathering client information electronically unless there are compelling professional reasons, and when appropriate, with the client’s informed consent” (National Association of Social Workers, n.d.).
This ethical standard highlights social workers’ responsibility to respect their client’s privacy. If checking clients’ social media is beneficial for clients’ cases, the social workers should obtain informed consent as directed by the Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients.
Identify who is likely to be affected by the ethical dilemma.
Option 1’s ethical dilemma could affect the client and social worker. If the social checks their client’s activities online without informed consent, they will be violating their clients’ privacy which could cause further conflicts and may cause the client to lose trust and confidence.
Describe potential courses of action.
The potential courses of action when dealing with this specific situation are to determine whether a problem exists and consider the NASW Code of Ethics when making a decision. In addition, seeking advice or peer support when handling this type of situation could also be beneficial in developing an alternative intervention or client support.
Examine reasons in favor of or opposed to the course of action.
Determining the problem or situation and adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics help the social worker make informed decisions on handling specific situations or circumstances without violating the clients’ privacy. This will allow the social worker to decide whether or not they really need to check their clients’ activities online or if there are other alternative ways to deal with the situation while maintaining professionalism.
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Empowerment Series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021).
Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers
. Links to an external site.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English.aspx
