The Code provides ethical standards to which the general public can hold the social work profession accountable. (c) Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical ability. (b) The actions of social workers who are involved in labor-management disputes, job actions, or labor strikes should be guided by the profession's values, ethical principles, and ethical standards. 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. 2021 Revised NASW Code of Ethics is now in effect (e) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should obtain voluntary and written informed consent from participants, when appropriate, without any implied or actual deprivation or penalty for refusal to participate; without undue inducement to participate; and with due regard for participants' well-being, privacy, and dignity. The Code of Ethics Social workers should promote the general welfare of society, from local to global levels, and the development of people, their communities, and their environments. Interpretations of the Realtor Code of Ethics may differ from state to state, so you should seek (v) Social workers should not disclose identifying information when discussing clients with consultants unless the client has consented to disclosure of confidential information or there is a compelling need for such disclosure. 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. Code of Ethics 1914 pdf 2.26 mb. Social workers should not sexually harass supervisees, students, trainees, or colleagues. Code of Ethics 1950 pdf 1.1 mb. Instances may arise when social workers ethical obligations conflict with agency policies or relevant laws or regulations. (o) Social workers should report evaluation and research findings accurately. The revised Code of Ethics (Volume-I, II and III) will be applicable from 1st July, 2020 as decided by the Council at its 388 th Meeting held on 6 and 7th . 800-742-4089, Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE), Highlighted Revisions to the Code of Ethics. (d) When necessary, social workers who believe that a colleague has acted unethically should take action through appropriate formal channels (such as contacting a state licensing board or regulatory body, the NASW National Ethics Committee, or other professional ethics committees). The NASW Code of Ethics reflects the commitment of all social workers to uphold the professions values and to act ethically. 2021 Highlights Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics Professional ethics are at the core of social work. (p) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should be alert to and avoid conflicts of interest and dual relationships with participants, should inform participants when a real or potential conflict of interest arises, and should take steps to resolve the issue in a manner that makes participants' interests primary. 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. National Association of Social Workers Social workers should establish and maintain billing practices that accurately reflect the nature and extent of services provided and that identify who provided the service in the practice setting. An interim revision will be undertaken if the Ethics Committee, Board of Directors, or Council of Representatives determines 1) that there is an urgent concern about the Ethics Code that should not be delayed until the major revision and 2) that there should be an interim revision. (d) When social workers provide services to two or more people who have a relationship with each other (for example, couples, family members), social workers should clarify with all parties which individuals will be considered clients and the nature of social workers' professional obligations to the various individuals who are receiving services. How to avoid spaghetti code in C# | InfoWorld 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. The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the professions core values and establishes a set of specific ethical standards that should be used to guide social work practice. Social workers should consider the clients intellectual, emotional, and physical ability to use technology to receive services and the clients ability to understand the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of such services. Specific applications of the Code must take into account the context in which it is being considered and the possibility of conflicts among the Codes values, principles, and standards. Social workers should carefully examine relevant issues and their possible impact on clients before deciding on a course of action. Often, other resources are needed when making major ethical decisions. The Code offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide decision making and conduct when ethical issues arise. These activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity. 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. Unwarranted negative criticism may include demeaning comments that refer to colleagues' level of competence or to individuals' attributes such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical ability. PDF Code of Ethical Conduct Code of Ethics 1924 pdf 1.32 mb. 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. Price from: $57.95. (Examples include when a social worker is required by law to report that a client has abused a child or has threatened to harm self or others.). (b) Social workers should work to improve employing agencies' policies and procedures and the efficiency and effectiveness of their services. They should be aware of any conflicts between personal and professional values and deal with them responsibly. (b) Social workers who refer clients to other professionals should take appropriate steps to facilitate an orderly transfer of responsibility. (b) Social workers for whom a team decision raises ethical concerns should attempt to resolve the disagreement through appropriate channels. (b) Social workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups. Appropriate institutional review boards should be consulted. Social workers are continually aware of the professions mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them. 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. Delegation and Supervision 5. Professional and Scientific Standards 2. RTD board approves new passenger rules, gives police more power to The revised edition contains ethical guidance improved for relevance, clarity and consistency to help physicians keep pace with emerging demands they face with new technologies, changing . Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated. (b) Social workers should be knowledgeable about established policies and procedures for handling concerns about colleagues' unethical behavior. The code of ethics aims to make sure that all realtors treat everyone ethnically and fairly and it exists to keep realtors accountable to their clients and to foster a more professional environment. Social workers who have responsibility for evaluating the performance of others should fulfill such responsibility in a fair and considerate manner and on the basis of clearly stated criteria. (g) Social workers who use technology to provide social work services should assess the clients suitability and capacity for electronic and remote services. Social workers should make reasonable efforts to ensure continuity of services in the event that services are interrupted by factors such as unavailability, disruptions in electronic communication, relocation, illness, mental or physical ability, or death. (b) Social workers should not engage in sexual activities or sexual contact with clients' relatives or other individuals with whom clients maintain a close personal relationship when there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client. placed in its Code of Ethics, which is regularly updated. 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. (e) Social workers should act to prevent the unauthorized and unqualified practice of social work. ET, Member Services: (r) Social workers should avoid posting any identifying or confidential information about clients on professional websites or other forms of social media. (t) Social workers should take reasonable precautions to protect client confidentiality in the event of the social worker's termination of practice, incapacitation, or death. Conflicts of Interest Social workers should routinely review the professional literature and participate in continuing education relevant to social work practice and social work ethics. growth and Ethical Principle: Social workers primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers who engage in appropriate physical contact with clients are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern such physical contact. (e) Social workers should defend and assist colleagues who are unjustly charged with unethical conduct. (b) In instances when clients are not literate or have difficulty understanding the primary language used in the practice setting, social workers should take steps to ensure clients' comprehension. social workers, (d) Social workers should not provide clinical services to individuals with whom they have had a prior sexual relationship. (m) Social workers should take reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality of electronic communications, including information provided to clients or third parties. Social workers should review with clients circumstances where confidential information may be requested and where disclosure of confidential information may be legally required. 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. Marsha Fowler Paperback Also available in e-book. After careful and charged deliberation, the Delegate Assembly voted to accept proposed revisions to the Code that focused largely on the use of technology and the implications for ethical practice. 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. The Code articulates standards that the social work profession itself can use to assess whether social workers have engaged in unethical conduct. Professional ethics are at the core of social work. (a) Social workers should work toward the maintenance and promotion of high standards of practice. 2023 National Association of Social Workers. 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. Professional Government Codes are often collections of laws, even though they may look like corporate Codes. The following ethical standards are relevant to the professional activities of all social workers. (a) Social workers may engage in organized action, including the formation of and participation in labor unions, to improve services to clients and working conditions. Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. Social workers should promote policies and practices that demonstrate respect for difference, support the expansion of cultural knowledge and resources, advocate for programs and institutions that demonstrate cultural competence, and promote policies that safeguard the rights of and confirm equity and social justice for all people. Social workers should not solicit private information from or about clients except for compelling professional reasons. For more information, see NAR's resources. (c) When consulting with colleagues about clients, social workers should disclose the least amount of information necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation. . In June 2005, the IESBA (formerly the Ethics Committee) issued a revised Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. Learn More January 1, 2023 For Associations: 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. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people. Nursing Code of Ethics Interpretive Statements. professional social workers in the world. 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. (a) Social workers should demonstrate understanding of culture and its function in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures. Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements: Development, Interpretation, and Application, 2nd Edition. Alleged violations of the Code would be subject to a peer review process. How often and why should the code of ethics be revised? State Social workers' decisions and actions should be consistent with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code. Member Price: $46.35. Become a member . The purpose of the code is to provide members and other interested persons with guidelines for making ethical choices in the conduct of their work. Competence 3. The following broad ethical principles are based on social works core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. (b) Social workers should uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge, and mission of the profession. Social workers decisions and actions should be consistent with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code. A professional accountant should be straightforward and honest . Sexual activity or sexual contact with clients' relatives or other individuals with whom clients maintain a personal relationship has the potential to be harmful to the client and may make it difficult for the social worker and client to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Read about the importance of this code of ethics and see examples of how to cite it Updated: 12/13/2021 These principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire. organization of When not all clients' needs can be met, an allocation procedure should be developed that is nondiscriminatory and based on appropriate and consistently applied principles. (b) Social workers should demonstrate knowledge that guides practice with clients of various cultures and be able to demonstrate skills in the provision of culturally informed services that empower marginalized individuals and groups. (m) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should ensure the anonymity or confidentiality of participants and of the data obtained from them. (c) Social workers should not engage in any dual or multiple relationships with supervisees in which there is a risk of exploitation of or potential harm to the supervisee, including dual relationships that may arise while using social networking sites or other electronic media. Harassment 8. 5. Social work administrators and supervisors should take reasonable steps to provide or arrange for continuing education and staff development for all staff for whom they are responsible. Social workers should protect, enhance, and improve the integrity of the profession through appropriate study and research, active discussion, and responsible criticism of the profession. Social workers social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. The profession has an obligation to articulate its basic values, ethical principles, and ethical standards. In general, clients' interests are primary. The REALTOR Code of Ethics Last Revised: June 1 . Social workers who accept goods or services from clients as payment for professional services assume the full burden of demonstrating that this arrangement will not be detrimental to the client or the professional relationship. In instances when dual or multiple relationships are unavoidable, social workers should take steps to protect clients and are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries. Social workers should assess clients capacity to provide informed consent and, when using technology to communicate, verify the identity and location of clients. *For information on NASW adjudication procedures, see NASW Procedures for the Adjudication of Grievances . Social workers should seek to contribute to the profession's literature and to share their knowledge at professional meetings and conferences. (k) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should protect participants from unwarranted physical or mental distress, harm, danger, or deprivation. 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. Download previous years' editions of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as PDF files: Code of Ethics 1913 pdf 1.66 mb. Representation and Misuse of Expertise 4. Code of Ethics (f) Social workers who are leaving an employment setting should inform clients of appropriate options for the continuation of services and of the benefits and risks of the options. Codes of ethics are important documents. It has been updated to include references to the Assistants Code of Conduct (2020). (d) Social workers should contribute to the knowledge base of social work and share with colleagues their knowledge related to practice, research, and ethics. Social workers should facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions. 3. to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to disclose them to affected parties when they do exist; 4. to avoid unlawful conduct in professional activities, and to reject bribery in all its forms; 5. to seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors, to be honest and . 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. (f) When social workers provide counseling services to families, couples, or groups, social workers should seek agreement among the parties involved concerning each individual's right to confidentiality and obligation to preserve the confidentiality of information shared by others. ETHICS MATTER! The ICMA Code of Ethics: Your Guidepost to Your 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. Once private information is shared, standards of confidentiality apply. It does not provide a set of rules that prescribe how social workers should act in all situations. (d) In instances when clients are receiving services involuntarily, social workers should provide information about the nature and extent of services and about the extent of clients' right to refuse service. Washington, DC 20002. (d) Social workers should store records following the termination of services to ensure reasonable future access. Social workers should advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of social justice. Changes to the NAR Code of Ethics (d) Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for students should not engage in any dual or multiple relationships with students in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the student, including dual relationships that may arise while using social networking sites or other electronic media. Reasonable differences of opinion exist among social workers concerning their primary obligation as professionals during an actual or threatened labor strike or job action. Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that clients' records are stored in a secure location and that clients' records are not available to others who are not authorized to have access.