1.12 Derogatory LanguageSocial workers should not use derogatory language in their written or verbal communications to or about clients. As such, employers may not be aware of specific professional requirements impacting social work practice. Social workers should not engage in sexual activities or sexual contact with former clients because of the potential for harm to the client. 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. as a goal that social workers and organizations should STRIVE to uphold and achieve. This statement reinforces the importance of self-care in social work practice. Social workers should not take unfair advantage of any professional relationship or exploit others to further their personal, religious, political, or business interests. That simply isn't the most important thing to the vast majority of special populations that social workers help. Read more about the 2021 Revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics: 2021 Revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics: Self-Care and Cultural Competence by Andrea Murray, 2021 Revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics: FAQ. Standard 1.05(c) is a completely new subsection of 1.05. Social workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues in communications with clients or with other professionals. Social workers should be diligent stewards of the resources of their employing organizations, wisely conserving funds where appropriate and never misappropriating funds or using them for unintended purposes. Social workers should accept responsibility or employment only on the basis of existing competence or the intention to acquire the necessary competence. Ethical responsibilities flow from all human relationships, from the personal and familial to the social and professional. Copyright 2023 by NASW Oregon Chapter. The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. 3.08 Continuing Education and Staff Development. Social workers should honestly acknowledge the work of and the contributions made by others. Some of the standards that follow are enforceable guidelines for professional conduct, and some are aspirational. 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 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. All Rights Reserved. Providing clinical services to a former sexual partner has the potential to be harmful to the individual and is likely to make it difficult for the social worker and individual to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. When workers experienced personal problems, psychological distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or mental health issues that might interfere with their work, Standard 4.05 encourages them to immediately seek consultation and take appropriate remedial action by seeking professional help, making adjustments in workload, terminating practice, or taking any other steps necessary to protect clients or others. Although these strategies could be interpreted as self-care, they focus on dealing with personal problems after they arise rather than acting in a proactive or preventative manner. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader society. Social workers should carefully examine relevant issues and their possible impact on clients before deciding on a course of action. Based on the importance of environmental factors on . Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice. We should demonstrate them in practice. Social workers should always review pertinent state laws and regulations and check for recent changes. We can advocate for all of these things simultaneously. Social workers should contribute time and professional expertise to activities that promote respect for the value, integrity, and competence of the social work profession. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers should seek consultation only from colleagues who have demonstrated knowledge, expertise, and competence related to the subject of the consultation. How about human trafficking? It contains the six core values and explains how each professional should use the ethical principles within the social work. Professional demands, challenging workplace climates, and exposure to trauma warrant that social workers maintain personal and professional health, safety, and integrity. 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. Allan Barsky, PhD, JD, MSW, is Professor of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University and author of Social Work Values and Ethics (Oxford University Press). Social workers should assess cultural, environmental, economic, mental or physical ability, linguistic, and other issues that may affect the delivery or use of these services. Over time, the NASW Code of Ethics has been recognized as the most visible and influential code of ethics in the United States. National Association of Social Workers New Language on Self-Care and Cultural Competence/Cultural Humility Takes Effect June 1, 2021. Records should be maintained for the number of years required by state statutes or relevant contracts. If social workers engage in conduct contrary to this prohibition or claim that an exception to this prohibition is warranted because of extraordinary circumstances, it is social workersnot their clientswho assume the full burden of demonstrating that the former client has not been exploited, coerced, or manipulated, intentionally or unintentionally. Social workers should provide clients with reasonable access to records concerning the clients. Social workers should treat colleagues with respect and should represent accurately and fairly the qualifications, views, and obligations of colleagues. Social workers who function as educators, field instructors for students, or trainers should provide instruction only within their areas of knowledge and competence and should provide instruction based on the most current information and knowledge available in the profession. Social workers should facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions. Social workers should ensure that such colleagues understand social workers obligation to respect confidentiality and any exceptions related to it. (d) Social workers should obtain education about and demonstrate understanding of 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. Social workers should limit clients access to their records, or portions of their records, only in exceptional circumstances when there is compelling evidence that such access would cause serious harm to the client. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, sexual solicitation, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Ethics Alive: Special Report on the 2021 Revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics, where she talks about the importance of organizational accountability AND practitioner self-care. Social workers should promote conditions that encourage respect for cultural and social diversity within the United States and globally. Social workers should have a knowledge base of their clients cultures and be able to demonstrate competence in the provision of services that are sensitive to clients cultures and to differences among people and cultural groups. The 2021 NASW Code of Ethics went into effect on June 1, 2021. 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. The existing language suggests that social workers should be aware of and assess for cultural diversity factors that may affect a clients use of technology. Washington, DC 20002. Standard 2.08 states that when social workers become aware of colleagues with possible impairments, they should first speak with their colleagues about remedying the possible impairments. Code of Ethics. It doesn't have to be a facsimile of the PDF NASW sells, just a simple full text version. Ethical Principle:Social workers challenge social injustice. Social workers should report evaluation and research findings accurately. The NASW Code of Ethics is available for sale at https://naswpress.org/product/53535/code-of-ethics, What sections of the NASW Code of Ethics were. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership Further, 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. Instances may arise when social workers ethical obligations conflict with agency policies or relevant laws or regulations. If a reasonable resolution of the conflict does not appear possible, social workers should seek proper consultation before making a decision. Ethical Principle: Social workers' primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. As social work ethicist Dr. Frederic Reamer often explains, one of the primary roles of a code of ethics is to educate. Supervisors and peer consultants may assist with heightening critical reflection and awareness. Disclosure of identifying information should be avoided whenever possible. Social workers should provide clients with an opportunity to ask questions. 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. Cultural Competence, Awareness, Sensitivity, Humility, and Responsiveness: What's the Difference?). Dual or multiple relationships can occur simultaneously or consecutively.). Social workers who believe that a social work colleagues impairment interferes with practice effectiveness and that the colleague has not taken adequate steps to address the impairment should take action through appropriate channels established by employers, agencies, NASW, licensing and regulatory bodies, and other professional organizations. Social workers should not engage in physical contact with clients when there is a possibility of psychological harm to the client as a result of the contact (such as cradling or caressing clients). The NASW Code of Ethics strictly protects client confidentiality. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people. The web version is too hard to use. If you're looking for audio study material, then you've come to the right place! Social workers who are members of an interdisciplinary team should participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the wellbeing of clients by drawing on the perspectives, values, and experiences of the social work profession. Social workers should respect clients right to privacy. The NASW Code of Ethics offers a set of values, principles and standards to guide decision-making and everyday professional conduct of social workers. The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of standards that guide the professional conduct of social workers. Shakisha Jean When social workers provide counseling services to families, couples, or groups, social workers should seek agreement among the parties involved concerning each individuals right to confidentiality and obligation to preserve the confidentiality of information shared by others. Informed consent should include information about the nature, extent, and duration of the participation requested and disclosure of the risks and benefits of participation in the research. Please try again. As Dawn Hobdy noted, among the professional complaints received by the NASW National Ethics Committee, many of the ethical problems may be connected to personal issues in the social workers life (e.g., a social worker who is going through a challenging divorce, experiencing depression, or struggling with financial concerns). Social workers who provide supervision should evaluate supervisees performance in a manner that is fair and respectful. In addition to this Code, there are many other sources of information about ethical thinking that may be useful. Social workers should strive to become and remain proficient in professional practice and the performance of professional functions. Social workers should protect the confidentiality of clients written and electronic records and other sensitive information. All rights reserved. Social workers should understand culture and its function in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures. organization of Carrie Mounier Social workers should transfer or dispose of clients records in a manner that protects clients confidentiality and is consistent with state statutes governing records and social work licensure. Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should carefully consider possible consequences and should follow guidelines developed for the protection of evaluation and research participants. Social workers should take appropriate steps to ensure that participants in evaluation and research have access to appropriate supportive services. Social workers should inform participants of their right to withdraw from evaluation and research at any time without penalty. It not only says that social workers should demonstrate cultural awareness and humility; it provides examples of how to do so. Social workers who refer clients to other professionals should disclose, with clients consent, all pertinent information to the new service providers. Social workers elevate service to others above self- interest. This may include providing clients with a detailed verbal explanation or arranging for a qualified interpreter or translator whenever possible. Social workers should include sufficient and timely documentation in records to facilitate the delivery of services and to ensure continuity of services provided to clients in the future. 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, an NASW committee on inquiry, or other professional ethics committees). NASW should publish a full-text version of the Code of Ethics. The NASW Code of Ethics is a long document that provides guidelines for many complicated situations. To view the updated NASW Code of Ethics in English or Spanish, as well as pre-order a copy of the code, go to: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics. Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that their employing organizations practices are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics. How about for taking action against rapists who walk because the victim was blamed? Whoever made these revisions want all social workers to become "antiracist" political activists. Ethical Principle:Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. Standard 3.09 of the NASW Code of Ethics guides social workers to adhere to commitments made to employers and employing organizations; however, when an employers directives conflict with the NASW Code of Ethics, it is imperative that social workers educate their employer about ethical and other obligations specific to social workers and the implications for social work practice in the context of the organization. Although the Code does not define personal privilege, this term could include white privilege, male privilege, heterosexual privilege, cisgender privilege, and privileges associated with other social identity groups that have certain unearned advantages within particular societies, organizations, or groups. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 2022 National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter. In 1960, NASW adopted its first code of ethics, five years after the association was formed. Social justice isn't enough. development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards for Social workers who anticipate a conflict of interest among the individuals receiving services or who anticipate having to perform in potentially conflicting roles (for example, when a social worker is asked to testify in a child custody dispute or divorce proceedings involving clients) should clarify their role with the parties involved and take appropriate action to minimize any conflict of interest. Social workers should explore and may participate in bartering only in very limited circumstances when it can be demonstrated that such arrangements are an accepted practice among professionals in the local community, considered to be essential for the provision of services, negotiated without coercion, and entered into at the clients initiative and with the clients informed consent. However, social workers responsibility to the larger society or specific legal obligations may on limited occasions supersede the loyalty owed clients, and clients should be so advised. Register here. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the professions history, are the foundation of social works unique purpose and perspective: This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social work profession. NASW is not a licensing body and therefore has no jurisdiction over state licensing requirements. In such instances social workers should seek to ensure that the third party acts in a manner consistent with clients wishes and interests. Social workers should avoid accepting goods or services from clients as payment for professional services. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living. Revisions to Cultural Competence standard provide more explicit guidance to social workers. Social work organizations, agencies, and educational institutions are encouraged to promote organizational policies, practices, and materials to support social workers self-care. Social workers should discuss with clients and other interested parties the nature of confidentiality and limitations of clients right to confidentiality. Social workers seek to enhance clients capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs. Michael A. Dover There are many instances in social work where simple answers are not available to resolve complex ethical issues. Social workers who believe that a colleague has acted unethically should seek resolution by discussing their concerns with the colleague when feasible and when such discussion is likely to be productive. Contact Linda Grobman about advertising and marketing opportunities. The NASW Code of Ethics sets forth these values, principles, and standards to guide social workers conduct. Ethical Principle:Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships. Social workers should accept employment or arrange student field placements only in organizations that exercise fair personnel practices. A code of ethics cannot guarantee ethical behavior. 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 should promote the general welfare of society, from local to global levels, and the development of people, their communities, and their environments. The general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or other identifiable person. Social workers should provide services in substantive areas or use intervention techniques or approaches that are new to them only after engaging in appropriate study, training, consultation, and supervision from people who are competent in those interventions or techniques. Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Social workers who become involved in, or anticipate becoming involved in, a sexual relationship with a colleague have a duty to transfer professional responsibilities, when necessary, to avoid a conflict of interest. The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of standards that guide the professional conduct of social workers. (e) Social workers who provide electronic social work services should be aware of cultural and socioeconomic differences among clients use of and access to electronic technology and seek to prevent such potential barriers. EP9: Social Workers and Advocacy. Social workers should inform participants in family, couples, or group counseling that social workers cannot guarantee that all participants will honor such agreements. * 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. Shortly after the publishing of the 1960 Code of Ethics, social workers became concerned with the Code's suggestions for handling ethical dilemmas. 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