Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients

NASW Code of Ethics: Ethical Standards

1.01 Commitment to Clients

• Primary Responsibility: Promote well-being of clients.
• Client Interests: Usually primary, but may be superseded by societal obligations (e.g. mandatory reporting).

1.02 Self-Determination

• Respect and Promote: Clients' right to self-determination.
• Limitations: Applicable when clients' actions pose significant risks.

1.03 Informed Consent

• Professional Context: Services based on informed consent.
• Communication: Use clear language about services' purpose, risks, alternatives, and clients' rights.
• Clients with Limitations: Extra steps for comprehension and capacity.
• Involuntary Services: Inform clients about nature and extent.
• Technology Use: Discuss policies and obtain consent for tech-based services.
• Recording and Searches: Require client consent.

1.04 Competence

• Service Boundaries: Within education, training, and experience.
• New Techniques: Require study and supervision.
• Emerging Practices: Exercise judgment and responsibility.
• Technology Use: Requires specific knowledge and compliance with laws.

1.05 Cultural Competence

• Cultural Understanding: Recognize strengths in all cultures.
• Empower Marginalized Groups: Demonstrate knowledge and action against social injustices.
• Cultural Humility: Engage in self-reflection and learning.

1.06 Conflicts of Interest

• Avoidance: Detect and avoid conflicts.
• Relationships: Avoid dual/multiple relationships that risk exploitation.
• Communication and Technology: Avoid personal communication with clients.

1.07 Privacy and Confidentiality

• Respect: Clients' right to privacy.
• Disclosure: Only when necessary and with consent.
• Legal Proceedings: Protect client confidentiality.

1.08 Access to Records

• Client Access: Provide reasonable access unless harmful.
• Technology: Inform clients of policies regarding record access.

1.09 Sexual Relationships

• Prohibited: With current and former clients or close relations.

1.10 Physical Contact

• Boundaries: Avoid harmful physical contact and set clear boundaries.

1.11 Sexual Harassment

• Prohibited Actions: No sexual harassment in any form.

1.12 Derogatory Language

• Communication: Use respectful and accurate language.

1.13 Payment for Services

• Fair Fees: Consider clients' ability to pay.
• Bartering: Avoid unless it's a community norm and not harmful.

1.14 Clients Who Lack Decision-Making Capacity

• Safeguarding: Protect interests of clients lacking capacity.

1.15 Interruption of Services

• Continuity: Ensure continuity despite disruptions.

1.16 Referral for Services

• Appropriate Referrals: When specialized knowledge is necessary.
• Orderly Transfer: Facilitate with consent and information.

1.17 Termination of Services

• When to Terminate: When services are no longer needed.
• Avoid Abandonment: Ensure necessary continuation of services.