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Ethical Responsibilities of Social Workers

Apr 22, 2025

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  • Client Interests: Usually primary, but may be superseded by societal obligations (e.g. mandatory reporting).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.