NASW Code of Ethics Breakdown - Section 5

5.01 - Integrity of the Profession

• High Standards: Social workers must work towards maintaining and promoting high standards of practice.
• Uphold Values: Must uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge, and mission of the profession.
  • Protect and enhance the profession through study, research, and responsible criticism.
• Contribute: Social workers should contribute time and professional expertise to:
  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Consultation
  • Legislative testimony
  • Presentations
  • Participation in professional organizations
• Knowledge Sharing: Importance of contributing to the knowledge base and sharing with colleagues.
  • Literature contribution
  • Professional meetings and conferences
• Prevent Unauthorized Practice: Act against unauthorized or unqualified practice of social work.

5.02 - Evaluation and Research

• Monitor Policies: Social workers should monitor and evaluate policies, program implementations, and practice interventions.
• Promote Research: Encourage evaluation and research to develop knowledge.
• Stay Current: Critically examine and stay updated with emerging knowledge and research evidence.
• Ethical Considerations: Careful consideration of the consequences of research and adherence to guidelines.
  • Institutional review boards should be consulted.
• Informed Consent: Obtain voluntary and informed consent from participants.
  • Explain risks and benefits clearly.
  • Offer alternatives if tech-based methods are used.
  • Use proxies if participants aren’t capable of giving consent.
• Protect Participants: Ensure participants are not harmed, stressed, or deprived.
  • Access to supportive services should be provided.
• Confidentiality: Protect anonymity and confidentiality of participants and data.
  • Discuss information only for professional purposes.
  • Inform about limits to confidentiality.
• Accuracy in Reporting: Report findings accurately without fabrication.
  • Correct errors in published data promptly.
• Avoid Conflicts: Be aware of and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Education: Educate oneself and others about responsible research practices.

Conclusion

• Engagement: Social workers should engage actively in discussions, research, and the continuous improvement of the profession.
• Ethical Standards: Maintaining ethical standards is crucial for the integrity and advancement of social work.

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