NASW Code of Ethics Lecture

Introduction

• Purpose: Understanding the NASW Code of Ethics is crucial for navigating challenging situations in social work.
• Importance: Serves as a guide for professional conduct and decision-making, especially during exams and real-life practice.

NASW Code of Ethics Overview

• Blueprint for Conduct: Outlines standards for professional behavior.
• 2021 Update:
  • Emphasizes professional self-care.
  • Provides explicit guidance on cultural competence.

Key Sections of the Code

1. Preamble:

   • Summarizes the mission and core values of the social work profession.

2. Purpose:

   • Offers an overview of the main functions of the code.
   • Guides dealing with ethical issues or dilemmas.

3. Ethical Principles:

   • Based on social work's core values to inform practice.

4. Ethical Standards:

   • Specific standards to guide conduct and adjudication.

Ethical Responsibilities

1. To Clients:

   • Commitment (1.01): Prioritizing client well-being, except in cases of legal obligations or safety concerns.
   • Self-Determination (1.02): Respecting clients' rights to make their own decisions, unless actions pose a serious risk.

2. To Colleagues

3. In Practice Settings

4. As Professionals

5. To the Social Work Profession

6. To the Broader Society

Application

• Study & Preparation:
  • Familiarize with the NASW Code of Ethics to prepare for licensure exams and practice.
  • Understand the ethical standards' enforceability and aspirational aspects.

Self-Determination

• Allow clients to make informed decisions.
• Social workers should provide all necessary information to enable clients to decide independently.

Conclusion

• Practice Questions: Utilize practice questions to reinforce understanding of self-determination and ethical guidelines.
• Part of a Series: This is the first part of a series exploring the NASW Code of Ethics.

Additional Tips

• Share knowledge with peers to enhance collective understanding and support.
• Stay updated with any changes or updates to the Code of Ethics.
• Regular review and discussion can solidify knowledge and application in practice.