The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the professions core values and establishes a set of specific ethical standards that should be used to guide social work practice. Social workers should make reasonable efforts to ensure continuity of services in the event that services are interrupted by factors such as unavailability, relocation, illness, disability, or death. Racial oppression is at the center, but gender, capitalism, further inform structural vulnerability. 5.1K views 2 years ago The NASW Code of Ethics read aloud by Henry. Social workers should treat colleagues with respect and should represent accurately and fairly the qualifications, views, and obligations of colleagues. Portland, OR 97219-2457, Membership Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Social workers should strive to become and remain proficient in professional practice and the performance of professional functions. And third, social workers should take care to address issues of racism and other forms of discrimination and injustice. Social workers should not disclose identifying information when discussing clients with consultants unless the client has consented to disclosure of confidential information or there is a compelling need for such disclosure. Social workers understand that relationships between and among people are an important vehicle for change. Supervisors and peer consultants may assist with heightening critical reflection and awareness. Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should obtain voluntary and written informed consent from participants, when appropriate, without any implied or actual deprivation or penalty for refusal to participate; without undue inducement to participate; and with due regard for participants wellbeing, privacy, and dignity. Many social workers are employed in settings that are not primarily social work organizations. How about for taking action against rapists who walk because the victim was blamed? Social workers should routinely review the professional literature and participate in continuing education relevant to social work practice and social work ethics. CRAAP Test Evaluating Sources Children & Families When social workers act on behalf of clients who lack the capacity to make informed decisions, social workers should take reasonable steps to safeguard the interests and rights of those clients. When an individual who is receiving services from another agency or colleague contacts a social worker for services, the social worker should carefully consider the clients needs before agreeing to provide services. Value: Service. Social workers should provide appropriate professional services in public emergencies to the greatest extent possible. As of 4/30/20, Medicare will now accept audio-only sessions for behavioral health services . No new standards were added, and no new revisions were made to existing standards. Individual social, workers and organizations can advance accountability through formal and informal systems that continually review the demonstration of cultural competence or lack thereof. Social workers should not solicit private information from clients unless it is essential to providing services or conducting social work evaluation or research. In some of the strongest language in the Code of Ethics, Standard 1.05(b) says, Social workers must take action against oppression, racism, discrimination, and inequities, and acknowledge personal privilege. I have bolded the word must, because no other standard in the Code uses this mandatory term. Social workers should review with clients circumstances where confidential information may be requested and where disclosure of confidential information may be legally required. Social workers documentation should protect clients privacy to the extent that is possible and appropriate and should include only information that is directly relevant to the delivery of services. The 2021 amendments are limited to the following sections of the Code: Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics, Ethical Principles (namely, the Value of Integrity), and standard 1.05, Cultural Competence. All sets are available in CD and digital format. Social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical disability. The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social works mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards. EP9: Social Workers and Advocacy. 750 First Street, NE Suite 800 When providing clients with access to their records, social workers should take steps to protect the confidentiality of other individuals identified or discussed in such records. Educating employers about social workers ethical obligations is a winwin situation for both social workers and employers. Social workers should be knowledgeable about established policies and procedures for handling concerns about colleagues unethical behavior. 1.01 Commitment to ClientsSocial workers primary responsibility is to promote the wellbeing of clients. organization of social workers of that era, adopt a formal code (A. Johnson, 1955). 3.08 Continuing Education and Staff Development. In 1960, NASW adopted its first code of ethics, five years after the association was formed. Simultaneously, we also need to start with ourselves, using self-care and critical self-reflection to ensure that we are ready and able to start with our clients. 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 inform participants of any limits of confidentiality, the measures that will be taken to ensure confidentiality, and when any records containing research data will be destroyed. Social workers may engage in organized action, including the formation of and participation in labor unions, to improve services to clients and working conditions. The Code identifies core values on which social works mission is based. (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. Terrika Hardy explained that cultural competence was used in the title of this standard because, as a profession, social work requires its members to be competent and to practice with competence. Will licensing boards now approve self-care content for continuing education credit? These include policies and procedures created by NASW, licensing and regulatory bodies, employers, agencies, and other professional organizations. When consulting with colleagues about clients, social workers should disclose the least amount of information necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation. Social workers who are concerned that clients access to their records could cause serious misunderstanding or harm to the client should provide assistance in interpreting the records and consultation with the client regarding the records. A code of ethics cannot guarantee ethical behavior. The issues of social justice, oppression, and discrimination are addressed in the Code's Preamble, Ethical Values, and Principles and in Standards 1.05 Cultural Awareness and Social Diversity; 2.01 Respect; 3.07 Administration; 4.02 Non Discrimination; 6.01, 6.04 Social Welfare, and Social/Political Action. Social workers should advocate for resource allocation procedures that are open and fair. Social workers should inform participants of their right to withdraw from evaluation and research at any time without penalty. Such processes are generally separate from legal or administrative procedures and insulated from legal review or proceedings to allow the profession to counsel and discipline its own members. ), 1.02 SelfDeterminationSocial workers respect and promote the right of clients to selfdetermination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals. Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that employers are aware of social workers ethical obligations as set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics and of the implications of those obligations for social work practice. When a court of law or other legally authorized body orders social workers to disclose confidential or privileged information without a clients consent and such disclosure could cause harm to the client, social workers should request that the court withdraw the order or limit the order as narrowly as possible or maintain the records under seal, unavailable for public inspection. Treating clients and community members as experts in their own cultures builds on the principle of respect for the dignity and worth of all people. Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand 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 disability. Social workers should not sexually harass supervisees, students, trainees, or colleagues. The NASW Code of Ethics reflects the commitment of all social workers to uphold the professions values and to act ethically. Nono, racial humility is clearly what matters the most here, none of that. 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. Social workers should not take advantage of a dispute between a colleague and an employer to obtain a position or otherwise advance the social workers own interests. Social workers who refer clients to other professionals should disclose, with clients consent, all pertinent information to the new service providers. Social work educators and field instructors are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries. Social workers are prohibited from giving or receiving payment for a referral when no professional service is provided by the referring social worker. Social workers who function as supervisors or educators should not engage in sexual activities or contact with supervisees, students, trainees, or other colleagues over whom they exercise professional authority. Social workers in feeforservice settings may terminate services to clients who are not paying an overdue balance if the financial contractual arrangements have been made clear to the client, if the client does not pose an imminent danger to self or others, and if the clinical and other consequences of the current nonpayment have been addressed and discussed with the client. For additional insight and analysis of the 2021 revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics, listen to an interview with Dr. Allan Barsky by Dr. Jonathan Singer of the Social Work Podcast: Self-Care and Cultural Humility in the 2021 NASW Code of Ethics: Interview With Allan Barsky. Click the card to flip . For the first time in the history of the National Association of Social Workers, the Code of Ethics will include specific provisions on self-care and cultural humility. Social workers should work toward the maintenance and promotion of high standards of practice. We all are on the same side. 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. Social work administrators should take reasonable steps to eliminate any conditions in their organizations that violate, interfere with, or discourage compliance with the Code. Social workers decisions and actions should be consistent with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code. more than 1 year ago. Social workers should not provide clinical services to individuals with whom they have had a prior sexual relationship. The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human wellbeing and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of standards that guide the professional conduct of social workers. Contact Linda Grobman about advertising and marketing opportunities. Core values, and the principles that flow from them, must be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience. This statement reinforces the importance of self-care in social work practice. I have written NASW about this. New Language on Self-Care and Cultural Competence/Cultural Humility Takes Effect June 1, 2021. A historic and defining feature of social work is the professions focus on individual wellbeing in a social context and the wellbeing of society. Social workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues in communications with clients or with other professionals. This may include providing clients with a detailed verbal explanation or arranging for a qualified interpreter or translator whenever possible. more What's Happening 4/4/2023 MassHealth Redetermination Phase 2 Toolkit. 800-742-4089, Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE). Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated. We are in the mission of self-care together. The NASW Code of Ethics continues to be updated. National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. We need a freely available version that can be searched and used to enable members to do ethics reviews of our practice, teaching and volunteer work, with the Code open in one window and our comments/analysis in another. The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. As a way of bringing all social workers up to speed on these changes, the national NASW has provided further materials detailing the changes (see links below). 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. EP78: Co-dependency and Love Addiction. The Code, unlike CSWE's EPAS draft for 2022, is deficient in this recognition. Social workers should protect, enhance, and improve the integrity of the profession through appropriate study and research, active discussion, and responsible criticism of the profession. If it's there I could have missed it. These activities may include teaching, research, consultation, service, legislative testimony, presentations in the community, and participation in their professional organizations. Social workers should not engage in any dual or multiple relationships with supervisees in which there is a risk of exploitation of or potential harm to the supervisee. Over time, the NASW Code of Ethics has come to be recognized in the United States as the most visible and influential code of ethics in social work. 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. The provision that requires social workers to hold institutions accountable for advancing cultural humility reinforces that social workers need to engage with others, including administrators and colleagues, to engage in practice from the perspectives of cultural humility. For additional insight and analysis of the 2021 revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics, listen to an interview with Dr. Allan Barsky by Dr. Jonathan Singer of the Social Work Podcast: Self-Care and Cultural Humility in the 2021 NASW Code of Ethics: Interview With Allan Barsky. In the past, social workers have often talked about the importance of self-awareness and not imposing values on clients from different cultural backgrounds. On May 18, 2021, NASW introduced these new provisions in an informative and inspirational webinar led by Dawn Hobdy (NASWs Vice President of Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion), Terrika Hardy (focusing on self-care), and Stephanie Azare Nti (focusing on cultural competence and humility). 1.03 Informed Consent, 1.05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity. Where can I purchase a copy of the 2021 revised NASW Code of Ethics? Social workers who speak on behalf of professional social work organizations should accurately represent the official and authorized positions of the organizations. Social workers who provide services via electronic media (such as computer, telephone, radio, and television) should inform recipients of the limitations and risks associated with such services. ET, Member Services: Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice. ), which subsequently took effect on January 1, 2018. The web version is too hard to use. Social workers should assist in making appropriate arrangements for continuation of services when necessary. When such conflicts occur, social workers must make a responsible effort to resolve the conflict in a manner that is consistent with the values, principles, and standards expressed in this Code. The 2021 update includes language that addresses the importance of professional self-care. Social workers engage people as partners in the helping process. 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. (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. Social workers seek to enhance clients capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the revisions to the Code and their implications for practice. Ethical decision making is a process. Ethical Principle: Social workers' primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. 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. Social workers should advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of social justice. 31 Comments Please sign inor registerto post comments. Social workers ethical behavior should result from their personal commitment to engage in ethical practice. Social workers who provide supervision should evaluate supervisees performance in a manner that is fair and respectful. 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. We should demonstrate them in practice. In 1960, the NASW Code of Ethics consisted of 14 proclamations concerning, for example, every social worker's duty to give . professional social workers in the world. While several provisions of the Code arguably permit the public health disclosures described above, disclosure even of a client's name might be viewed as a breach of confidentiality. In some cases, protecting clients interests may require termination of the professional relationship with proper referral of the client. Social workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups. The Code is designed to help social workers identify relevant considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical uncertainties arise. I hope this will change in the final draft. NASW Code of Ethics; Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals "2.09 Impairment of Colleagues (a) Social workers who have direct knowledge of a social work colleague's impairment that is due to personal problems, psychosocial distress, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties and that interferes with practice effectiveness . The self-care language in the NASW Code of Ethics is aspirational and not prescriptive. Privacy Policy. Social workers should inform participants in family, couples, or group counseling that social workers cannot guarantee that all participants will honor such agreements. Washington, DC 20002. more than 1 year ago. Social workers who are leaving an employment setting should inform clients of appropriate options for the continuation of services and of the benefits and risks of the options. 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. Standards and Indicators for Culturally Competent Practice. Some of the standards that follow are enforceable guidelines for professional conduct, and some are aspirational. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader society. Back in 2009 I did an episode of the social work podcast that explored the idea that social . Social workers should seek the advice and counsel of colleagues whenever such consultation is in the best interests of clients. Ethical Principle:Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. Revisions to Cultural Competence standard provide more explicit guidance to social workers. They should be aware of any conflicts between personal and professional values and deal with them responsibly. In 1960, NASW adopted its first code of ethics, five years after the association was formed. Social workers should not engage in uninvited solicitation of potential clients who, because of their circumstances, are vulnerable to undue influence, manipulation, or coercion. 1.12 Derogatory LanguageSocial workers should not use derogatory language in their written or verbal communications to or about clients. Your subscription could not be saved. Will licensing boards now approve self-care content for continuing education credit? Additionally, they are offering a free, 90-minute webinar on the changes, 2021 Revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics: Self-Care and Cultural Competence. social workers, Professional self-care is paramount for competent and ethical social work practice. The NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes: The Code identifies core values on which social work's mission is based. It highlights how social workers may experience various stressors. Carrie Mounier Social workers who provide supervision or consultation are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries. Ethical Principle:Social workers challenge social injustice. 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. The NASW Code of Ethics offers a set of values, principles and standards to guide decision-making and everyday professional conduct of social workers. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. This addition is meant to educate social workers, social work organizations, and others about the fundamental role of self-care in social work. 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 accept responsibility or employment only on the basis of existing competence or the intention to acquire the necessary competence. Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that their employing organizations practices are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics. All Rights Reserved. Prior to the 2021 revisions, the Code of Ethics made no explicit references to self-care. Social workers should inform clients, to the extent possible, about the disclosure of confidential information and the potential consequences, when feasible before the disclosure is made. 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 strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people. All Rights Reserved. Social workers should not disclose identifying information when discussing clients for teaching or training purposes unless the client has consented to disclosure of confidential information. Unwarranted negative criticism may include demeaning comments that refer to colleagues level of competence or to individuals attributes such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability. Copyright 2023 by NASW Oregon Chapter. Social workers should not discuss confidential information in any setting unless privacy can be ensured. Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for students should take reasonable steps to ensure that clients are routinely informed when services are being provided by students. (Examples include when a social worker is required by law to report that a client has abused a child or has threatened to harm self or others. In instances when clients lack the capacity to provide informed consent, social workers should protect clients interests by seeking permission from an appropriate third party, informing clients consistent with the clients level of understanding. Social workers elevate service to others above self- interest. The profession has an obligation to articulate its basic values, ethical principles, and ethical standards. This statement may be helpful for social workers advocating for changes in policies, procedures, and resources to support their ongoing mental health, social well-being, and resilience. The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social work's mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards, and encourages all social workers to engage in self-care, ongoing education, and other activities to ensure their commitment to those same core features of the profession. Social Work Podcast. 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