CodeofEthicsinEnglish CodeofEthicsinSpanish

CodeofEthics
oftheNationalAssociationofSocialWorkers
Approvedbythe1996NASWDelegateAssemblyandrevisedbythe2008NASWDelegateAssembly

The2008NASWDelegateAssemblyapprovedthefollowingrevisionstotheNASWCodeof
Ethics:
1.05CulturalCompetenceandSocialDiversity
(c)Socialworkersshouldobtaineducationaboutandseektounderstandthenatureofsocialdiversityandoppression
withrespecttorace,ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,age,marital
status,politicalbelief,religion,immigrationstatus,andmentalorphysicaldisability.

2.01Respect
(a)Socialworkersshouldtreatcolleagueswithrespectandshouldrepresentaccuratelyandfairlythequalifications,
views,andobligationsofcolleagues.
(b)Socialworkersshouldavoidunwarrantednegativecriticismofcolleaguesincommunicationswithclientsorwithother
professionals.Unwarrantednegativecriticismmayincludedemeaningcommentsthatrefertocolleagueslevelof
competenceortoindividualsattributessuchasrace,ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,gender
identityorexpression,age,maritalstatus,politicalbelief,religion,immigrationstatus,andmentalorphysicaldisability.

4.02Discrimination
Socialworkersshouldnotpractice,condone,facilitate,orcollaboratewithanyformofdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,
ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,age,maritalstatus,politicalbelief,
religion,immigrationstatus,ormentalorphysicaldisability.

6.04SocialandPoliticalAction
(d)Socialworkersshouldacttopreventandeliminatedominationof,exploitationof,anddiscriminationagainstany
person,group,orclassonthebasisofrace,ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentityor
expression,age,maritalstatus,politicalbelief,religion,immigrationstatus,ormentalorphysicaldisability.
closewindow

Preamble
Theprimarymissionofthesocialworkprofessionistoenhancehumanwellbeingandhelpmeetthebasichumanneedsof
allpeople,withparticularattentiontotheneedsandempowermentofpeoplewhoarevulnerable,oppressed,andlivingin

poverty.Ahistoricanddefiningfeatureofsocialworkistheprofessionsfocusonindividualwellbeinginasocialcontextand
thewellbeingofsociety.Fundamentaltosocialworkisattentiontotheenvironmentalforcesthatcreate,contributeto,and
addressproblemsinliving.
Socialworkerspromotesocialjusticeandsocialchangewithandonbehalfofclients.Clientsisusedinclusivelytoreferto
individuals,families,groups,organizations,andcommunities.Socialworkersaresensitivetoculturalandethnicdiversityand
strivetoenddiscrimination,oppression,poverty,andotherformsofsocialinjustice.Theseactivitiesmaybeintheformof
directpractice,communityorganizing,supervision,consultationadministration,advocacy,socialandpoliticalaction,policy
developmentandimplementation,education,andresearchandevaluation.Socialworkersseektoenhancethecapacityof
peopletoaddresstheirownneeds.Socialworkersalsoseektopromotetheresponsivenessoforganizations,communities,
andothersocialinstitutionstoindividualsneedsandsocialproblems.
Themissionofthesocialworkprofessionisrootedinasetofcorevalues.Thesecorevalues,embracedbysocialworkers
throughouttheprofessionshistory,arethefoundationofsocialworksuniquepurposeandperspective:
service
socialjustice
dignityandworthoftheperson
importanceofhumanrelationships
integrity
competence.
Thisconstellationofcorevaluesreflectswhatisuniquetothesocialworkprofession.Corevalues,andtheprinciplesthatflow
fromthem,mustbebalancedwithinthecontextandcomplexityofthehumanexperience.

PurposeoftheNASWCodeofEthics
Professionalethicsareatthecoreofsocialwork.Theprofessionhasanobligationtoarticulateitsbasicvalues,ethical
principles,andethicalstandards.TheNASWCodeofEthicssetsforththesevalues,principles,andstandardstoguidesocial
workersconduct.TheCodeisrelevanttoallsocialworkersandsocialworkstudents,regardlessoftheirprofessional
functions,thesettingsinwhichtheywork,orthepopulationstheyserve.
TheNASWCodeofEthicsservessixpurposes:
1. TheCodeidentifiescorevaluesonwhichsocialworksmissionisbased.
2. TheCodesummarizesbroadethicalprinciplesthatreflecttheprofessionscorevaluesandestablishesasetof
specificethicalstandardsthatshouldbeusedtoguidesocialworkpractice.
3. TheCodeisdesignedtohelpsocialworkersidentifyrelevantconsiderationswhenprofessionalobligationsconflictor
ethicaluncertaintiesarise.
4. TheCodeprovidesethicalstandardstowhichthegeneralpubliccanholdthesocialworkprofessionaccountable.
5. TheCodesocializespractitionersnewtothefieldtosocialworksmission,values,ethicalprinciples,andethical
standards.
6. TheCodearticulatesstandardsthatthesocialworkprofessionitselfcanusetoassesswhethersocialworkershave
engagedinunethicalconduct.NASWhasformalprocedurestoadjudicateethicscomplaintsfiledagainstits
members.*InsubscribingtothisCode,socialworkersarerequiredtocooperateinitsimplementation,participatein
NASWadjudicationproceedings,andabidebyanyNASWdisciplinaryrulingsorsanctionsbasedonit.
TheCodeoffersasetofvalues,principles,andstandardstoguidedecisionmakingandconductwhenethicalissuesarise.It
doesnotprovideasetofrulesthatprescribehowsocialworkersshouldactinallsituations.SpecificapplicationsoftheCode
musttakeintoaccountthecontextinwhichitisbeingconsideredandthepossibilityofconflictsamongtheCodesvalues,
principles,andstandards.Ethicalresponsibilitiesflowfromallhumanrelationships,fromthepersonalandfamilialtothe
socialandprofessional.
Further,theNASWCodeofEthicsdoesnotspecifywhichvalues,principles,andstandardsaremostimportantandoughtto
outweighothersininstanceswhentheyconflict.Reasonabledifferencesofopinioncananddoexistamongsocialworkers
withrespecttothewaysinwhichvalues,ethicalprinciples,andethicalstandardsshouldberankorderedwhentheyconflict.
Ethicaldecisionmakinginagivensituationmustapplytheinformedjudgmentoftheindividualsocialworkerandshouldalso
considerhowtheissueswouldbejudgedinapeerreviewprocesswheretheethicalstandardsoftheprofessionwouldbe
applied.

Ethicaldecisionmakingisaprocess.Therearemanyinstancesinsocialworkwheresimpleanswersarenotavailableto
resolvecomplexethicalissues.Socialworkersshouldtakeintoconsiderationallthevalues,principles,andstandardsinthis
Codethatarerelevanttoanysituationinwhichethicaljudgmentiswarranted.Socialworkersdecisionsandactionsshould
beconsistentwiththespiritaswellastheletterofthisCode.
InadditiontothisCode,therearemanyothersourcesofinformationaboutethicalthinkingthatmaybeuseful.Socialworkers
shouldconsiderethicaltheoryandprinciplesgenerally,socialworktheoryandresearch,laws,regulations,agencypolicies,
andotherrelevantcodesofethics,recognizingthatamongcodesofethicssocialworkersshouldconsidertheNASWCodeof
Ethicsastheirprimarysource.Socialworkersalsoshouldbeawareoftheimpactonethicaldecisionmakingoftheirclients
andtheirownpersonalvaluesandculturalandreligiousbeliefsandpractices.Theyshouldbeawareofanyconflictsbetween
personalandprofessionalvaluesanddealwiththemresponsibly.Foradditionalguidancesocialworkersshouldconsultthe
relevantliteratureonprofessionalethicsandethicaldecisionmakingandseekappropriateconsultationwhenfacedwith
ethicaldilemmas.Thismayinvolveconsultationwithanagencybasedorsocialworkorganizationsethicscommittee,a
regulatorybody,knowledgeablecolleagues,supervisors,orlegalcounsel.
Instancesmayarisewhensocialworkersethicalobligationsconflictwithagencypoliciesorrelevantlawsorregulations.
Whensuchconflictsoccur,socialworkersmustmakearesponsibleefforttoresolvetheconflictinamannerthatisconsistent
withthevalues,principles,andstandardsexpressedinthisCode.Ifareasonableresolutionoftheconflictdoesnotappear
possible,socialworkersshouldseekproperconsultationbeforemakingadecision.
TheNASWCodeofEthicsistobeusedbyNASWandbyindividuals,agencies,organizations,andbodies(suchaslicensing
andregulatoryboards,professionalliabilityinsuranceproviders,courtsoflaw,agencyboardsofdirectors,government
agencies,andotherprofessionalgroups)thatchoosetoadoptitoruseitasaframeofreference.Violationofstandardsinthis
Codedoesnotautomaticallyimplylegalliabilityorviolationofthelaw.Suchdeterminationcanonlybemadeinthecontextof
legalandjudicialproceedings.AllegedviolationsoftheCodewouldbesubjecttoapeerreviewprocess.Suchprocessesare
generallyseparatefromlegaloradministrativeproceduresandinsulatedfromlegalrevieworproceedingstoallowthe
professiontocounselanddisciplineitsownmembers.
Acodeofethicscannotguaranteeethicalbehavior.Moreover,acodeofethicscannotresolveallethicalissuesordisputesor
capturetherichnessandcomplexityinvolvedinstrivingtomakeresponsiblechoiceswithinamoralcommunity.Rather,a
codeofethicssetsforthvalues,ethicalprinciples,andethicalstandardstowhichprofessionalsaspireandbywhichtheir
actionscanbejudged.Socialworkersethicalbehaviorshouldresultfromtheirpersonalcommitmenttoengageinethical
practice.TheNASWCodeofEthicsreflectsthecommitmentofallsocialworkerstoupholdtheprofessionsvaluesandtoact
ethically.Principlesandstandardsmustbeappliedbyindividualsofgoodcharacterwhodiscernmoralquestionsand,in
goodfaith,seektomakereliableethicaljudgments.

EthicalPrinciples
Thefollowingbroadethicalprinciplesarebasedonsocialworkscorevaluesofservice,socialjustice,dignityandworthofthe
person,importanceofhumanrelationships,integrity,andcompetence.Theseprinciplessetforthidealstowhichallsocial
workersshouldaspire.
Value:Service
EthicalPrinciple:Socialworkersprimarygoalistohelppeopleinneedandtoaddresssocialproblems.
Socialworkerselevateservicetoothersaboveselfinterest.Socialworkersdrawontheirknowledge,values,andskillstohelp
peopleinneedandtoaddresssocialproblems.Socialworkersareencouragedtovolunteersomeportionoftheir
professionalskillswithnoexpectationofsignificantfinancialreturn(probonoservice).
Value:SocialJustice
EthicalPrinciple:Socialworkerschallengesocialinjustice.
Socialworkerspursuesocialchange,particularlywithandonbehalfofvulnerableandoppressedindividualsandgroupsof
people.Socialworkerssocialchangeeffortsarefocusedprimarilyonissuesofpoverty,unemployment,discrimination,and
otherformsofsocialinjustice.Theseactivitiesseektopromotesensitivitytoandknowledgeaboutoppressionandcultural
andethnicdiversity.Socialworkersstrivetoensureaccesstoneededinformation,services,andresourcesequalityof
opportunityandmeaningfulparticipationindecisionmakingforallpeople.
Value:DignityandWorthofthePerson
EthicalPrinciple:Socialworkersrespecttheinherentdignityandworthoftheperson.
Socialworkerstreateachpersoninacaringandrespectfulfashion,mindfulofindividualdifferencesandculturalandethnic
diversity.Socialworkerspromoteclientssociallyresponsibleselfdetermination.Socialworkersseektoenhanceclients
capacityandopportunitytochangeandtoaddresstheirownneeds.Socialworkersarecognizantoftheirdualresponsibility

toclientsandtothebroadersociety.Theyseektoresolveconflictsbetweenclientsinterestsandthebroadersocietys
interestsinasociallyresponsiblemannerconsistentwiththevalues,ethicalprinciples,andethicalstandardsofthe
profession.
Value:ImportanceofHumanRelationships
EthicalPrinciple:Socialworkersrecognizethecentralimportanceofhumanrelationships.
Socialworkersunderstandthatrelationshipsbetweenandamongpeopleareanimportantvehicleforchange.Socialworkers
engagepeopleaspartnersinthehelpingprocess.Socialworkersseektostrengthenrelationshipsamongpeopleina
purposefulefforttopromote,restore,maintain,andenhancethewellbeingofindividuals,families,socialgroups,
organizations,andcommunities.
Value:Integrity
EthicalPrinciple:Socialworkersbehaveinatrustworthymanner.
Socialworkersarecontinuallyawareoftheprofessionsmission,values,ethicalprinciples,andethicalstandardsandpractice
inamannerconsistentwiththem.Socialworkersacthonestlyandresponsiblyandpromoteethicalpracticesonthepartofthe
organizationswithwhichtheyareaffiliated.
Value:Competence
EthicalPrinciple:Socialworkerspracticewithintheirareasofcompetenceanddevelopandenhancetheirprofessional
expertise.
Socialworkerscontinuallystrivetoincreasetheirprofessionalknowledgeandskillsandtoapplytheminpractice.Social
workersshouldaspiretocontributetotheknowledgebaseoftheprofession.

EthicalStandards
Thefollowingethicalstandardsarerelevanttotheprofessionalactivitiesofallsocialworkers.Thesestandardsconcern(1)
socialworkersethicalresponsibilitiestoclients,(2)socialworkersethicalresponsibilitiestocolleagues,(3)socialworkers
ethicalresponsibilitiesinpracticesettings,(4)socialworkersethicalresponsibilitiesasprofessionals,(5)socialworkers
ethicalresponsibilitiestothesocialworkprofession,and(6)socialworkersethicalresponsibilitiestothebroadersociety.
Someofthestandardsthatfollowareenforceableguidelinesforprofessionalconduct,andsomeareaspirational.Theextent
towhicheachstandardisenforceableisamatterofprofessionaljudgmenttobeexercisedbythoseresponsibleforreviewing
allegedviolationsofethicalstandards.

1.SOCIALWORKERSETHICALRESPONSIBILITIESTOCLIENTS
1.01CommitmenttoClients
Socialworkersprimaryresponsibilityistopromotethewellbeingofclients.Ingeneral,clientsinterestsareprimary.
However,socialworkersresponsibilitytothelargersocietyorspecificlegalobligationsmayonlimitedoccasionssupersede
theloyaltyowedclients,andclientsshouldbesoadvised.(Examplesincludewhenasocialworkerisrequiredbylawto
reportthataclienthasabusedachildorhasthreatenedtoharmselforothers.)

1.02SelfDetermination
Socialworkersrespectandpromotetherightofclientstoselfdeterminationandassistclientsintheireffortstoidentifyand
clarifytheirgoals.Socialworkersmaylimitclientsrighttoselfdeterminationwhen,inthesocialworkersprofessional
judgment,clientsactionsorpotentialactionsposeaserious,foreseeable,andimminentrisktothemselvesorothers.

1.03InformedConsent
(a)Socialworkersshouldprovideservicestoclientsonlyinthecontextofaprofessionalrelationshipbased,when
appropriate,onvalidinformedconsent.Socialworkersshoulduseclearandunderstandablelanguagetoinformclientsofthe

purposeoftheservices,risksrelatedtotheservices,limitstoservicesbecauseoftherequirementsofathirdpartypayer,
relevantcosts,reasonablealternatives,clientsrighttorefuseorwithdrawconsent,andthetimeframecoveredbythe
consent.Socialworkersshouldprovideclientswithanopportunitytoaskquestions.
(b)Ininstanceswhenclientsarenotliterateorhavedifficultyunderstandingtheprimarylanguageusedinthepracticesetting,
socialworkersshouldtakestepstoensureclientscomprehension.Thismayincludeprovidingclientswithadetailedverbal
explanationorarrangingforaqualifiedinterpreterortranslatorwheneverpossible.
(c)Ininstanceswhenclientslackthecapacitytoprovideinformedconsent,socialworkersshouldprotectclientsinterestsby
seekingpermissionfromanappropriatethirdparty,informingclientsconsistentwiththeclientslevelofunderstanding.In
suchinstancessocialworkersshouldseektoensurethatthethirdpartyactsinamannerconsistentwithclientswishesand
interests.Socialworkersshouldtakereasonablestepstoenhancesuchclientsabilitytogiveinformedconsent.
(d)Ininstanceswhenclientsarereceivingservicesinvoluntarily,socialworkersshouldprovideinformationaboutthenature
andextentofservicesandabouttheextentofclientsrighttorefuseservice.
(e)Socialworkerswhoprovideservicesviaelectronicmedia(suchascomputer,telephone,radio,andtelevision)should
informrecipientsofthelimitationsandrisksassociatedwithsuchservices.
(f)Socialworkersshouldobtainclientsinformedconsentbeforeaudiotapingorvideotapingclientsorpermittingobservation
ofservicestoclientsbyathirdparty.

1.04Competence
(a)Socialworkersshouldprovideservicesandrepresentthemselvesascompetentonlywithintheboundariesoftheir
education,training,license,certification,consultationreceived,supervisedexperience,orotherrelevantprofessional
experience.
(b)Socialworkersshouldprovideservicesinsubstantiveareasoruseinterventiontechniquesorapproachesthatarenewto
themonlyafterengaginginappropriatestudy,training,consultation,andsupervisionfrompeoplewhoarecompetentinthose
interventionsortechniques.
(c)Whengenerallyrecognizedstandardsdonotexistwithrespecttoanemergingareaofpractice,socialworkersshould
exercisecarefuljudgmentandtakeresponsiblesteps(includingappropriateeducation,research,training,consultation,and
supervision)toensurethecompetenceoftheirworkandtoprotectclientsfromharm.

1.05CulturalCompetenceandSocialDiversity
(a)Socialworkersshouldunderstandcultureanditsfunctioninhumanbehaviorandsociety,recognizingthestrengthsthat
existinallcultures.
(b)Socialworkersshouldhaveaknowledgebaseoftheirclientsculturesandbeabletodemonstratecompetenceinthe
provisionofservicesthataresensitivetoclientsculturesandtodifferencesamongpeopleandculturalgroups.
(c)Socialworkersshouldobtaineducationaboutandseektounderstandthenatureofsocialdiversityandoppressionwith
respecttorace,ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,age,maritalstatus,
politicalbelief,religion,immigrationstatus,andmentalorphysicaldisability.

1.06ConflictsofInterest
(a)Socialworkersshouldbealerttoandavoidconflictsofinterestthatinterferewiththeexerciseofprofessionaldiscretion
andimpartialjudgment.Socialworkersshouldinformclientswhenarealorpotentialconflictofinterestarisesandtake
reasonablestepstoresolvetheissueinamannerthatmakestheclientsinterestsprimaryandprotectsclientsintereststothe
greatestextentpossible.Insomecases,protectingclientsinterestsmayrequireterminationoftheprofessionalrelationship
withproperreferraloftheclient.
(b)Socialworkersshouldnottakeunfairadvantageofanyprofessionalrelationshiporexploitotherstofurthertheirpersonal,
religious,political,orbusinessinterests.

(c)Socialworkersshouldnotengageindualormultiplerelationshipswithclientsorformerclientsinwhichthereisariskof
exploitationorpotentialharmtotheclient.Ininstanceswhendualormultiplerelationshipsareunavoidable,socialworkers
shouldtakestepstoprotectclientsandareresponsibleforsettingclear,appropriate,andculturallysensitiveboundaries.
(Dualormultiplerelationshipsoccurwhensocialworkersrelatetoclientsinmorethanonerelationship,whetherprofessional,
social,orbusiness.Dualormultiplerelationshipscanoccursimultaneouslyorconsecutively.)
(d)Whensocialworkersprovideservicestotwoormorepeoplewhohavearelationshipwitheachother(forexample,
couples,familymembers),socialworkersshouldclarifywithallpartieswhichindividualswillbeconsideredclientsandthe
natureofsocialworkersprofessionalobligationstothevariousindividualswhoarereceivingservices.Socialworkerswho
anticipateaconflictofinterestamongtheindividualsreceivingservicesorwhoanticipatehavingtoperforminpotentially
conflictingroles(forexample,whenasocialworkerisaskedtotestifyinachildcustodydisputeordivorceproceedings
involvingclients)shouldclarifytheirrolewiththepartiesinvolvedandtakeappropriateactiontominimizeanyconflictof
interest.

1.07PrivacyandConfidentiality
(a)Socialworkersshouldrespectclientsrighttoprivacy.Socialworkersshouldnotsolicitprivateinformationfromclients
unlessitisessentialtoprovidingservicesorconductingsocialworkevaluationorresearch.Onceprivateinformationis
shared,standardsofconfidentialityapply.
(b)Socialworkersmaydiscloseconfidentialinformationwhenappropriatewithvalidconsentfromaclientorapersonlegally
authorizedtoconsentonbehalfofaclient.
(c)Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofallinformationobtainedinthecourseofprofessionalservice,exceptfor
compellingprofessionalreasons.Thegeneralexpectationthatsocialworkerswillkeepinformationconfidentialdoesnot
applywhendisclosureisnecessarytopreventserious,foreseeable,andimminentharmtoaclientorotheridentifiable
person.Inallinstances,socialworkersshoulddisclosetheleastamountofconfidentialinformationnecessarytoachievethe
desiredpurposeonlyinformationthatisdirectlyrelevanttothepurposeforwhichthedisclosureismadeshouldberevealed.
(d)Socialworkersshouldinformclients,totheextentpossible,aboutthedisclosureofconfidentialinformationandthe
potentialconsequences,whenfeasiblebeforethedisclosureismade.Thisapplieswhethersocialworkersdisclose
confidentialinformationonthebasisofalegalrequirementorclientconsent.
(e)Socialworkersshoulddiscusswithclientsandotherinterestedpartiesthenatureofconfidentialityandlimitationsof
clientsrighttoconfidentiality.Socialworkersshouldreviewwithclientscircumstanceswhereconfidentialinformationmaybe
requestedandwheredisclosureofconfidentialinformationmaybelegallyrequired.Thisdiscussionshouldoccurassoonas
possibleinthesocialworkerclientrelationshipandasneededthroughoutthecourseoftherelationship.
(f)Whensocialworkersprovidecounselingservicestofamilies,couples,orgroups,socialworkersshouldseekagreement
amongthepartiesinvolvedconcerningeachindividualsrighttoconfidentialityandobligationtopreservetheconfidentialityof
informationsharedbyothers.Socialworkersshouldinformparticipantsinfamily,couples,orgroupcounselingthatsocial
workerscannotguaranteethatallparticipantswillhonorsuchagreements.
(g)Socialworkersshouldinformclientsinvolvedinfamily,couples,marital,orgroupcounselingofthesocialworkers,
employers,andagencyspolicyconcerningthesocialworkersdisclosureofconfidentialinformationamongtheparties
involvedinthecounseling.
(h)Socialworkersshouldnotdiscloseconfidentialinformationtothirdpartypayersunlessclientshaveauthorizedsuch
disclosure.
(i)Socialworkersshouldnotdiscussconfidentialinformationinanysettingunlessprivacycanbeensured.Socialworkers
shouldnotdiscussconfidentialinformationinpublicorsemipublicareassuchashallways,waitingrooms,elevators,and
restaurants.
(j)Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofclientsduringlegalproceedingstotheextentpermittedbylaw.Whena
courtoflaworotherlegallyauthorizedbodyorderssocialworkerstodiscloseconfidentialorprivilegedinformationwithouta
clientsconsentandsuchdisclosurecouldcauseharmtotheclient,socialworkersshouldrequestthatthecourtwithdrawthe
orderorlimittheorderasnarrowlyaspossibleormaintaintherecordsunderseal,unavailableforpublicinspection.
(k)Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofclientswhenrespondingtorequestsfrommembersofthemedia.
(l)Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofclientswrittenandelectronicrecordsandothersensitiveinformation.
Socialworkersshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethatclientsrecordsarestoredinasecurelocationandthatclients

recordsarenotavailabletootherswhoarenotauthorizedtohaveaccess.
(m)Socialworkersshouldtakeprecautionstoensureandmaintaintheconfidentialityofinformationtransmittedtoother
partiesthroughtheuseofcomputers,electronicmail,facsimilemachines,telephonesandtelephoneansweringmachines,
andotherelectronicorcomputertechnology.Disclosureofidentifyinginformationshouldbeavoidedwheneverpossible.
(n)Socialworkersshouldtransferordisposeofclientsrecordsinamannerthatprotectsclientsconfidentialityandis
consistentwithstatestatutesgoverningrecordsandsocialworklicensure.
(o)Socialworkersshouldtakereasonableprecautionstoprotectclientconfidentialityintheeventofthesocialworkers
terminationofpractice,incapacitation,ordeath.
(p)Socialworkersshouldnotdiscloseidentifyinginformationwhendiscussingclientsforteachingortrainingpurposesunless
theclienthasconsentedtodisclosureofconfidentialinformation.
(q)Socialworkersshouldnotdiscloseidentifyinginformationwhendiscussingclientswithconsultantsunlesstheclienthas
consentedtodisclosureofconfidentialinformationorthereisacompellingneedforsuchdisclosure.
(r)Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofdeceasedclientsconsistentwiththeprecedingstandards.

1.08AccesstoRecords
(a)Socialworkersshouldprovideclientswithreasonableaccesstorecordsconcerningtheclients.Socialworkerswhoare
concernedthatclientsaccesstotheirrecordscouldcauseseriousmisunderstandingorharmtotheclientshouldprovide
assistanceininterpretingtherecordsandconsultationwiththeclientregardingtherecords.Socialworkersshouldlimit
clientsaccesstotheirrecords,orportionsoftheirrecords,onlyinexceptionalcircumstanceswhenthereiscompelling
evidencethatsuchaccesswouldcauseseriousharmtotheclient.Bothclientsrequestsandtherationaleforwithholding
someoralloftherecordshouldbedocumentedinclientsfiles.
(b)Whenprovidingclientswithaccesstotheirrecords,socialworkersshouldtakestepstoprotecttheconfidentialityofother
individualsidentifiedordiscussedinsuchrecords.

1.09SexualRelationships
(a)Socialworkersshouldundernocircumstancesengageinsexualactivitiesorsexualcontactwithcurrentclients,whether
suchcontactisconsensualorforced.
(b)Socialworkersshouldnotengageinsexualactivitiesorsexualcontactwithclientsrelativesorotherindividualswith
whomclientsmaintainaclosepersonalrelationshipwhenthereisariskofexploitationorpotentialharmtotheclient.Sexual
activityorsexualcontactwithclientsrelativesorotherindividualswithwhomclientsmaintainapersonalrelationshiphasthe
potentialtobeharmfultotheclientandmaymakeitdifficultforthesocialworkerandclienttomaintainappropriate
professionalboundaries.Socialworkersnottheirclients,theirclientsrelatives,orotherindividualswithwhomtheclient
maintainsapersonalrelationshipassumethefullburdenforsettingclear,appropriate,andculturallysensitiveboundaries.
(c)Socialworkersshouldnotengageinsexualactivitiesorsexualcontactwithformerclientsbecauseofthepotentialfor
harmtotheclient.Ifsocialworkersengageinconductcontrarytothisprohibitionorclaimthatanexceptiontothisprohibition
iswarrantedbecauseofextraordinarycircumstances,itissocialworkersnottheirclientswhoassumethefullburdenof
demonstratingthattheformerclienthasnotbeenexploited,coerced,ormanipulated,intentionallyorunintentionally.
(d)Socialworkersshouldnotprovideclinicalservicestoindividualswithwhomtheyhavehadapriorsexualrelationship.
Providingclinicalservicestoaformersexualpartnerhasthepotentialtobeharmfultotheindividualandislikelytomakeit
difficultforthesocialworkerandindividualtomaintainappropriateprofessionalboundaries.

1.10PhysicalContact
Socialworkersshouldnotengageinphysicalcontactwithclientswhenthereisapossibilityofpsychologicalharmtothe
clientasaresultofthecontact(suchascradlingorcaressingclients).Socialworkerswhoengageinappropriatephysical
contactwithclientsareresponsibleforsettingclear,appropriate,andculturallysensitiveboundariesthatgovernsuch

physicalcontact.

1.11SexualHarassment
Socialworkersshouldnotsexuallyharassclients.Sexualharassmentincludessexualadvances,sexualsolicitation,requests
forsexualfavors,andotherverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnature.

1.12DerogatoryLanguage
Socialworkersshouldnotusederogatorylanguageintheirwrittenorverbalcommunicationstooraboutclients.Social
workersshoulduseaccurateandrespectfullanguageinallcommunicationstoandaboutclients.

1.13PaymentforServices
(a)Whensettingfees,socialworkersshouldensurethatthefeesarefair,reasonable,andcommensuratewiththeservices
performed.Considerationshouldbegiventoclientsabilitytopay.
(b)Socialworkersshouldavoidacceptinggoodsorservicesfromclientsaspaymentforprofessionalservices.Bartering
arrangements,particularlyinvolvingservices,createthepotentialforconflictsofinterest,exploitation,andinappropriate
boundariesinsocialworkersrelationshipswithclients.Socialworkersshouldexploreandmayparticipateinbarteringonlyin
verylimitedcircumstanceswhenitcanbedemonstratedthatsucharrangementsareanacceptedpracticeamong
professionalsinthelocalcommunity,consideredtobeessentialfortheprovisionofservices,negotiatedwithoutcoercion,and
enteredintoattheclientsinitiativeandwiththeclientsinformedconsent.Socialworkerswhoacceptgoodsorservicesfrom
clientsaspaymentforprofessionalservicesassumethefullburdenofdemonstratingthatthisarrangementwillnotbe
detrimentaltotheclientortheprofessionalrelationship.
(c)Socialworkersshouldnotsolicitaprivatefeeorotherremunerationforprovidingservicestoclientswhoareentitledto
suchavailableservicesthroughthesocialworkersemployeroragency.

1.14ClientsWhoLackDecisionMakingCapacity
Whensocialworkersactonbehalfofclientswholackthecapacitytomakeinformeddecisions,socialworkersshouldtake
reasonablestepstosafeguardtheinterestsandrightsofthoseclients.

1.15InterruptionofServices
Socialworkersshouldmakereasonableeffortstoensurecontinuityofservicesintheeventthatservicesareinterruptedby
factorssuchasunavailability,relocation,illness,disability,ordeath.

1.16TerminationofServices
(a)Socialworkersshouldterminateservicestoclientsandprofessionalrelationshipswiththemwhensuchservicesand
relationshipsarenolongerrequiredornolongerservetheclientsneedsorinterests.
(b)Socialworkersshouldtakereasonablestepstoavoidabandoningclientswhoarestillinneedofservices.Socialworkers
shouldwithdrawservicesprecipitouslyonlyunderunusualcircumstances,givingcarefulconsiderationtoallfactorsinthe
situationandtakingcaretominimizepossibleadverseeffects.Socialworkersshouldassistinmakingappropriate
arrangementsforcontinuationofserviceswhennecessary.
(c)Socialworkersinfeeforservicesettingsmayterminateservicestoclientswhoarenotpayinganoverduebalanceifthe
financialcontractualarrangementshavebeenmadecleartotheclient,iftheclientdoesnotposeanimminentdangertoself

orothers,andiftheclinicalandotherconsequencesofthecurrentnonpaymenthavebeenaddressedanddiscussedwiththe
client.
(d)Socialworkersshouldnotterminateservicestopursueasocial,financial,orsexualrelationshipwithaclient.
(e)Socialworkerswhoanticipatetheterminationorinterruptionofservicestoclientsshouldnotifyclientspromptlyandseek
thetransfer,referral,orcontinuationofservicesinrelationtotheclientsneedsandpreferences.
(f)Socialworkerswhoareleavinganemploymentsettingshouldinformclientsofappropriateoptionsforthecontinuationof
servicesandofthebenefitsandrisksoftheoptions.

2.SOCIALWORKERSETHICALRESPONSIBILITIESTOCOLLEAGUES
2.01Respect
(a)Socialworkersshouldtreatcolleagueswithrespectandshouldrepresentaccuratelyandfairlythequalifications,views,
andobligationsofcolleagues.
(b)Socialworkersshouldavoidunwarrantednegativecriticismofcolleaguesincommunicationswithclientsorwithother
professionals.Unwarrantednegativecriticismmayincludedemeaningcommentsthatrefertocolleagueslevelof
competenceortoindividualsattributessuchasrace,ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentity
orexpression,age,maritalstatus,politicalbelief,religion,immigrationstatus,andmentalorphysicaldisability.
(c)Socialworkersshouldcooperatewithsocialworkcolleaguesandwithcolleaguesofotherprofessionswhensuch
cooperationservesthewellbeingofclients.

2.02Confidentiality
Socialworkersshouldrespectconfidentialinformationsharedbycolleaguesinthecourseoftheirprofessionalrelationships
andtransactions.Socialworkersshouldensurethatsuchcolleaguesunderstandsocialworkersobligationtorespect
confidentialityandanyexceptionsrelatedtoit.

2.03InterdisciplinaryCollaboration
(a)Socialworkerswhoaremembersofaninterdisciplinaryteamshouldparticipateinandcontributetodecisionsthataffect
thewellbeingofclientsbydrawingontheperspectives,values,andexperiencesofthesocialworkprofession.Professional
andethicalobligationsoftheinterdisciplinaryteamasawholeandofitsindividualmembersshouldbeclearlyestablished.
(b)Socialworkersforwhomateamdecisionraisesethicalconcernsshouldattempttoresolvethedisagreementthrough
appropriatechannels.Ifthedisagreementcannotberesolved,socialworkersshouldpursueotheravenuestoaddresstheir
concernsconsistentwithclientwellbeing.

2.04DisputesInvolvingColleagues
(a)Socialworkersshouldnottakeadvantageofadisputebetweenacolleagueandanemployertoobtainapositionor
otherwiseadvancethesocialworkersowninterests.
(b)Socialworkersshouldnotexploitclientsindisputeswithcolleaguesorengageclientsinanyinappropriatediscussionof
conflictsbetweensocialworkersandtheircolleagues.

2.05Consultation
(a)Socialworkersshouldseektheadviceandcounselofcolleagueswheneversuchconsultationisinthebestinterestsof

clients.
(b)Socialworkersshouldkeepthemselvesinformedaboutcolleaguesareasofexpertiseandcompetencies.Socialworkers
shouldseekconsultationonlyfromcolleagueswhohavedemonstratedknowledge,expertise,andcompetencerelatedtothe
subjectoftheconsultation.
(c)Whenconsultingwithcolleaguesaboutclients,socialworkersshoulddisclosetheleastamountofinformationnecessary
toachievethepurposesoftheconsultation.

2.06ReferralforServices
(a)Socialworkersshouldreferclientstootherprofessionalswhentheotherprofessionalsspecializedknowledgeor
expertiseisneededtoserveclientsfullyorwhensocialworkersbelievethattheyarenotbeingeffectiveormaking
reasonableprogresswithclientsandthatadditionalserviceisrequired.
(b)Socialworkerswhoreferclientstootherprofessionalsshouldtakeappropriatestepstofacilitateanorderlytransferof
responsibility.Socialworkerswhoreferclientstootherprofessionalsshoulddisclose,withclientsconsent,allpertinent
informationtothenewserviceproviders.
(c)Socialworkersareprohibitedfromgivingorreceivingpaymentforareferralwhennoprofessionalserviceisprovidedby
thereferringsocialworker.

2.07SexualRelationships
(a)Socialworkerswhofunctionassupervisorsoreducatorsshouldnotengageinsexualactivitiesorcontactwith
supervisees,students,trainees,orothercolleaguesoverwhomtheyexerciseprofessionalauthority.
(b)Socialworkersshouldavoidengaginginsexualrelationshipswithcolleagueswhenthereispotentialforaconflictof
interest.Socialworkerswhobecomeinvolvedin,oranticipatebecominginvolvedin,asexualrelationshipwithacolleague
haveadutytotransferprofessionalresponsibilities,whennecessary,toavoidaconflictofinterest.

2.08SexualHarassment
Socialworkersshouldnotsexuallyharasssupervisees,students,trainees,orcolleagues.Sexualharassmentincludessexual
advances,sexualsolicitation,requestsforsexualfavors,andotherverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnature.

2.09ImpairmentofColleagues
(a)Socialworkerswhohavedirectknowledgeofasocialworkcolleaguesimpairmentthatisduetopersonalproblems,
psychosocialdistress,substanceabuse,ormentalhealthdifficultiesandthatinterferes
withpracticeeffectivenessshouldconsultwiththatcolleaguewhenfeasibleandassistthecolleagueintakingremedial
action.
(b)Socialworkerswhobelievethatasocialworkcolleaguesimpairmentinterfereswithpracticeeffectivenessandthatthe
colleaguehasnottakenadequatestepstoaddresstheimpairmentshouldtakeactionthroughappropriatechannels
establishedbyemployers,agencies,NASW,licensingandregulatorybodies,andotherprofessionalorganizations.

2.10IncompetenceofColleagues
(a)Socialworkerswhohavedirectknowledgeofasocialworkcolleaguesincompetenceshouldconsultwiththatcolleague
whenfeasibleandassistthecolleagueintakingremedialaction.
(b)Socialworkerswhobelievethatasocialworkcolleagueisincompetentandhasnottakenadequatestepstoaddressthe
incompetenceshouldtakeactionthroughappropriatechannelsestablishedbyemployers,agencies,NASW,licensingand

regulatorybodies,andotherprofessionalorganizations.

2.11UnethicalConductofColleagues
(a)Socialworkersshouldtakeadequatemeasurestodiscourage,prevent,expose,andcorrecttheunethicalconductof
colleagues.
(b)Socialworkersshouldbeknowledgeableaboutestablishedpoliciesandproceduresforhandlingconcernsabout
colleaguesunethicalbehavior.Socialworkersshouldbefamiliarwithnational,state,andlocalproceduresforhandling
ethicscomplaints.TheseincludepoliciesandprocedurescreatedbyNASW,licensingandregulatorybodies,employers,
agencies,andotherprofessionalorganizations.
(c)Socialworkerswhobelievethatacolleaguehasactedunethicallyshouldseekresolutionbydiscussingtheirconcerns
withthecolleaguewhenfeasibleandwhensuchdiscussionislikelytobeproductive.
(d)Whennecessary,socialworkerswhobelievethatacolleaguehasactedunethicallyshouldtakeactionthrough
appropriateformalchannels(suchascontactingastatelicensingboardorregulatorybody,anNASWcommitteeoninquiry,
orotherprofessionalethicscommittees).
(e)Socialworkersshoulddefendandassistcolleagueswhoareunjustlychargedwithunethicalconduct.

3.SOCIALWORKERSETHICALRESPONSIBILITIESINPRACTICESETTINGS
3.01SupervisionandConsultation
(a)Socialworkerswhoprovidesupervisionorconsultationshouldhavethenecessaryknowledgeandskilltosuperviseor
consultappropriatelyandshoulddosoonlywithintheirareasofknowledgeandcompetence.
(b)Socialworkerswhoprovidesupervisionorconsultationareresponsibleforsettingclear,appropriate,andculturally
sensitiveboundaries.
(c)Socialworkersshouldnotengageinanydualormultiplerelationshipswithsuperviseesinwhichthereisariskof
exploitationoforpotentialharmtothesupervisee.
(d)Socialworkerswhoprovidesupervisionshouldevaluatesuperviseesperformanceinamannerthatisfairandrespectful.

3.02EducationandTraining
(a)Socialworkerswhofunctionaseducators,fieldinstructorsforstudents,ortrainersshouldprovideinstructiononlywithin
theirareasofknowledgeandcompetenceandshouldprovideinstructionbasedonthemostcurrentinformationand
knowledgeavailableintheprofession.
(b)Socialworkerswhofunctionaseducatorsorfieldinstructorsforstudentsshouldevaluatestudentsperformanceina
mannerthatisfairandrespectful.
(c)Socialworkerswhofunctionaseducatorsorfieldinstructorsforstudentsshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethat
clientsareroutinelyinformedwhenservicesarebeingprovidedbystudents.
(d)Socialworkerswhofunctionaseducatorsorfieldinstructorsforstudentsshouldnotengageinanydualormultiple
relationshipswithstudentsinwhichthereisariskofexploitationorpotentialharmtothestudent.Socialworkeducatorsand
fieldinstructorsareresponsibleforsettingclear,appropriate,andculturallysensitiveboundaries.

3.03PerformanceEvaluation
Socialworkerswhohaveresponsibilityforevaluatingtheperformanceofothersshouldfulfillsuchresponsibilityinafairand
consideratemannerandonthebasisofclearlystatedcriteria.

3.04ClientRecords
(a)Socialworkersshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethatdocumentationinrecordsisaccurateandreflectstheservices
provided.
(b)Socialworkersshouldincludesufficientandtimelydocumentationinrecordstofacilitatethedeliveryofservicesandto
ensurecontinuityofservicesprovidedtoclientsinthefuture.
(c)Socialworkersdocumentationshouldprotectclientsprivacytotheextentthatispossibleandappropriateandshould
includeonlyinformationthatisdirectlyrelevanttothedeliveryofservices.
(d)Socialworkersshouldstorerecordsfollowingtheterminationofservicestoensurereasonablefutureaccess.Records
shouldbemaintainedforthenumberofyearsrequiredbystatestatutesorrelevantcontracts.

3.05Billing
Socialworkersshouldestablishandmaintainbillingpracticesthataccuratelyreflectthenatureandextentofservices
providedandthatidentifywhoprovidedtheserviceinthepracticesetting.

3.06ClientTransfer
(a)Whenanindividualwhoisreceivingservicesfromanotheragencyorcolleaguecontactsasocialworkerforservices,the
socialworkershouldcarefullyconsidertheclientsneedsbeforeagreeingtoprovideservices.Tominimizepossible
confusionandconflict,socialworkersshoulddiscusswithpotentialclientsthenatureoftheclientscurrentrelationshipwith
otherserviceprovidersandtheimplications,includingpossiblebenefitsorrisks,ofenteringintoarelationshipwithanew
serviceprovider.
(b)Ifanewclienthasbeenservedbyanotheragencyorcolleague,socialworkersshoulddiscusswiththeclientwhether
consultationwiththepreviousserviceproviderisintheclientsbestinterest.

3.07Administration
(a)Socialworkadministratorsshouldadvocatewithinandoutsidetheiragenciesforadequateresourcestomeetclients
needs.
(b)Socialworkersshouldadvocateforresourceallocationproceduresthatareopenandfair.Whennotallclientsneedscan
bemet,anallocationprocedureshouldbedevelopedthatisnondiscriminatoryandbasedonappropriateandconsistently
appliedprinciples.
(c)Socialworkerswhoareadministratorsshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethatadequateagencyororganizational
resourcesareavailabletoprovideappropriatestaffsupervision.
(d)Socialworkadministratorsshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethattheworkingenvironmentforwhichtheyare
responsibleisconsistentwithandencouragescompliancewiththeNASWCodeofEthics.Socialworkadministratorsshould
takereasonablestepstoeliminateanyconditionsintheirorganizationsthatviolate,interferewith,ordiscouragecompliance
withtheCode.

3.08ContinuingEducationandStaffDevelopment
Socialworkadministratorsandsupervisorsshouldtakereasonablestepstoprovideorarrangeforcontinuingeducationand
staffdevelopmentforallstaffforwhomtheyareresponsible.Continuingeducationandstaffdevelopmentshouldaddress
currentknowledgeandemergingdevelopmentsrelatedtosocialworkpracticeandethics.

3.09CommitmentstoEmployers

(a)Socialworkersgenerallyshouldadheretocommitmentsmadetoemployersandemployingorganizations.
(b)Socialworkersshouldworktoimproveemployingagenciespoliciesandproceduresandtheefficiencyandeffectiveness
oftheirservices.
(c)Socialworkersshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethatemployersareawareofsocialworkersethicalobligationsas
setforthintheNASWCodeofEthicsandoftheimplicationsofthoseobligationsforsocialworkpractice.
(d)Socialworkersshouldnotallowanemployingorganizationspolicies,procedures,regulations,oradministrativeordersto
interferewiththeirethicalpracticeofsocialwork.Socialworkersshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethattheiremploying
organizationspracticesareconsistentwiththeNASWCodeofEthics.
(e)Socialworkersshouldacttopreventandeliminatediscriminationintheemployingorganizationsworkassignmentsand
initsemploymentpoliciesandpractices.
(f)Socialworkersshouldacceptemploymentorarrangestudentfieldplacementsonlyinorganizationsthatexercisefair
personnelpractices.
(g)Socialworkersshouldbediligentstewardsoftheresourcesoftheiremployingorganizations,wiselyconservingfunds
whereappropriateandnevermisappropriatingfundsorusingthemforunintendedpurposes.

3.10LaborManagementDisputes
(a)Socialworkersmayengageinorganizedaction,includingtheformationofandparticipationinlaborunions,toimprove
servicestoclientsandworkingconditions.
(b)Theactionsofsocialworkerswhoareinvolvedinlabormanagementdisputes,jobactions,orlaborstrikesshouldbe
guidedbytheprofessionsvalues,ethicalprinciples,andethicalstandards.Reasonabledifferencesofopinionexistamong
socialworkersconcerningtheirprimaryobligationasprofessionalsduringanactualorthreatenedlaborstrikeorjobaction.
Socialworkersshouldcarefullyexaminerelevantissuesandtheirpossibleimpactonclientsbeforedecidingonacourseof
action.

4.SOCIALWORKERSETHICALRESPONSIBILITIESASPROFESSIONALS
4.01Competence
(a)Socialworkersshouldacceptresponsibilityoremploymentonlyonthebasisofexistingcompetenceortheintentionto
acquirethenecessarycompetence.
(b)Socialworkersshouldstrivetobecomeandremainproficientinprofessionalpracticeandtheperformanceofprofessional
functions.Socialworkersshouldcriticallyexamineandkeepcurrentwithemergingknowledgerelevanttosocialwork.Social
workersshouldroutinelyreviewtheprofessionalliteratureandparticipateincontinuingeducationrelevanttosocialwork
practiceandsocialworkethics.
(c)Socialworkersshouldbasepracticeonrecognizedknowledge,includingempiricallybasedknowledge,relevanttosocial
workandsocialworkethics.

4.02Discrimination
Socialworkersshouldnotpractice,condone,facilitate,orcollaboratewithanyformofdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,
ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,age,maritalstatus,politicalbelief,
religion,immigrationstatus,ormentalorphysicaldisability.

4.03PrivateConduct
Socialworkersshouldnotpermittheirprivateconducttointerferewiththeirabilitytofulfilltheirprofessionalresponsibilities.

4.04Dishonesty,Fraud,andDeception
Socialworkersshouldnotparticipatein,condone,orbeassociatedwithdishonesty,fraud,ordeception.

4.05Impairment
(a)Socialworkersshouldnotallowtheirownpersonalproblems,psychosocialdistress,legalproblems,substanceabuse,or
mentalhealthdifficultiestointerferewiththeirprofessionaljudgmentandperformanceortojeopardizethebestinterestsof
peopleforwhomtheyhaveaprofessionalresponsibility.
(b)Socialworkerswhosepersonalproblems,psychosocialdistress,legalproblems,substanceabuse,ormentalhealth
difficultiesinterferewiththeirprofessionaljudgmentandperformanceshouldimmediatelyseekconsultationandtake
appropriateremedialactionbyseekingprofessionalhelp,makingadjustmentsinworkload,terminatingpractice,ortakingany
otherstepsnecessarytoprotectclientsandothers.

4.06Misrepresentation
(a)Socialworkersshouldmakecleardistinctionsbetweenstatementsmadeandactionsengagedinasaprivateindividual
andasarepresentativeofthesocialworkprofession,aprofessionalsocialworkorganization,orthesocialworkers
employingagency.
(b)Socialworkerswhospeakonbehalfofprofessionalsocialworkorganizationsshouldaccuratelyrepresenttheofficialand
authorizedpositionsoftheorganizations.
(c)Socialworkersshouldensurethattheirrepresentationstoclients,agencies,andthepublicofprofessionalqualifications,
credentials,education,competence,affiliations,servicesprovided,orresultstobeachievedareaccurate.Socialworkers
shouldclaimonlythoserelevantprofessionalcredentialstheyactuallypossessandtakestepstocorrectanyinaccuraciesor
misrepresentationsoftheircredentialsbyothers.

4.07Solicitations
(a)Socialworkersshouldnotengageinuninvitedsolicitationofpotentialclientswho,becauseoftheircircumstances,are
vulnerabletoundueinfluence,manipulation,orcoercion.
(b)Socialworkersshouldnotengageinsolicitationoftestimonialendorsements(includingsolicitationofconsenttousea
clientspriorstatementasatestimonialendorsement)fromcurrentclientsorfromotherpeoplewho,becauseoftheir
particularcircumstances,arevulnerabletoundueinfluence.

4.08AcknowledgingCredit
(a)Socialworkersshouldtakeresponsibilityandcredit,includingauthorshipcredit,onlyforworktheyhaveactually
performedandtowhichtheyhavecontributed.
(b)Socialworkersshouldhonestlyacknowledgetheworkofandthecontributionsmadebyothers.

5.SOCIALWORKERSETHICALRESPONSIBILITIESTOTHESOCIALWORKPROFESSION
5.01IntegrityoftheProfession
(a)Socialworkersshouldworktowardthemaintenanceandpromotionofhighstandardsofpractice.
(b)Socialworkersshouldupholdandadvancethevalues,ethics,knowledge,andmissionoftheprofession.Socialworkers

shouldprotect,enhance,andimprovetheintegrityoftheprofessionthroughappropriatestudyandresearch,active
discussion,andresponsiblecriticismoftheprofession.
(c)Socialworkersshouldcontributetimeandprofessionalexpertisetoactivitiesthatpromoterespectforthevalue,integrity,
andcompetenceofthesocialworkprofession.Theseactivitiesmayincludeteaching,research,consultation,service,
legislativetestimony,presentationsinthecommunity,andparticipationintheirprofessionalorganizations.
(d)Socialworkersshouldcontributetotheknowledgebaseofsocialworkandsharewithcolleaguestheirknowledgerelated
topractice,research,andethics.Socialworkersshouldseektocontributetotheprofessionsliteratureandtosharetheir
knowledgeatprofessionalmeetingsandconferences.
(e)Socialworkersshouldacttopreventtheunauthorizedandunqualifiedpracticeofsocialwork.

5.02EvaluationandResearch
(a)Socialworkersshouldmonitorandevaluatepolicies,theimplementationofprograms,andpracticeinterventions.
(b)Socialworkersshouldpromoteandfacilitateevaluationandresearchtocontributetothedevelopmentofknowledge.
(c)Socialworkersshouldcriticallyexamineandkeepcurrentwithemergingknowledgerelevanttosocialworkandfullyuse
evaluationandresearchevidenceintheirprofessionalpractice.
(d)Socialworkersengagedinevaluationorresearchshouldcarefullyconsiderpossibleconsequencesandshouldfollow
guidelinesdevelopedfortheprotectionofevaluationandresearchparticipants.Appropriateinstitutionalreviewboards
shouldbeconsulted.
(e)Socialworkersengagedinevaluationorresearchshouldobtainvoluntaryandwritteninformedconsentfromparticipants,
whenappropriate,withoutanyimpliedoractualdeprivationorpenaltyforrefusaltoparticipatewithoutundueinducementto
participateandwithdueregardforparticipantswellbeing,privacy,anddignity.Informedconsentshouldincludeinformation
aboutthenature,extent,anddurationoftheparticipationrequestedanddisclosureoftherisksandbenefitsofparticipationin
theresearch.
(f)Whenevaluationorresearchparticipantsareincapableofgivinginformedconsent,socialworkersshouldprovidean
appropriateexplanationtotheparticipants,obtaintheparticipantsassenttotheextenttheyareable,andobtainwritten
consentfromanappropriateproxy.
(g)Socialworkersshouldneverdesignorconductevaluationorresearchthatdoesnotuseconsentprocedures,suchas
certainformsofnaturalisticobservationandarchivalresearch,unlessrigorousandresponsiblereviewoftheresearchhas
foundittobejustifiedbecauseofitsprospectivescientific,educational,orappliedvalueandunlessequallyeffective
alternativeproceduresthatdonotinvolvewaiverofconsentarenotfeasible.
(h)Socialworkersshouldinformparticipantsoftheirrighttowithdrawfromevaluationandresearchatanytimewithout
penalty.
(i)Socialworkersshouldtakeappropriatestepstoensurethatparticipantsinevaluationandresearchhaveaccessto
appropriatesupportiveservices.
(j)Socialworkersengagedinevaluationorresearchshouldprotectparticipantsfromunwarrantedphysicalormentaldistress,
harm,danger,ordeprivation.
(k)Socialworkersengagedintheevaluationofservicesshoulddiscusscollectedinformationonlyforprofessionalpurposes
andonlywithpeopleprofessionallyconcernedwiththisinformation.
(l)Socialworkersengagedinevaluationorresearchshouldensuretheanonymityorconfidentialityofparticipantsandofthe
dataobtainedfromthem.Socialworkersshouldinformparticipantsofanylimitsofconfidentiality,themeasuresthatwillbe
takentoensureconfidentiality,andwhenanyrecordscontainingresearchdatawillbedestroyed.
(m)Socialworkerswhoreportevaluationandresearchresultsshouldprotectparticipantsconfidentialitybyomitting
identifyinginformationunlessproperconsenthasbeenobtainedauthorizingdisclosure.
(n)Socialworkersshouldreportevaluationandresearchfindingsaccurately.Theyshouldnotfabricateorfalsifyresultsand
shouldtakestepstocorrectanyerrorslaterfoundinpublisheddatausingstandardpublicationmethods.
(o)Socialworkersengagedinevaluationorresearchshouldbealerttoandavoidconflictsofinterestanddualrelationships

withparticipants,shouldinformparticipantswhenarealorpotentialconflictofinterestarises,andshouldtakestepstoresolve
theissueinamannerthatmakesparticipantsinterestsprimary.
(p)Socialworkersshouldeducatethemselves,theirstudents,andtheircolleaguesaboutresponsibleresearchpractices.

6.SOCIALWORKERSETHICALRESPONSIBILITIESTOTHEBROADERSOCIETY
6.01SocialWelfare
Socialworkersshouldpromotethegeneralwelfareofsociety,fromlocaltogloballevels,andthedevelopmentofpeople,their
communities,andtheirenvironments.Socialworkersshouldadvocateforlivingconditionsconducivetothefulfillmentofbasic
humanneedsandshouldpromotesocial,economic,political,andculturalvaluesandinstitutionsthatarecompatiblewiththe
realizationofsocialjustice.

6.02PublicParticipation
Socialworkersshouldfacilitateinformedparticipationbythepublicinshapingsocialpoliciesandinstitutions.

6.03PublicEmergencies
Socialworkersshouldprovideappropriateprofessionalservicesinpublicemergenciestothegreatestextentpossible.

6.04SocialandPoliticalAction
(a)Socialworkersshouldengageinsocialandpoliticalactionthatseekstoensurethatallpeoplehaveequalaccesstothe
resources,employment,services,andopportunitiestheyrequiretomeettheirbasichumanneedsandtodevelopfully.Social
workersshouldbeawareoftheimpactofthepoliticalarenaonpracticeandshouldadvocateforchangesinpolicyand
legislationtoimprovesocialconditionsinordertomeetbasichumanneedsandpromotesocialjustice.
(b)Socialworkersshouldacttoexpandchoiceandopportunityforallpeople,withspecialregardforvulnerable,
disadvantaged,oppressed,andexploitedpeopleandgroups.
(c)SocialworkersshouldpromoteconditionsthatencouragerespectforculturalandsocialdiversitywithintheUnitedStates
andglobally.Socialworkersshouldpromotepoliciesandpracticesthatdemonstraterespectfordifference,supportthe
expansionofculturalknowledgeandresources,advocateforprogramsandinstitutionsthatdemonstrateculturalcompetence,
andpromotepoliciesthatsafeguardtherightsofandconfirmequityandsocialjusticeforallpeople.
(d)Socialworkersshouldacttopreventandeliminatedominationof,exploitationof,anddiscriminationagainstanyperson,
group,orclassonthebasisofrace,ethnicity,nationalorigin,color,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,age,
maritalstatus,politicalbelief,religion,immigrationstatus,ormentalorphysicaldisability.

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2015NationalAssociationofSocialWorkers.AllRightsReserved.

3/2/2015