The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of rules that professional social workers agree to follow in their work. It is designed to protect the rights of clients and to ensure that social workers provide high-quality, ethical services. It is relevant to all social workers and social work students regardless of their specific functions or settings.
The Code of Ethics covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Confidentiality: Social workers must keep information about their clients confidential.
- Conflicts of interest: Social workers must avoid situations where their personal interests could conflict with the interests of their clients.
- Sexual relationships with clients: Social workers are prohibited from having sexual relationships with their clients.
- Improper use of influence: Social workers must not use their position to exploit or abuse their clients.
- Competence: Social workers must only provide services that they are qualified to provide.
- Integrity: Social workers must be honest and trustworthy in their professional dealings.
The Code of Ethics is important because it helps to ensure that social workers provide high-quality services and protect the rights of their clients. If you are a client of a social worker, you can be confident that they are following the Code of Ethics and that your rights are being protected.
Read the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
