Question

Discuss the importance of ethics in social work

Answer 1



Importance of Ethics in Social Work

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November 17, 2015



Social Workers encounter complex situations on a daily basis that involve ethical and legal issues. The social work profession serves many populations on the micro, mezzo and macro levels, and whenever people are involved, ethical dilemmas are certain to arise. The NASW Code of Ethics is a guide to a social worker's professional conduct designed to protect the client. Understanding and implementing the principles behind the code of ethics is part of the coursework and internships to earn a Master of Social Work.

What is included in the code of ethics for social workers?

The National Association of Social Workers approved a formal code of ethics for social workers in 1960 with the latest revision in 2008. The code established a set of core values for the social work profession. The values included in the code of ethics are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.

The NASW Code of Ethics also includes ethical principles based on each of the core values. For example, with the code of ethics value of service, the ethical principle is "Social workers' primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems." The principles in the code of ethics give a broad basis for the ideals to which all social workers should aspire. These ethical standards apply to every aspect of a social worker's professional activity, including his or her ethical responsibilities to clients, to colleagues, to the social work profession and to the broader society.

How does the social work code of ethics apply in daily work situations?

The NASW Code of Ethics gives social work professionals a cornerstone for ethical dilemmas that arise on an everyday basis. Social workers need a strong foundation in the core values of their profession in order to make decisions about ethical issues with their clients and colleagues. The code of ethics also provides more specific guidelines to assist social workers in making ethical decisions in the treatment and service of their clients. Typical areas affected by the social work code of ethics might include client informed consent, client privacy in a group treatment setting, and the extent of confidentiality if a legal situation arises.


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