Social Work Principles and Practices

Social work professionals use a range of methods to help individuals, families, and communities. Examples include direct services, advocacy, policy development, and research.

Social workers believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities and treatment. They work to combat discrimination, oppression, and poverty by promoting social justice.

Respect for diversity and cultural differences is fundamental in social work. Social workers strive to understand and accommodate the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals and groups.

Social workers are committed to empowering clients and helping them develop the skills and resources to address their own needs and challenges.

Ethical decision-making is a complex process in social work. Considering various ethical principles and standards is essential for resolving challenging situations.

Social workers must be aware of their own personal values and biases, and they must consider the impact these have on their professional decisions and interactions with clients.

Social workers are committed to serving the needs of the community by working with organizations, communities, and social institutions to respond to social problems effectively.

The NASW Code of Ethics is a primary resource for social workers. It provides guidance on ethical principles, standards, and best practices to ensure ethical conduct in the profession.

The primary goal of social work is to improve the well-being of individuals and communities, with a focus on helping those who are disadvantaged.

Social work emphasizes individual well-being within a broader societal context.

Social workers recognize that environmental factors often contribute to problems people face. These factors can be social, economic, or political.

Social workers actively work for social justice and change by advocating for vulnerable groups and working to address systemic inequalities.

The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of considering conflicts among values, principles, and standards.

Social workers should be able to explain their ethical decision-making process based on the NASW Code of Ethics.

The core values that underpin social work's mission and guide ethical practice.

General ethical principles that reflect social work's core values and provide a framework for ethical decision-making.

Specific ethical standards that should guide social workers' conduct in their professional practice.

The NASW Code of Ethics helps social workers navigate complex situations where professional obligations conflict, or ethical uncertainties arise.

The NASW Code of Ethics is intended for all social workers, students, and organizations involved in social work practice.

The NASW Code of Ethics serves as a reference for various bodies, including licensing boards, insurance providers, and courts.

Violation of the NASW Code of Ethics might not necessarily result in legal action, but can lead to disciplinary action within the profession itself.

The NASW Code of Ethics is subject to peer review for alleged violations, providing a separate process for ethical accountability within the profession.

The idea that social workers should prioritize the needs of others above their own.

Social workers fight against unfairness and inequality in society.

Clients have the right to make their own choices and decisions about their lives.

Social workers can limit a client's self-determination if their actions pose a serious risk to themselves or others.

Social workers aim to provide professional services without expecting substantial financial compensation.

Social workers have a responsibility to report child abuse or imminent threats to themselves or others, even if it conflicts with client confidentiality.

Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people and address problems.

Social workers seek to improve society for the benefit of individuals and groups who are disadvantaged.

Social workers should not let their personal lives negatively impact their professional duties.

Social workers should act with honesty, integrity, and transparency. They should not engage in or condone deception or fraudulent activities.

Social workers must address and manage any personal issues, such as substance abuse or mental health difficulties, that could potentially compromise their professional abilities.

Social workers should actively prevent unqualified individuals from practicing social work.

Social workers are ethically obligated to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies, programs, and interventions in order to improve social work practice.

Social workers involved in evaluation or research must ensure accuracy and integrity. They should not fabricate or misrepresent data.

Social workers are encouraged to share their knowledge and expertise with colleagues through teaching, research, and other professional activities.

Social workers should strive to publish and disseminate their research accurately, and correct any errors in published data in line with standard publishing practices.

Social workers who provide education or field instruction to students must maintain clear boundaries to prevent exploitation or harm.

Supervisors and administrators are responsible for ensuring that social workers receive ongoing training and development related to practice and ethics.

Supervisors must use clear criteria and fairness when evaluating the performance of social workers.

Social workers should ensure that documentation in client records is accurate and reflects the provided services.

Social workers should be transparent with their employers about their ethical obligations and how these obligations impact their work.

Social workers should generally fulfill their commitments to their employers.

Social workers should actively contribute to improving the policies and procedures of their employing organizations.

Social workers must prioritize their ethical obligations over personal gain or the interests of their employers.