Ethics and social work practice

Social work is a values-based profession; as such, social workers are expected to adhere to professional ethical standards, which include a specific commitment to the “vulnerable and oppressed.”

Ethics represent an integral part of competent social work practice, and entering this profession means that you agree to uphold and abide by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. The NASW Code of Ethics is founded upon six core values from which the ethical standards are framed. The code outlines the ethical responsibilities social workers apply to 1) clients, 2) colleagues, 3) in practice settings, 4) as professionals, 5) to the social work profession, and 6) to the broader society.

This week, you examine the NASW Code of Ethics and apply an ethical decision-making framework to a specific dilemma.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Evaluate ethical dilemmas in social work using an ethical decision-making framework
• Analyze influence of professional social work standards on ethical decision making
• Apply social work concepts to social work practice scenarios