The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for the Adjudication of Grievances.

The Code offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide decision
Code of Ethics making and conduct when ethical issues arise. It does not provide a set of rules
that prescribe how social workers should act in all situations. Specific
applications of the Code must take into account the context in which it is being
Preamble considered and the possibility of conflicts among the Code’s values, principles,
and standards. Ethical responsibilities flow from all human relationships, from
The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well the personal and familial to the social and professional.
being and help meet basic human needs of all people, with particular attention
to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and Further, the NASW Code of Ethics does not specify which values, principles, and
living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the standards are most important and ought to outweigh others in instances when
profession’s focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well they conflict. Reasonable differences of opinion can and do exist among social
being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental workers with respect to the ways in which values, ethical principles, and ethical
forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living. standards should be rank ordered when they conflict. Ethical decision making in
Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of a given situation must apply the informed judgment of the individual social
clients. “Clients” is used inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups, worker and should also consider how the issues would be judged in a peer
organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and review process where the ethical standards of the profession would be applied.
ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other
forms of social injustice. These activities may be in the form of direct practice, Ethical decision making is a process. There are many instances in social work
community organizing, supervision, consultation, administration, advocacy, where simple answers are not available to resolve complex ethical issues. Social
social and political action, policy development and implementation, education, workers should take into consideration all the values, principles, and standards
and research and evaluation. Social workers seek to enhance the capacity of in this Code that are relevant to any situation in which ethical judgment is
people to address their own needs. Social workers also seek to promote the warranted. Social workers’ decisions and actions should be consistent with the
responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions to spirit as well as the letter of this Code.
individual’s needs and social problems.
In addition to this Code, there are many other sources of information about
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These ethical thinking that may be useful. Social workers should consider ethical
core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession's history, are theory and principles generally, social work theory and research, laws,
the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective. regulations, agency policies, and other relevant codes of ethics, recognizing that
among codes of ethics social workers should consider the NASW Code of Ethics
ξ Service as their primary source. Social workers also should be aware of the impact on
ξ Social justice ethical decision making of their clients’ and their own personal values and
ξ Dignity and worth of the person cultural and religious beliefs and practices. They should be aware of any
ξ Importance of human relationships conflicts between personal and professional values and deal with them
ξ Integrity responsibility.
ξ Competence
For additional guidance social workers should consult the relevant literature on
This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social work professional ethics and ethical decision making and seek appropriate
profession. Core values, and the principles that flow from them, must be consultation when faced with ethical dilemmas. This may involve consultation
balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience. with an agency-based or social work organization’s ethics committee, a
Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics regulatory body, knowledgeable colleagues, supervisors, or legal counsel.
Professional ethics are at the core of social work. The profession has an
obligation to articulate its basic values, ethical principles, and ethical Instances may arise when social worker’s ethical obligations conflict with
standards. The NASW Code of Ethics sets forth these values, principles, and agency policies or relevant laws or regulations. When such conflicts occur,
standards to guide social workers’ conduct. The Code is relevant to all social social workers must make a responsible effort to resolve the conflict in a manner
workers and social work students, regardless of their professional functions, that is consistent with the values, principles, and standards expressed in this
the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve. Code. If a reasonable resolution of the conflict does not appear possible, social
workers should seek proper consultation before making a decision.
The NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes:
1. The Code identifies core values on which social work’s mission is The NASW Code of Ethics is to be used by NASW and by individuals,
based. organizations, and bodies (such as licensing and regulatory boards, professional
liability insurance providers, courts of law, agency boards of directors,
2. The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the
profession’s core values and establishes a set of specific ethical government agencies, and other professional groups) that choose to adopt it or
standards that should be used to guide social work practice. use it as a frame of reference. Violation of standards in this Code does not
automatically imply legal liability or violation of the law. Such determination
3. The Code is designed to help social workers identify relevant
considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical can only be made in the context of legal and judicial proceedings. Alleged
uncertainties arise. violations of the Code would be subject to a peer review process. Such
4. The Code provides ethical standards to which the general processes are generally separate from legal or administrative procedures and
public can hold the social work profession accountable. insulated from legal review or proceedings to allow the profession to counsel
5. The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social and discipline its own members.
work’s mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical
A code of ethics cannot guarantee ethical behavior. Moreover, a code of ethics
standards.
cannot resolve all ethical issues or disputes or capture the richness and
6. The Code articulates standards that the social work professional
complexity involved in striving to make responsible choices within a moral
itself can use to assess whether social workers have engaged in
community. Rather, a code of ethics sets forth values, ethical principles, and
unethical conduct. NASW has formal procedures to adjudicate ethics
ethical standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be
complaints filed against its members1. In subscribing to this Code, judged. Social workers’ ethical behavior should result from their personal
social workers are required to cooperate in its commitment to engage in ethical practice. The NASW Code of Ethics reflects the
implementation, participate in NASW adjudicationproceedings, commitment of all social workers to uphold the profession’s values and to act
and abide by any NASW disciplinary rulings for sanctions based on it. ethically. Principles and standards must be applied by individuals of good
character who discern moral questions and, in good faith, seek to make reliable
ethical judgments.
1
For information on NASW adjudication procedures, see NASW Procedures
 The following broad ethical principles are based on social work’s core values of
Ethical Principles service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human

1
relationships, integrity, and competence. These principles set forth ideals to
which all social workers should aspire. 1. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO
CLIENTS
Value: Service
Ethical Principle: Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to 1.01 Commitment to Clients
address social problems. Social workers elevate service to others above self Social workers’ primary responsibility is to promote the well-being
interest. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help of clients. In general, clients’ interests are primary. However, social
people in need and to address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to workers’ responsibility to the larger society or specific legal
volunteer some portion of their professional skills with no expectation of obligations may on limited occasions supersede the loyalty owed
significant financial return (pro bono service). clients, and clients should be so advised. (Examples include when a
social worker is required by law to report that a client has abused a
Value: Social Justice child or has threatened to harm self or others.)
Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice. Social workers
pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and 1.02 Self-Determination
oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers’ social change Social workers respect and promote the right of clients to self
efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify
discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These activities seek to their goals. Social workers may limit clients’ right to self
promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and cultural and ethnic determination when, in the social workers’ professional judgment,
diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, clients’ actions or potential actions pose a serious, foreseeable, and
and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision imminent risk to themselves or others.
making for all people.
1.03 Informed Consent
Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person (a) Social workers should provide services to clients only in the
Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the context of a professional relationship based, when
person. Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, appropriate, on valid informed consent. Social workers should use
mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social clear and understandable language to inform clients of the purpose
workers promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination. Social workers of the services, risks related to the services, limits to services
seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and to address their because of the requirements of a third-party payer, relevant costs,
own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients’ reasonable alternatives, clients’ right to refuse or withdraw
interests and the broader society’s interests in a socially responsible manner consent, and the time frame covered by the consent. Social
consistent with the values, ethical principles, and ethical standards of the workers should provide clients with an opportunity to ask
profession. questions.

Value: Importance of Human Relationships (b) In instances when clients are not literate or have difficulty
Ethical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of human understanding the primary language used in the practice setting,
relationships. Social workers understand that relationships between and among social workers should take steps to ensure clients’ comprehension.
people are an important vehicle for change. Social workers engage people as This may include providing clients with a detailed verbal
partners in the helping process. Social workers seek to strengthen relationships explanation or arranging for a qualified interpreter or translator
among people in a purposeful effort to promote, restore, maintain, and enhance whenever possible.
the well-being of individuals, families, social groups, organizations, and
communities. (c) In instances when clients lack the capacity to provide informed
consent, social workers should protect clients’ interests by
Value: Integrity seeking permission from an appropriate third party, informing
Ethical Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. Social clients consistent with the clients’ level of understanding. In such
workers are continually aware of the profession’s mission, values, ethical instances social workers should seek to ensure that the third party
principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them. acts in a manner consistent with clients’ wishes and interests.
Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the Social workers should take reasonable steps to enhance such
part of the organizations with which they are affiliated. clients’ ability to give informed consent.

Value: Competence (d) In instances when clients are receiving services involuntarily,
Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and social workers should provide information about the nature and
develop and enhance their professional expertise. .Social workers continually extent of services and about the extent of clients’ right to refuse
strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and to apply them in service.
practice. Social workers should aspire to contribute to the knowledge base of
the profession. (e) Social workers who provide services via electronic media (such as
computer, telephone, radio, television) should inform recipients of
Ethical Standards the limitations and risks associated with such services.
The following ethical standards are relevant to the professional activities of all
social workers. These standards concern (1) social workers’ ethical (f) Social workers should obtain clients’ informed consent before
responsibilities to clients, (2) social workers’ ethical responsibilities to audiotaping or videotaping clients or permitting observation of
colleagues, (3) social workers’ ethical responsibilities in practice settings, (4) services to clients by a third party.
social workers’ ethical responsibilities as professionals, (5) social workers’
ethical responsibilities to the social work profession, and (6) social workers’ 1.04 Competence
ethical responsibilities to the broader society. Some of the standards that follow (a) Social workers should provide services and represent themselves
are enforceable guidelines for professional conduct, and some are aspirational. as competent only within the boundaries of their education,
The extent to which each standard is enforceable is a matter of professional training, license, certification, consultation received, supervised
judgment to be exercised by those responsible for reviewing alleged violations experience, or other relevant professional experience.
of ethical standards.
(b) Social workers should provide services in substantive areas or use
 intervention techniques or approaches that are new to them only careful judgment and take responsible steps (including appropriate
after engaging in appropriate study, training, consultation, and education, research, training, consultation, and supervision) to
supervision from people who are competent in those interventions ensure the competence of their work and to protect clients from
or techniques. harm.

(c) When generally recognized standards do not exist with respect to 1.05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity
an emerging area of practice, social workers should exercise

2
(a) Social workers should understand culture and its function in authorized to consent on behalf of a client.
human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that
exist in all cultures. (c) Social workers should protect the confidentiality of all
information obtained in the course of professional service,
(b) Social workers should have a knowledge base of their clients’ except for compelling professional reasons. The general
cultures and be able to demonstrate competence in the expectation that social workers will keep information
provision of services that are sensitive to clients’ cultures and confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to
to differences among people and cultural groups. prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or
other identifiable person or when laws or regulations require
(c) Social workers should obtain education about and seek to disclosure without a client’s consent. In all instances, social
understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with workers should disclose the least amount of confidential
respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual information necessary to achieve the desired purpose; only
orientation, age, marital status, political belief, religion, and information that is directly relevant to the purpose for which
mental or physical disability. the disclosure is made should be revealed.

1.06 Conflicts of Interest (d) Social workers should inform clients, to the extent possible,
(a) Social workers should be alert to and avoid conflicts of interest about the disclosure of confidential information and the potential
that interfere with the exercise of professional discretion and consequences, when feasible before the disclosure is made. This
impartial judgment. Social workers should inform clients when real applies whether social workers disclose
or potential conflict of interest arises and take reasonable steps to confidential information on the basis of a legal requirement or
resolve the issue in a manner that makes the clients’ client consent.
interests primary and protects clients’ interests to the greatest
extent possible. In some cases, protecting clients’ interests may (e) Social workers should discuss with clients and other interested
require termination of the professional relationship with proper parties the nature of confidentiality and limitations of clients’
referral of the client. right to confidentiality. Social workers should review with
clients circumstances where confidential information may be
(b) Social workers should not take unfair advantage of any requested and where disclosure of confidential information may
professional relationship or exploit others to further their be legally required. This discussion should occur as soon as
personal, religious, political, or business interests. possible in the social worker-client relationship and as needed
throughout the course of the relationship.
(c) Social workers should not engage in dual or multiple
relationships with clients or former clients in which there is a (f) When social workers provide counseling services to families,
risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client. In instances couples, or groups, social workers should seek agreement
when dual or multiple relationships are unavoidable, social among the parties involved concerning each individual’s right
workers should take steps to protect clients and are responsible to confidentiality and obligation to preserve the confidentiality
for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive of information shared by others. Social workers should inform
boundaries. (Dual or multiple relationships occur when social participants in family, couples, or group counseling that social
workers relate to clients in more than one relationship, whether workers cannot guarantee that all participants will honor such
professional, social, or business. Dual or multiple relationships agreements.
can occur simultaneously or consecutively).
(g) Social workers should inform clients involved in family, couples,
(d) When social workers provide services to two or more people marital, or group counseling of the social worker’s, employer’s,
who have a relationship with each other (for example, couples, and agency’s policy concerning the social worker’s disclosure
family members), social workers should clarify with all parties of confidential information among the parties involved in the
which individuals will be considered clients and the nature of social counseling.
workers’ professional obligations to the various
individuals who are receiving services. Social workers who (h) Social worker should not disclose confidential information to
anticipate a conflict of interest among the individuals receiving third-party payers unless clients have authorized such
services or who anticipate having to perform in potentially disclosure.
conflicting roles (for example, when a social worker is asked to
testify in a child custody dispute or divorce proceedings (i) Social workers should not discuss confidential information in
involving clients) should clarify their role with the parties any setting unless privacy can be ensured. Social workers
involved and take appropriate action to minimize any conflict should not discuss confidential information in public or
of interest. semipublic areas such as hallways, waiting rooms, elevators,
and restaurants.
1.07 Privacy and Confidentiality
(a) Social workers should respect clients’ right to privacy. Social (j) Social workers should protect the confidentiality of clients during
workers should not solicit private information from clients legal proceedings to the extent permitted by law. When a court
unless it is essential to providing services or conducting social of law or other legally authorized body orders social workers to
work evaluation or research. Once private information is disclose confidential or privileged information without a
shared, standards of confidentiality apply. client’s consent and such disclosure could cause harm to the
client, social workers should request that the court withdraw the
(b) Social workers may disclose confidential information when order or limit the order as narrowly as possible or maintain the
appropriate with valid consent from a client or a person legally records under seal, unavailable for public inspection.
 the confidentiality of information transmitted to other parties
(k) Social workers should protect the confidentiality of clients through the use of computers, electronic mail, facsimile machines,
when responding to requests from members of the media. telephones and telephone answering machines, and other electronic
or computer technology. Disclosure of identifying information
(l) Social workers should protect the confidentiality of clients’ should be avoided whenever possible.
written and electronic records and other sensitive information.
Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that (n) Social workers should transfer or dispose of clients’ records in a
clients’ records are stored in a secure location and that clients’ manner that protects clients’ confidentiality and is consistent
records are not available to others who are not authorized to with state statues governing records and social work licensure.
have access.

(m) Social workers should take precautions to ensure and maintain

3
workers—not their clients—who assume the full burden of
(o) Social work should take reasonable precautions to protect client demonstrating that the former client has not been exploited,
confidentiality in the event of the social worker’s termination of coerced, or manipulated, intentionally or unintentionally.
practice, incapacitation, or death.
(d) Social workers should not provide clinical services to
(p) Social workers should not disclose identifying information when individuals with whom they have had a prior sexual
discussing clients for teaching or training purposes unless the client relationship. Providing clinical services to a former sexual
has consented to disclosure of confidential partner has the potential to be harmful to the individual and is
information. likely to make it difficult for the social worker and individual to
maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
(q) Social workers should not disclose identifying information when
discussing clients with consultants unless the client has 1.10 Physical Contact
consented to disclosure of confidential information or there is a Social workers should not engage in physical contact with
compelling need for such disclosure. clients when there is a possibility of psychological harm to
the client as a result of the contact (such as cradling or
(r) Social workers should protect the confidentiality of deceased caressing clients.) Social workers who engage in appropriate
clients consistent with the preceding standards. physical contact with clients are responsible for setting clear,
appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern
1.08 Access to Records such physical contact.
(a) Social workers should provide clients with reasonable access to
records concerning the clients. Social workers who are 1.11 Sexual Harassment
concerned that clients’ access to their records could cause Social workers should not sexually harass clients. Sexual
serious misunderstanding or harm to the client should provide harassment includes sexual advances, sexual solicitation,
assistance in interpreting the records and consultation with the requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical
client regarding the records. Social workers should limit conduct of a sexual nature.
clients’ access to their records, or portions of their records, only
in exceptional circumstances when there is compelling 1.12 Derogatory Language
evidence that such access would cause serious harm to the Social workers should not use derogatory language in their
client. Both clients’ requests and the rationale for withholding written or verbal communications to or about clients. Social
some or all of the record should be documented in clients’ files. workers should use accurate and respectful language in all
communications to and about clients.
(b) When providing clients with access to their records, social
workers should take steps to protect the confidentiality of other 1.13 Payment for Services
individuals identified or discussed in such records. (a) When setting fees, social workers should ensure that the fees
are fair, reasonable, and commensurate with the service
1.09 Sexual Relationships performed. Consideration should be given to clients’ ability to
(a) Social workers should under no circumstances engage in sexual pay.
activities or sexual contact with current clients, whether such
contact is consensual or forced. (b) Social workers should avoid accepting goods or services from
clients as payment for professional services. Bartering
(b) Social workers should not engage in sexual activities or sexual arrangements, particularly involving services, create the
contact with clients’ relatives or other individuals with whom potential for conflicts of interest, exploitation, and
clients maintain a close personal relationship when there is a inappropriate boundaries in social workers’ relationships with
risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client. Sexual clients. Social workers should explore and may participate in
activity or sexual contact with clients’ relatives or other bartering only in very limited circumstances when it can be
individuals with whom clients maintain a personal relationship demonstrated that such arrangements are an accepted practice
has the potential to be harmful to the client and may make it among professionals in the local community, considered to be
difficult for the social worker and client to maintain appropriate essential for the provision of services, negotiated without
professional boundaries. Social workers—not their clients, coercion, and entered into at the client’s initiative and with the
their clients’ relatives, or other individuals with whom the client’s informed consent. Social workers who accept goods or
client maintains a personal relationship—assume the full services from clients as payment for professional services
burden for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive assume the full burden of demonstrating that this arrangement
boundaries. will not be detrimental to the client or the professional
relationship.
(c) Social workers should not engage in sexual activities or sexual
contact with former clients because of the potential for harm to (c) Social workers should not solicit a private fee or other
the client. If social workers engage in conduct contrary to this remuneration for providing services to clients who are entitled
prohibition or claim that an exception to this prohibition is to such available services through the social workers’ employer
warranted because of extraordinary circumstances, it is social
 or agency. relationships are no longer required or no longer serve the
clients’ needs or interests.
1.14 Clients Who Lack Decision-Making Capacity
When social workers act on behalf of clients who lack the (b) Social workers should take reasonable steps to avoid
capacity to make informed decisions, social workers should abandoning clients who are still in need of services. Social
take reasonable steps to safeguard the interests and rights of workers should withdraw services precipitously only under
those clients. unusual circumstances, giving careful consideration to all
factors in the situation and taking care to minimize possible
1.15 Interruption of Services adverse effects. Social workers should assist in making
Social workers should make reasonable efforts to ensure appropriate arrangements for continuation of services when
continuity of services in the event that services are necessary.
interrupted by factors such as unavailability, relocation,
illness, disability, or death. (c) Social workers in fee-for-service settings may terminate services
to clients who are not paying an overdue balance if the
1.16 Termination of Services financial contractual arrangements have been made clear to the
(a) Social workers should terminate services to clients and client, if the client does not pose an imminent danger to self or
professional relationships with them when such services and

4
others, and if the clinical and other consequences of the current social workers should pursue other avenues to address their
nonpayment have been addressed and discussed with the client. concerns consistent with client well-being.

(d) Social workers should not terminate services to pursue a social, 2.04 Disputes Involving Colleagues
financial, or sexual relationship with a client. (a) Social workers should not take advantage of a dispute between a
colleague and an employer to obtain a position or otherwise
(e) Social workers who anticipate the termination or interruption of advance the social workers’ own interests.
services to clients should notify clients promptly and seek the
transfer, referral, or continuation of services in relation to the (b) Social workers should not exploit clients in disputes with
clients’ needs and preferences. colleagues or engage clients in any inappropriate discussion of
conflicts between social workers and their colleagues.
(f) Social workers who are leaving an employment setting should
inform clients of appropriate options for the continuation of 2.05 Consultation
services and of the benefits and risks of the options. (a) Social workers should seek the advice and counsel of
colleagues whenever such consultation is in the best interests of
2. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBLITIES TO clients.
COLLEAGUES
(b) Social workers should keep themselves informed about
2.01 Respect colleagues’ areas of expertise and competencies. Social
(a) Social workers should treat colleagues with respect and should workers should seek consultation only from colleagues who
represent accurately and fairly the qualifications, views, and have demonstrated knowledge, expertise, and competence
obligations of colleagues. related to the subject of the consultation.

(b) Social workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of (c) When consulting with colleagues about clients, social workers
colleagues in communications with clients or with other should disclose the least amount of information necessary to
professionals. Unwarranted negative criticism may include achieve the purposes of the consultation.
demeaning comments that refer to colleagues’ level of
competence or to individuals’ attributes such as race, ethnicity, 2.06 Referral for Services
national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital (a) Social workers should refer clients to other professionals when
status, political belief, religion, and mental or physical the other professionals’ specialized knowledge or expertise is
disability. needed to service clients fully or when social workers believe
that they are not being effective or making reasonable progress
(c) Social workers should cooperate with social work colleagues and with clients and that additional service is required.
with colleagues of other professions when such cooperation
services the well-being of clients. (b) Social workers who refer clients to other professionals should
take appropriate steps to facilitate an orderly transfer of
2.02 Confidentiality responsibility. Social workers who refer clients to other
Social workers should respect confidential information shared by professionals should disclose, with clients’ consent, all
colleagues in the course of their professional relationships and pertinent information to the new service providers.
transactions. Social workers should ensure that such colleagues
understand social workers’ obligations to respect confidentiality and (c) Social workers are prohibited from giving or receiving payment
any exceptions related to it. for a referral when no professional service is provided by the
referring social worker.
2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration
(a) Social workers who are members of an interdisciplinary team 2.07 Sexual Relationships
should participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the (a) Social workers who function as supervisors or educators should
well-being of clients by drawing on the perspectives, values, and not engage in sexual activities or contact with supervisees,
experiences of the social work profession. Professional students, trainees, or other colleagues over whom they exercise
and ethical obligations of the interdisciplinary team as a whole professional authority.
and of its individual members should be clearly established.
(b) Social workers should avoid engaging in sexual relationships
(b) Social workers for whom a team decision raises ethical with colleagues when there is potential for a conflict of interest.
concerns should attempt to resolve the disagreement through Social workers who become involved in, or anticipate
appropriate channels. If the disagreement cannot be resolved, becoming involved in, a sexual relationship with a colleague
 have a duty to transfer professional responsibilities, when impairment should take action through appropriate channels
necessary, to avoid a conflict of interest. established by employers, agencies, NASW, licensing and
regulatory bodies, and other professional organizations.
2.08 Sexual Harassment
Social workers should not sexually harass supervisees, students, 2.10 Incompetence of Colleagues
trainees, or colleagues. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, (a) Social workers who have direct knowledge of a social work
sexual solicitation, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or colleague’s incompetence should consult with that colleague
physical conduct of a sexual nature. when feasible and assist the colleague in taking remedial
action.
2.09 Impairment of Colleagues
(a) Social workers who have direct knowledge of a social work (b) Social workers who believe that a social work colleague is
colleague’s impairment that is due to personal problems, incompetent and has not taken adequate steps to address the
psychosocial distress, substance abuse, or mental health incompetence should take action though appropriate channels
difficulties and that interferes with practice effectiveness should established by employers, agencies, NASW, licensing and
consult with that colleague when feasible and assist the regulatory bodies, and other professional organizations.
colleague in taking remedial action.
2.11 Unethical Conduct of Colleagues
(b) Social workers who believe that a social work colleague’s (a) Social workers should take adequate measures to discourage,
impairment interferes with practice effectiveness and that the prevent, expose, and correct the unethical conduct of
colleague has not taken adequate steps to address the colleagues.

5
(b) Social workers should be knowledgeable about established
policies and procedures for handling concerns about (b) Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for
colleagues’ unethical behavior. Social workers should be students should evaluate students’ performance in a manner
familiar with national, state, and local procedures for handling that is fair and respectful.
ethics complaints. These include policies and procedures
created by NASW, licensing and regulatory bodies, employers, (c) Social workers who function as educators or field instructors
agencies, and other professional organizations. for students should take reasonable steps to ensure clients are
routinely informed when services are being provided by
(c) Social workers who believe that a colleague has acted students.
unethically should seek resolution by discussing their concerns
with the colleague when feasible and when such discussion is (d) Social workers who function as educators or field instructors
likely to be productive. for students should not engage in any dual or multiple
relationships with students in which there is a risk of
(d) When necessary, social workers who believe that a colleague exploitation or potential harm to the student. Social work
has acted unethically should take action through appropriate educators and field instructors are responsible for setting clear,
formal channels (such as contacting a state licensing board or appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.
regulatory body, an NASW committee on inquiry, or other
professional ethics committees). 3.03 Performance Evaluation
Social workers who have responsibility for evaluating the
(e) Social workers should defend and assist colleagues who are performance of others should fulfill such responsibility in a fair and
unjustly charged with unethical conduct. considerate manner and on the basis of clearly stated criteria.
3.04 Client Records
3. SOCIAL WORKER’S ETHICAL RESPONSIBLITIES IN (a) Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that
PRACTICE SETTINGS documentation in records is accurate and reflects the services
provided.
3.01 Supervision and Consultation
(a) Social workers who provide supervision or consultation should (b) Social workers should include sufficient and timely
have the necessary knowledge and skill to supervise or consult documentation in records to facilitate the delivery of services
appropriately and should do so only within their areas of and to ensure continuity of services provided to clients in the
knowledge and competence. future.

(b) Social workers who provide supervision or consultation are (c) Social workers’ documentation should protect clients’ privacy to
responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally the extent that is possible and appropriate and should include only
sensitive boundaries. information that is directly relevant to the delivery of
services.
(c) Social workers should not engage in any dual or multiple
relationships with supervisees in which there is a risk of (d) Social workers should store records following the termination of
exploitation of or potential harm to the supervisee. services to ensure reasonable future access. Records should be
maintained for the number of years required by state statues or
(d) Social workers who provide supervision should evaluate relevant contracts.
supervisees’ performance in a manner that is fair and
respectful. 3.05 Billing
Social workers should establish and maintain billing practices that
3.02 Education and Training accurately reflect the nature and extent of services
(a) Social workers who function as educators, field instructors for provided and that identify who provided the service in the practice
students, or trainers should provide instruction only within their areas setting.
of knowledge and competence and should provide
instruction based on the most current information and 3.06 Client Transfer
knowledge available in the profession. (a) When an individual who is receiving services from another
agency or colleague contacts a social worker for services, the
 social worker should carefully consider the client’s needs available to provide appropriate staff supervision.
before agreeing to provide services. To minimize possible
confusion and conflict, social workers should discuss with (d) Social work administrators should take reasonable steps to ensure
potential clients the nature of the clients’ current relationship that the working environment for which they are responsible is
with other service providers and the implications, including consistent with and encourages compliance with the NASW Code of
possible benefits or risks, of entering into a relationship with a Ethics. Social work administrators should take reasonable steps to
new service provider. eliminate any conditions in their organizations that violate, interfere
with, or discourage compliance with the Code.
(b) If a new client has been served by another agency or colleague,
social workers should discuss with the client whether 3.08 Continuing Education and Staff Development
consultation with the previous service provider is in the client’s Social work administrators and supervisors should take reasonable
best interest. steps to provide or arrange for continuing education and staff
development for all staff for whom they are responsible. Continuing
3.07 Administration education and staff development should address current knowledge
(a) Social work administrators should advocate within and outside and emerging developments related to social work practice and
their agencies for adequate resources to meet clients’ needs. ethics.

(b) Social workers should advocate for resource allocation 3.09 Commitments to Employers
procedures that are open and fair. When not all clients’ needs can be (a) Social workers generally should adhere to commitments made to
met, an allocation procedure should be developed that is employers and employing organizations.
nondiscriminatory and based on appropriate and consistently applied
principles. (b) Social workers should work to improve employing agencies’
policies and procedures and the efficiency and effectiveness of
(c) Social workers who are administrators should take reasonable their service.
steps to ensure that adequate agency or organizational resources are

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(c) Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that only on the basis of existing competence or the intention to
employers are aware of social workers’ ethical obligations as acquire the necessary competence.
set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics and of the implications of
those obligations for social work practice. (b) Social workers should strive to become and remain proficient in
professional practice and the performance of professional
(d) Social workers should not allow an employing organization’s functions. Social workers should critically examine and keep
policies, procedures, regulations, or administrative orders to current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work.
interfere with their ethical practice of social work. Social Social workers should routinely review the professional
workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that their literature and participate in continuing education relevant to
employing organizations’ practices are consistent with the social work practice and social work ethics.
NASW Code of Ethics.
4.02 Discrimination
(e) Social workers should act to prevent and eliminate Social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate
discrimination in the employing organization’s work with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity,
assignments and in its employment policies and practices. national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status,
political belief, religion, or mental or physical disability.
(f) Social workers should accept employment or arrange student
field placements only in organizations that exercise fair 4.03 Private Conduct
personnel practices. Social workers should not permit their private conduct to interfere
with their ability to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
(g) Social workers should be diligent stewards of the resources of
their employing organizations, wisely conserving funds where 4.04 Dishonesty, Fraud, and Deception
appropriate and never misappropriating funds or using them for Social workers should not participate in, condone, or be
unintended purposes. associated with dishonesty, fraud, or deception.

3.10 Labor-Management Disputes 4.05 Impairment

(a) Social workers may engage in organized action, including the (a) Social workers should not allow their own personal problems,
formation of and participation in labor unions, to improve psychosocial distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or
services to clients and working conditions. mental health difficulties to interfere with their professional
judgment and performance or to jeopardize the best interests of
(b) The actions of social workers who are involved in labor people for whom they have a professional responsibility.
management disputes, job actions, or labor strikes should be
guided by the profession’s values, ethical principles, and ethical (b) Social workers whose personal problems, psychosocial distress,
standards. Reasonable differences of opinion exist among legal problems, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties
social workers concerning their primary obligation as interfere with their professional judgment and performance
professionals during an actual or threatened labor strike or job should immediately seek consultation and take appropriate
action. Social workers should carefully examine relevant issues remedial action by seeking professional help, making
and their possible impact on clients before deciding on a course adjustments in workload, terminating practice, or taking any
of action. other steps necessary to protect clients and others.

4. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS 4.06 Misrepresentation

PROFESSIONALS (a) Social workers should make clear distinctions between
statements made and actions engaged in as a private individual
4.01 Competence and as a representative of the social work profession, a
(a) Social workers should accept responsibility or employment professional social work organization, or the social workers’
 employing agency. the contributions made by others.

(b) Social workers who speak on behalf of professional social work 5. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBLITIES TO
organizations should accurately represent the official and THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION
authorized positions of the organizations.
5.01 Integrity of the Profession
(c) Social workers should ensure that their representations to (a) Social workers should work toward the maintenance and
clients, agencies, and the public of professional qualifications, promotion of high standards of practice.
credentials, education, competence, affiliations, services
provided, or results to be achieved are accurate. Social workers
should claim only those relevant professional credentials they (b) Social workers should uphold and advance the values, ethics,
actually possess and take steps to correct any inaccuracies or knowledge, and mission of the profession. Social workers
misrepresentations of their credentials by others. should protect, enhance, and improve the integrity of the
profession through appropriate study and research, active
4.07 Solicitations discussion, and responsible criticism of the profession.
(a) Social workers should not engage in uninvited solicitation of
potential clients who, because of their circumstances, are (c) Social workers should contribute time and professional
vulnerable to undue influence, manipulation, or coercion. expertise to activities that promote respect for the value,
integrity, and competence of the social work profession. These
(b) Social workers should not engage in solicitation of testimonial activities may include teaching, research, consultation, service,
endorsements (including solicitation of consent to use a client’s legislative testimony, presentations in the community, and
prior statement as a testimonial endorsement of their particular participation in their professional organizations.
circumstances, are vulnerable to undue influence.
(d) Social workers should contribute to the knowledge base of social
4.08 Acknowledging Credit work and share with colleagues their knowledge related to practice,
(a) Social workers should take responsibility and credit, including research, and ethics. Social workers should seek to contribute to the
authorship credit, only for work they have actually performed profession’s literature and to share their
and to which they have contributed. knowledge at professional meetings and conferences.

(b) Social workers should honestly acknowledge the work of and

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(e) Social workers should act to prevent the unauthorized and because of its prospective scientific, educational, or applied value
unqualified practice of social work. and unless equally effective alternative
procedures that do not involve waiver of consent are not
5.02 Evaluation and Research feasible.
(a) Social workers should monitor and evaluate policies, the
implementation of programs, and practice interventions. (h) Social workers should inform participants of their right to
withdraw from evaluation and research at any time without
(b) Social workers should promote and facilitate evaluation and penalty.
research to contribute to the development of knowledge.
(i) Social workers should take appropriate steps to ensure that
(c) Social workers should critically examine and keep current with participants in evaluation and research have access to
emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use appropriate supportive services.
evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice.
(j) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should protect
(d) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should participants from unwarranted physical or mental distress,
carefully consider possible consequences and should follow harm, danger, or deprivation.
guidelines developed for the protection of evaluation and
research participants. Appropriate institutional review boards (k) Social workers engaged in the evaluation of services should
should be consulted. discuss collected information only for professional purposes
and only with people professionally concerned with this
(e) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should obtain information.
voluntary and written informed consent from participants, when
appropriate, without any implied or actual deprivation or (l) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should ensure
penalty for refusal to participate; without undue inducement to the anonymity of confidentiality of participants and of the data
participate; and with due regard for participants’ well-being, obtained from them. Social workers should inform participants of
privacy, and dignity. Informed consent should include any limits of confidentiality, the measures that will be taken to
information about the nature, extent, and duration of the ensure confidentiality, and when any records containing
participation requested and disclosure of the risks and benefits research data will be destroyed.
of participation in the research.
(m) Social workers who report evaluation and research results
(f) When evaluation or research participants are incapable of should protect participants’ confidentiality by omitting
giving informed consent, social workers should provide an identifying information unless proper consent has been
appropriate explanation to the participants, obtain the obtained authorizing disclosure.
participants’ assent to the extent they are able, and obtain
written consent from an appropriate proxy. (n) Social workers should report evaluation and research findings
accurately. They should not fabricate or falsify results and
(g) Social workers should never design or conduct evaluation or should take steps to correct any errors later found in published
research that does not use consent procedures, such as certain forms data using standard publication methods.
of naturalistic observation and archival research, unless rigorous and
responsible review of the research has found it to be justified (o) Social workers engaged in evaluation or research should be
 alert to and avoid conflicts of interest and dual relationships (a) Social workers should engage in social and political action that
with participants, should inform participants when a real or seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the
potential conflict of interest arises, and should take steps to resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require
resolve the issue in a manner that makes participants’ interests to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully. Social
primary. workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on
practice and should advocate for changes in policy and
(p) Social workers should educate themselves, their students, and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic
their colleagues about responsible research practices. human needs and promote social justice.

6. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE (b) Social workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for
BROADER SOCIETY all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged,
oppressed, and exploited people and groups.
6.01 Social Welfare
Social workers should promote the general welfare of society, from (c) Social workers should promote conditions that encourage respect
local to global levels, and the development of people, their for cultural and social diversity within the United States and globally.
communities, and their environments. Social workers should Social workers should promote policies and
advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic practices that demonstrate respect for difference, support the
human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and expansion of cultural knowledge and resources, advocate for
cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the programs and institutions that demonstrate cultural competence,
realization of social justice. and promote policies that safeguard the rights of and confirm
equity and social justice for all people.
6.02 Public Participation
Social workers should facilitate informed participation by the public (d) Social workers should act to prevent and eliminate domination
in shaping social policies and institutions. of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person,
group, or class on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin,
6.03 Public Emergencies color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, political
Social workers should provide appropriate professional services in belief, religion, or mental or physical disability.
public emergencies to the greatest extent possible.

6.04 Social and Political Action