NASW Code of Ethics Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the core values, ethical principles, and professional responsibilities outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics.

Primary Mission of Social Work

To enhance human well-being and help meet basic needs, with a special focus on vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished individuals.

Dual Focus of Social Work

Concentrating on individual well-being within a social context as well as the overall well-being of society.

Service

The goal of helping people in need and addressing social problems.

Social Justice

The ethical principle of challenging social injustice on behalf of vulnerable populations.

Dignity and Worth of the Person

Respecting the inherent value of every individual while being mindful of individual differences and cultural diversity.

Importance of Human Relationships

Recognizing that relationships between and among people are important vehicles for change.

Integrity

Behaving in a trustworthy manner and acting consistently with the profession's mission and values.

Competence

Practicing within areas of expertise and continually striving to enhance professional knowledge and skills.

Self-Determination

Respecting and supporting clients in identifying and pursuing their own goals; can be limited only if actions present serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk.

Informed Consent

Providing clear, understandable information regarding service purpose, risks, costs, limitations, and the right to withdraw from services.

Cultural Humility

A practice involving critical self-reflection, lifelong learning, and acknowledging personal privilege while opposing oppression and racism.

Dual/Multiple Relationships

Occurs when social workers relate to clients in more than one relationship (professional, social, or business), risking exploitation or harm.

Privacy and Confidentiality (Harm Exception)

Disclosing confidential information without consent only when necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or others.

Physical/Sexual Boundaries

Strict prohibition on sexual activity or contact with current clients, their close relatives, or former clients.

Bartering

The exchange of services for goods or services; permitted only in rare, locally accepted, non-coercive circumstances.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Actively contributing social work perspectives (values, ethics, holistic view) to multi-disciplinary teams.

Direct Action (Unethical Colleagues)

The requirement to discuss impairment or unethical conduct directly with a colleague first, if feasible, before escalating to regulatory channels.

Ethical Priority (Administrative)

The principle that employer policies or orders should not override a social worker's obligations under the NASW Code of Ethics.

Evidence-Based Practice

Base practice on recognized, empirically based knowledge relevant to social work and ethics.

Social and Political Action

Engaging in advocacy to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for vulnerable, oppressed, and disadvantaged individuals.

Couples: Potential Outcomes

Must disclose both reconciliation and divorce/separation as possibilities

Terminating for Relationship

Unethical; cannot end therapy to pursue romance, friendship, or business

Suicidal Thoughts vs Confidentiality

Thoughts alone do not break confidentiality; requires imminent, serious risk

Domestic Violence Reporting

Not a mandatory report; maintain confidentiality for competent adults

HIV+ Duty to Warn

No duty to warn; maintain confidentiality and encourage self-disclosure

Lawyer Subpoena for Records

Contact client; assert/exert privilege if no consent is given

Lawsuit: Client vs Worker

Legal privilege is suspended/waived for defense

Supervisee Boundaries

Set explicit, orderly arrangements and clear professional boundaries

Reporting Unethical Colleagues

Address colleague first; Code does not specify which body to report to

Tarasoff Triggers

Not limited to client threats; includes credible family warnings and clinical judgment

NASW Sanctioned Agencies

Unethical to accept employment or place student interns there

Critiquing Social Work Profession

Permitted and encouraged to improve practice and address errors

Unavoidable Dual Boundaries

Social worker is always responsible for setting boundaries, never client

“No-Secrets” Policy Requirement

Best practice, but not an explicit COE mandate

Supervisor Liability

Responsible for supervisees’ professional actions and care quality

Elder Isolation Reporting

Reportable offense under adult protective/abuse statutes

Record Ownership

Therapist/agency owns records; clients have reasonable access right

Minor Records: Parental Access

Not absolute; depends on state consent laws and risk of harm

Tech/Remote Therapy Suitability

Must individually assess client capacity/suitability; not universal

Online Search Without Consent

Only permitted in emergencies to prevent imminent, serious harm

Client Friend Requests

Avoid accepting on personal accounts to prevent dual relationships

Colleague Criticism Online

Prohibited; avoid unwarranted negative criticism across all media