CASW Code of Ethics

advocate

championing the rights of individuals or communities

capacity

ability to understand information and consequences of a decision; decision-specific and can change

conflict of interest

situation where a personal/professional interest may influence professional responsibilities

confidentiality

professionally acquired information is kept private

competence

demonstrated ability to perform a professional act

cultural humility

other-oriented practice of working with clients with humility

discrimination

unjust treament based on membership in a social group

electronic social work services

use of computers/techology to provide services, communicate, and manage records

equity deserving group

groups facing systematic barriers to resources/opportunities

human rights

rights to equality, dignity, respect, and freedom from discrimination

informed consent

consent given after adequate explnation of nature, outcome, risks, and alternatives

intersetionality

how occupying multiple social categories result in inequality/discrimination

involuntary service users

people whose involvement is mandated by law (ie. child protection, court orders)

professional boundaries

guidelines setting limits for safe, effective behaviour

reconciliationn

process of repairing relationships beween Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, requiring concrete actions

resilience

ability to recover from misfortune or change

self-determination

right to self-direction and freedom of choice

service user(s)

anyone who acceses or receives social work services

social worker

a pearson registered to practice social work or with recognized social work educations

social justice

belief in equal rights and opportunities, acknowledging historical inequalities must be addressed

systematic racism

social structures that produce inequalities based on race

trauma-informed practice

a strengths-based framework responsive to the impact of trauma, emphasizing safety and empowerment