Canadian Association of Social Workers

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The CASW also has a set of Code of Ethics along with Guidelines for Ethical practice. The purpose of the codes are to set describe the values and principle to guide the professional practice. It encourages ethical behaviours for the professional to act in good faith while making sound judgements.

 

Many times, there may not be a clear black and white/ right or wrong approach. The guides provide tools to help prioritize situations that is free of personal conflict and maintains professional values.

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“Ethical Behaviour Requires Due Consideration of Issues and Judgement Social work is a multifaceted profession. As professionals, social workers are educated to exercise judgement in the face of complex and competing interests and claims. Ethical decision-making in a given situation will involve the informed judgement of the individual social worker. Instances may arise when social workers’ ethical obligations conflict with agency policies, or relevant laws or regulations. When such conflicts occur, social workers shall make a responsible effort to resolve the conflicts in a manner that is consistent with the values and principles expressed in this Code of Ethics. If a reasonable resolution of the conflict does not appear possible, social workers shall seek appropriate consultation before making a decision. This may involve consultation with an ethics committee, a regulatory body, a knowledgeable colleague, supervisor or legal counsel.

The social work profession is dedicated to the welfare and self-realization of all people; the development and disciplined use of scientific and professional knowledge; the development of resources and skills to meet individual, group, national and international changing needs and aspirations; and the achievement of social justice for all. The profession has a particular interest in the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and/or living in poverty. Social workers are committed to human rights as enshrined in Canadian law, as well as in international conventions on human rights created or supported by the United Nations. As professionals in a country that upholds respect for diversity, and in keeping with democratic rights and freedoms, social workers respect the distinct systems of beliefs and lifestyles of individuals, families, groups, communities and nations without prejudice (United Nations Centre for Human Rights, 1992). Specifically, social workers do not tolerate discrimination based on age, abilities, ethnic background, gender, language, marital status, national ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.”

The six core social work values and principles are similar to the OCSWSSW’s code of ethics.

 

Value 1: Respect for Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons

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Social work is founded on a long-standing commitment to respect the inherent dignity and individual worth of all persons. When required by law to override a client’s wishes, social workers take care to use the minimum coercion required. Social workers recognize and respect the diversity of Canadian society, taking into account the breadth of differences that exist among individuals, families, groups and communities. Social workers uphold the human rights of individuals and groups as expressed in The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

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Value 2: Pursuit of Social Justice

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Social workers believe in the obligation of people, individually and collectively, to provide resources, services and opportunities for the overall benefit of humanity and to afford them protection from harm. Social workers promote social fairness and the equitable distribution of resources, and act to reduce barriers and expand choice for all persons, with special regard for those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, vulnerable, and/or have exceptional needs. Social workers oppose prejudice and discrimination against any person or group of persons, on any grounds, and specifically challenge views and actions that stereotype particular persons or groups

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Value 3: Service to Humanity

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The social work profession upholds service in the interests of others, consistent with social justice, as a core professional objective. In professional practice, social workers balance individual needs, and rights and freedoms with collective interests in the service of humanity. When acting in a professional capacity, social workers place professional service before personal goals or advantage, and use their power and authority in disciplined and responsible ways that serve society. The social work profession contributes to knowledge and skills that assist in the management of conflicts and the wide-ranging consequences of conflict.

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Value 4: Integrity of Professional Practice

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Social workers demonstrate respect for the profession’s purpose, values and ethical principles relevant to their field of practice. Social workers maintain a high level of professional conduct by acting honestly and responsibly, and promoting the values of the profession. Social workers strive for impartiality in their professional practice, and refrain from imposing their personal values, views and preferences on clients. It is the responsibility of social workers to establish the tenor of their professional relationship with clients, and others to whom they have a professional duty, and to maintain professional boundaries. As individuals, social workers take care in their actions to not bring the reputation of the profession into disrepute. An essential element of integrity in professional practice is ethical accountability based on this Code of Ethics, the IFSW International Declaration of Ethical Principles of Social Work, and other relevant provincial/territorial standards and guidelines. Where conflicts exist with respect to these sources of ethical guidance, social workers are encouraged to seek advice, including consultation with their regulatory body.

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Value 5: Confidentiality in Professional Practice

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A cornerstone of professional social work relationships is confidentiality with respect to all matters associated with professional services to clients. Social workers demonstrate respect for the trust and confidence placed in them by clients, communities and other professionals by protecting the privacy of client information and respecting the client’s right to control when or whether this information will be shared with third parties. Social workers only disclose confidential information to other parties (including family members) with the informed consent of clients, clients’ legally authorized representatives or when required by law or court order. The general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable and imminent harm to a client or others. In all instances, social workers disclose the least amount of confidential information necessary to achieve the desired purpose.

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Value 6: Competence in Professional Practice

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Social workers respect a client’s right to competent social worker services. Social workers analyze the nature of social needs and problems, and encourage innovative, effective strategies and techniques to meet both new and existing needs and, where possible, contribute to the knowledge base of the profession. Social workers have a responsibility to maintain professional proficiency, to continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills, and to apply new knowledge in practice commensurate with their level of professional education, skill and competency, seeking consultation and supervision as appropriate.

 

Key Principles:

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• Respecting the unique worth, inherent dignity, right to self-determination, and diversity

• Respect the individual to make choices based on voluntary, informed consent

• Working within the mandated guidelines for children and their guardians

• Imposing limitations to protect the individuals and others

• Providing access of resources to meet basic human needs

• Advocate for fair and equitable access to public services and equal treatment

• Promote social development and environmental interests of all

• Needs of others are placed above self-interest

• Promotions of social justice, individual development and goals, and the development of a just society

• Using knowledge and skills to find fair resolutions to conflict

• Demonstrates and promotes qualities of honesty, reliability, impartiality, and diligence

• Demonstrates and adheres to the values and ethical principles of the profession

• Establishes appropriate boundaries to ensure the relationship serves the needs of the client

• Value openness and transparency

• Avoids relationships where integrity or impartiality may be compromised

• Respects the importance of trust and confidence placed by the public

• Respects the clients right to confidentiality of information shared in a professional context, communicated early in the working relationship

• Provide the highest quality of service

• Strive to maintain and increase professional knowledge and skill

• Demonstrates clients interests and safety by limiting professional practice to areas of demonstrated competence

• Contributes to the ongoing development of the professional and the ability to serve humanity

• Participates in the development of current and future professionals and new knowledge