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Code of Ethics
Overview
Approved by the 1996 NASW Delegate Assembly and revised by the 2008 NASW Delegate Assembly
The NASW Code of Ethics is intended to serve as a guide to the everyday professional conduct of social workers. This Code includes four sections. The first Section, "Preamble," summarizes the social work profession's mission and core values. The second section, "Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics," provides an overview of the Code's main functions and a brief guide for dealing with ethical issues or dilemmas in social work practice. The third section, "Ethical Principles," presents broad ethical principles, based on social work's core values, that inform social work practice. The final section, "Ethical Standards," includes specific ethical standards to guide social workers' conduct and to provide a basis for adjudication.
View the Code of Ethics
(english version) (spanish version)
If you believe a social work member of NASW is in violation of this Code of Ethics, one of your options is to file a complaint with NASW (see NASW Procedures for Professional Review [PDF; requires Adobe Acrobat Reader]).
Contact NASW, Office of Ethics and Professional Review, 1-800-638-8799, ext. 256, for instructions.
What's New
Visit our 55th anniversary of the Code of Ethics store and lift up this moment in social work history by purchasing ethics anniversary memorabilia.
Ethics 8 Series tip sheets offer 8 considerations around prevailing topics in ethics
Ethical Standard of the Month posts offer commentary on a standard in the Code of Ethics
NASW Member Services 800-742-4089