Code of Ethics

Overview

Approved by the 1996 NASW Delegate Assembly and revised by the 1999 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

The NASW Code of Ethics applies only to NASW members. 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).

Contact NASW, Office of Ethics and Professional Review, 1-800-638-8799, ext. 256, for instructions.