65 Years of the NASW Code of Ethics

Celebrating 65 years of ethical social work practice. Over decades, the NASW Code of Ethics has evolved with the times to support social workers uphold excellence in the context of ever changing societal, political and global demands. Looking ahead, social workers can rest assured that the Code will continue to guide, inform and facilitate the very best thinking and practice. Take a moment to reflect on the values and ethical standards that unite social workers around professional integrity and excellence.

Ethics Table Talks

Ethics Table Talks Banner

Ethics Table Talks convene a social work ethicist, subject matter experts, and the viewing audience in facilitated conversations that delve into trending topics. Host Andrea Murray, Director of NASW’s Office of Ethics and Professional Review, sets the stage for these conversations with the disclaimer that while we may not always have all the answers, this series seeks to raise the key questions and ethical considerations facing the profession. Ethics Table Talks are available on-demand and are free to social workers. Those wishing to receive ethics-specific continuing education credits can do so at an additional cost, discounted for members.


Ethics Essentials: Guiding Principles for Today’s World

This live discussion with renowned ethicist, Dawn Hobdy, former NASW Vice President of Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion, will explore ethics essentials for today’s social work practice climate.
Register here to view the free on-demand recording of the discussion. Participants may apply for 1.5 CE credits.


Social Work Ethics in Today’s Political Climate 2024

Join Dr. Frederic Reamer, Gortrell Cox, Tanya Rhodes Smith, and Dr. Meredith Tetloff as they examine trending ethical dilemmas facing social workers and the profession in today’s complex political climate.
Register here to view the free on-demand recording of the discussion. Participants may apply for 1.5 CE credits.


Gender-Affirming Care in Social Work: Exploring and Managing Ethical Responsibilities

Join Dr. Allan Barsky, Dr. Brandy Brown, and Professor Tracey Rubenstein for this essential virtual panel discussion on gender-affirming care and key ethical considerations for social work professionals.
Register here to view the free on-demand recording of the discussion. Participants may apply for 1.5 CE credits.


Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: Exploring Key Ethical Considerations

Join Dr. Frederic Reamer and Dr. Jamie Sundvall for a discussion on AI ethical considerations for social workers.
Register here to view the free on-demand recording of the discussion. Participants may apply for 1.5 CE credits.

NASW Press Ethics Titles

Artificial Intelligence in the Behavioral Health Professions: Ethical and Risk Management Issues

Artificial Intelligence in the Behavioral Health Professions: Ethical and Risk Management Issues Cover

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing in the field of behavioral health in clinical, administrative, advocacy, policy, and educational settings. Alongside these advances, the use of AI ushers in a new era of ethical issues and risk management threats, posing many challenges. Rather than being overwhelmed by these fast-moving developments, this book invites you to be informed. A foremost expert in ethics, Reamer uses real-world examples and dozens of case studies to provide insights into the ways in which behavioral health professionals are using AI, the associated ethical and risk management issues, protocols for ethical use of AI, and state-of-the-art strategies that will protect clients and practitioners alike.

Whether you enthusiastically embrace AI or are wary of its dangers, this technology is here to stay. As with any cutting-edge innovation, it will take time to fully comprehend both its opportunities and its pitfalls. You can be an active participant in these ongoing efforts and dialogues and be cognizant of the impact of AI on practice. After all, awareness and participation are at the center of what ethical practice requires.


The Social Work Ethics Casebook: Cases and Commentary (revised 2nd edition)

The Social Work Ethics Casebook: Cases and Commentary (revised 2nd edition)

First published in 2009, The Social Work Ethics Casebook was the first ethics casebook, including extensive cases and commentary, written exclusively for social workers. The second edition was published in 2018. This revised second edition reflects changes made in the 2021 Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers and includes discussion of new and updated ethics standards, especially pertaining to cultural competence and practitioner self-care.

This book draws attention to ethical issues related to confidentiality and privacy, informed consent, client self-determination, professional paternalism, boundary issues and dual relationships, conflicts of interest, cultural competence and diversity, use of technology, termination of services, administration, practitioner impairment, commitments to employers, social work education and training, and more.


Ethical Standards in Social Work

Ethical Standards in Social Work A Revision of the NASW Code of Ethics Revised 3rd Edition

Ethical Standards in Social Work is a practical guide designed to help social workers protect clients, make sound ethical decisions, and minimize the risk of professional malpractice and disciplinary action. The revised third edition reflects the 2021 updates of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers, which provides social workers with a comprehensive summary and analysis of ethical standards in the profession and an explicit statement of the profession’s principal mission and core values. Ethical Standards in Social Work now includes extensive discussion of new and updated ethics standards, especially pertaining to cultural competence and social workers’ self-care.


Social Work Speaks: National Association of Social Workers Policy Statements 2024–2027 (13th edition)

Social Work Speaks: National Association of Social Workers Policy Statements 2024–2027 (13th edition)

The 13th edition of Social Work Speaks is a comprehensive and unabridged collection of policies, including those adopted and revised by the NASW Delegate Assembly in 2024. The policy statements set the parameters for NASW’s positions and actions on a broad range of public policy and professional issues.

Social Work Speaks is a reference tool that represents the collective thinking of thousands of social workers across all fields of practice. This user-friendly resource can assist in developing organizational responses to policy issues, conducting policy analysis, and working in advocacy coalitions. The 13th edition includes updated policy statements on a wide range of topics, including affirmative action, electoral politics, end-of-life decision making, healthcare, LGBTQIA2S+ issues, social justice, and youth suicide.

Code of Ethics

The NASW Code of Ethics offers a set of values, principles and standards to guide decision-making and everyday professional conduct of social workers.


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