About the Code of Ethics
On August 4, 2017, the NASW Delegate Assembly approved the most substantive revision to the NASW Code of Ethics since 1996.
With emergent technological advances over the last two decades, the profession could not ignore the necessity for more clarity around the complex ethical issues that arise with the use of various forms of technology. The NASW Code of Ethics contains 19 new standards and revisions to several longstanding standards developed to address ethical considerations when using technology. The NASW Code of Ethics continues to be the most accepted standard for social work ethical practice worldwide.
The NASW Code of Ethics offers a set of values, principles and standards to guide decision-making and everyday professional conduct of social workers. It is relevant to all social workers and social work students regardless of their specific functions or settings.
History of the NASW Code of Ethics
NASW’s Delegate Assembly approved the first edition of the NASW Code of Ethics on October 13, 1960. Since then, the Code has emerged as the standard bearer for defining the values and principles that guide social workers’ conduct in all practice areas.