BCASW Code of Ethics
Ethical behaviour is at the core of every profession. The BCASW Code of Ethics was jointly adopted by the BC Association of Social Workers and the BC College of Social Workers in January 2003 and consists of eleven principles.
- A social worker shall maintain the best interest of the client as the primary professional obligation.
- A social worker shall respect the intrinsic worth of the persons she or he serves in professional relationships.
- A social worker shall carry out professional duties and obligations with integrity and objectivity.
- A social worker shall have and maintain competence in the provision of social work service to a client.
- A social worker shall not exploit the relationship with a client for personal benefit, gain, or gratification.
- A social worker shall protect the confidentiality of all professionally acquired information and disclose such information only when required or allowed by law or when clients have consented to disclosure.
- A social worker who engages in another profession, occupation, affiliation, or calling shall not allow these interests to affect the social work relationship with the client, professional judgment, independence, or competence.
- A social worker shall not provide social work services or behave in a way that discredits the profession or diminishes public trust.
- A social worker shall promote service, program, and agency practices and policies that are consistent with this Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice of the BC College of Social Workers.
- A social worker shall promote excellence in the profession.
- A social worker shall advocate change in the best interest of the client and for the overall benefit of society.
Social media use
The Canadian Association of Social Workers has released guidance on social media use and social work practice, including ethical considerations and best practices for social workers.
CASW Code of Ethics
In Canada, social work legislation is the responsibility of provinces and territories. To learn more about ethical practice or to determine the current Code of Ethics adopted in another jurisdiction, contact the provincial or territorial social work association.
Practice standards for professional social workers in BC
Standards of Practice for Social Workers can be found on the website of the BC College of Social Workers.