PANIC MONTHLY NEWSLETTER 6th EDITION | Page 9

Making A Complaint Regarding A Social Worker

It is important to know your rights when receiving services from a Registered Social Worker. Registered Social Workers are trained to support and protect you and your family.

If you receive services from a Registered Social Worker you have assurance that they meet minimum standards of experience, practice and expertise, and have been assessed as being a fit and proper person to deliver social work services.

Registered Social Workers adhere to a Code of Conduct that requires them to have high standards of practice. This means they should always:

- Act with integrity

- Be competent

- Respect you

- Uphold your rights to decide, your right to privacy, your right to

confidentiality and your right to make an informed choice

There is a complaints and disciplinary process for any Registered Social Worker who breaches this Code. If you feel that any Registered Social Worker has breached the Code of Conduct, start by talking to the person or organisation involved.

For further information and process see http://www.swrb.govt.nz/