Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 126

Ethics 1

Reasons to be an accredited social worker
So, a social worker might ask, “Why should I become an accredited social
worker if I don’t have to?” and “Why would I want to subject myself to a
complaints process when I don’t have to?” There are many reasons to be
an accredited social worker. It is a clear declaration of professional practice.
One of the most essential reasons, however, is to inform the clients and the
broader community that you believe in social work’s core values and ethical
code of conduct. It is declaring that you are willing to be held accountable, as
a professional, to these standards.
“So, if I follow the SASW’s Code, does that mean that I am acting ethically?”
The answer is yes most of the time. However, there may be times when
the Code does not cover a particular ethical situation, or when there are
conflicting obligations that make it difficult to determine the most ethical
course of action.

Applying the Code in context
Consider the SASW Code which states:
“Social workers respect and safeguard the rights of persons served in a
relationship of mutual trust, to privacy and confidentiality in their use of the
service and to responsible use of all information given and received.” (SASW
Code A2)
This standard requires context for application. For example, how does this
apply to a social worker who is conducting a child custody evaluation or
a report called by the court for sentencing purpose? Although the Code
does not specifically address reports by the courts, it would still be ethically
appropriate for the worker to follow the guidelines and inform the parties
how the information that is disclosed will be used.

125