The NASW Code of Ethics offers a set of values, principles and standards to guide decision-making and everyday professional conduct of social workers and social work students. When you become a member of NASW, you have access to free ethics consultations and the The Ethics 8 Series, as well as discounts on Ethics CE workshops.
The Office of Ethics and Professional Review provides individual ethics consultations as a benefit of NASW membership. Ethic consultations are a free resource for members who encounter ethical dilemmas and/or have ethics related questions.
Ethics Consultation
Read and/or buy a copy of the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics
The Ethics 8 Series offers 8 useful tips related to prevailing topics in social work practice. These tip sheets serve as a starting point in uncovering ethical considerations in a given topic area, and direct users to additional resources related to the topic area.
Ethics 8 Series
NASW-ME offers a variety of ethics workshops that meet state licensure requirements. Check the NASW-ME Weekly Update for ethics workshops that will cover all of your licensure needs.
NASW understands the importance of self-care for social workers! Our 2021 update to The Code of Ethics speaks to the role that self-care plays in being a competent professional:
“Professional self-care is paramount for competent and ethical social work practice. Professional demands, challenging workplace climates, and exposure to trauma warrant that social workers maintain personal and professional health, safety, and integrity".
Here are some resources to help you manage self-care.
Self-care and Avoiding Burnout
The Truth About Self-Care
2021 Revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics
Professional Wellness
What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?
Self-Care 101
Wellness: Cultivating a Deeper Understanding of Relaxation and Inner Peace
Self-Care for Social Workers