Personal reflection on the NASW code of ethics for social workers

¶ … Nasw Code of Ethics

Sociology

Author's institution affiliation

Reflection Upon the NASW Code of Ethics

The National Association of Social Workers composed and presented a code of ethics for social workers. This paper serves as a reflection upon the code and the aspects of the code that struck me personally as an individual, and as a social worker. Ethics interest me in general and they are particularly intriguing as they relate to social work. An aspect of the code that stood out to me was the necessity and the methods for clear separation of relationships with clients. I was in particularly in awe regarding the thin line between practicing and behaving ethically and unethically with respect to social work. The code also connected to a memory I have about a presenter from the course, who spoke of ethics as an issue that one practices without education. I will reflect upon the aspects and critically consider how the code and my reactions to the code as part of a critical consideration upon ethics in social work.

Step 2: Examine

After concluding the preparations for my reflection, I began to reflect upon my personal experiences and how they might inform how I reacted to the NASW code. I thought about the importance of articulation of relationships and declaration of boundaries with respect to social workers and their clients. I have not had a social worker assigned to me or someone in my family, but I have known people who have. I have also not seen a therapist or counselor professionally in my life, but I have known people who have and who do. This aspect of the code made me think about these instances in my life and compare them. I realize that social workers, in a way, can be a kind of therapist for individuals and families. Just as much as it is important to have clear boundaries between psychologist and patient, it is critical to the success of the social work practice for the social worker to have clear boundaries with the clients.

It is very easy to get caught up in the personal dramas of those that we help, whether in a professional capacity, such as a social worker, or a personal capacity, such as a friend or family member. Social workers might not be the healthiest people in the world, or not have their lives in complete order -- so it does not benefit a client to have an over-involved social worker in their lives in a greater capacity or outside the capacity of their job descriptions. Certainly, the people who need social workers, need assistance, and are often underprepared for life's challenges. Therefore, it behooves social workers to respect the boundaries between them and their clients. It is dangerous for social workers and clients alike if boundaries within that relationship are not respected or adhered to. My personal experiences, as they relate to this reflection, tell me that the relationship between social worker and client is in some ways fragile, with the ability to grow quite strong. It is also a relationship that demands care and respect or else it will fail miserable or otherwise go horribly wrong.

Step 3: Articulate Learning

I learned that the practice of ethics is active. We must actively be aware of and practice ethics as part of social work. Practicing ethics is a multifaceted experience that includes several key aspects, including establishing and respecting boundaries, and understanding the fine line between ethics and lack of ethics. I learned this from observations of my own studies and practice. I learned this from calling on my long-term and short-term memories of experiences that might apply to what I am learning. I also learned this through comparison and analysis of my studies, personal experiences, professional experiences and studies. What I learned matters because without an active practice of ethics, I would be disoriented as a social worker and as an individual. In light of my learning I will follow my interest in ethics and see if it leads me to a specific topic of field of study in which I will truly concentrate and grow.