INTERNATIONAL CODE OF ETHICS

1. Seek and understand the worth of each individual and the elements which condition behavior and
the services required.
2. Uphold and advance the values, knowledge and methodology of the profession, refraining from
any behavior which damages the functioning of the profession.
3. Clarify all public statements or actions whether on an individual basis or as a representative of a
professional association, agency or organization.
4. Recognize professional and personal limitations, encourage the utilization of all relevant
knowledge and skills and apply scientific methods of inquiry.
5. Contribute professional expertise to the development of sound policies and programs to better the
quality of life in each society.
6. Identify and interpret the social needs, the basis and nature of individual, group, community,
national and international problems, and the work of the social work profession.

PHILIPPINES CODE OF ETHICS

1. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all men

 Social Worker: uphold the human dignity above all considerations and act positively to
change sub-human conditions which are offensive to the human dignity.
2. We believe that every man has natural and social rights, capacities and responsibilities to
develop his full potentials as a human being
 Social Worker: to make available to the client or facilitate his access to the resources,
services, and opportunities he needs for self-fulfillment.
3. We believe that the government and the people have a joint responsibility to promote social
justice, and to ensure the economic, and social well-being of its people
 Government + People = Just and Humane society
4. We believe in free men living freely in a free society where poverty is neither a fate nor a
punishment but a condition that can and must be changed.
 Poverty: NOT a form of God’s will or punishment.
 Social Worker: responsible to ameliorate the conditions brought about by poverty and to
work for its eradication.
5. We are committed to the development of highly fulfilled human beings in an atmosphere of social
equity and economic prosperity
 It should befit the dignity and humanity of the persons being helped.
 Economic Stability + Social Equity = Human Development
6. We are committed to seek a high quality of life for our people
 Social Worker: help the poor to rise above the level of their poverty and live as human
beings should, in peace and tranquility
7. We bind ourselves to the following principles of conduct
 Social Worker: contribute his utmost to nation-building, give paramount importance to the
well-being of those whom he helps
 Social Worker: shall accept with respect and understanding clients, colleagues, and all
those who come within his sphere of professional activity
 Social Worker: engage in social action which, according to his convictions, will further the
best interests of the people and country
 Social Worker: create and/or avail of opportunities for continuing professional growth and
shall at all times conduct himself in accordance with the standards of the social work
profession.
ETHICAL DILEMMA

 It involves being faced with a situation where a decision must be made under circumstances
where ethical principles are in conflict. - Hull & Kirst-Ashman, 2004
(7) PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

1. PRINCIPLE OF ACCEPTANCE
 1st principle to be observed in the helping process.
 Acceptance of client’s strengths and weaknesses.
2. PRINCIPLE OF NON – JUDGEMENTAL ATTITUDE
 Companion principle of principle of acceptance.
 Social Worker: should not adopt a condemnatory attitude towards the client although he
knows the client’s attitudes and behaviors
3. PRINCIPLE INDIVIDUALIZATION
 Individual = Uniqueness.
 It recognizes that every human situation is unique and that no two problems are alike.
4. PRINCIPLE OF CLIENT’S PURPOSEFUL EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS
 It refers to his being able to share his private thoughts and feelings freely, specially the
negative ones.
 Feelings = authentic needs
5. PRINCIPLE CONTROLLED EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT
 It refers to the worker’s way of reacting to the client’s purposeful expression of feelings.
 Counter – Transference
6. PRINCIPLE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
 It refers to the preservation of secret information concerning the client which is disclosed
in the professional relationship.
7. PRINCIPLE OF CLIENT’S SELF DETERMINATION
 It refers to the right and need of the client to make his own choices and decisions in the
process of his being helped.