NASW's Delegate Assembly first adopted a Code of Ethics in 1960. There have been several revisions and amendments since then, most recently in 1993. For perhaps the first time in written form, the Code clearly articulates social work's mission. Social workers challenge social injustice. Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.
Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.
Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. The revised Code organizes these standards by distinguishing among social workers' ethical responsibilities to clients, to colleagues, in practice settings, as professionals, to the profession, and to the broader society. The significant expansion from 72 to 160 ethical standards concerns some social work practitioners. The Code of Ethics is intended to be a guide for the average social worker, and the current Code can be read in a reasonably short time.