Introducing our new monthly feature from our Chapter Ethics Committee, “Ethically Speaking.”
This History of the Code
by Peggy Reed-Lohemyer, MSW, LCSW
Last month the reason the social work profession has a code, as well as the value of the Code was discussed.This article will focus on the history of the NASW Code of Ethics.The Code was first approved by the Delegate Assembly on October 13, 1960.The original Code of Ethics “defined the social work profession and the responsibilities of the social worker” (NASW, n.d.).It “outlined fourteen responsibilities for social workers” (NASW, n.d.).The original Code fit on one page and can be accessed electronically: Original Code
The first revision of the Code was to add a principle addressing non-discrimination.This occurred on April 11, 1967.This revised version of the Code can be viewed here:1967 Revised Code
In 1979 there was significant revision to the Code.This is when the preamble was added, as well as the six sections of standards which “set forth principles related to social workers’ ethical responsibility to clients, colleagues, employers and employing organizations, the social work profession and society” (NASW, n.d.).This revision also “introduced the enforcement of ethical practices among social workers…” (NASW, n.d.).The 1979 revisions, which went into effect on July 1, 1980, can be viewed here: 1979 Revised Code
In the 1990s there were multiple revisions.In 1990, an inquiry by the US Federal Trade Commission led to revisions “related to solicitation of clients, fee setting, and accepting compensation for referrals” (NASW, n.d.).1993 brought five new principles, including dual relationship and impairment.As a result of broadening understanding of the profession and ethical issues, there was a more significant revisions in 1996.That version of the Code can be viewed here: 1996 Revised Code .In 1999 there was a more minor clarification around disclosing confidential information.
In 2006 a Social Work Ethics Summit was held, including social workers across practices and attorneys.They reviewed the then 17-year-old 1999 Code.Their report can viewed here:2006 Summit Report.
Revisions made in 2008 “incorporated sexual orientation, gender, identity and immigration status to the existing non-discrimination standards” (NASW, n.d.). This version of the code can be viewed: 2008 Revised Code
The most significant revisions of the Code occurred in August 2017, becoming effective January 1, 2018.Many changes were related to the use of technology in practice, with a few other changes to language occurring too.In 2021 revisions were made related to self-care and cultural competency.The current version of the Code can be viewed here: Code of Ethics: English (socialworkers.org)
Information presented in this article came from the NASW National website on the history of the Code: Code of Ethics History (socialworkers.org) and from a PowerPoint presentation by Cassie Brown, NASW-MO Executive Director.
If you are interested in learning more about the NASW-Missouri Chapter Ethics Committee or potentially serving on the committee, please email the committee’s chair at Peggy.Reed-Lohmeyer.MSW.LCSW@hotmail.com.