Canada’s Social Workers Launch New Code of Ethics
New Resource is Grounded in a Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
FOR RELEASE
January 8, 2024
OTTAWA: The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is proud to launch their new Code of Ethics resource, integrating values, guiding principles and guidelines into one document for ease of use and application. The changes announced today represent the first major overhaul to this guiding document for Canadian social workers in over 20 years.
“Canadian society has changed significantly over the last two decades, with massive upheaval in the last few years alone — this Code of Ethics equips social workers across the country to grapple with this changing reality,” said Joan Davis Whelan, CASW President. “By clearly articulating our values for ethical practice in one resource, our hope is that social workers will be better prepared to help their clients.”
Consisting of seven values, the Code was developed through the lens of the Truth and Reconciliation principles, with a new value highlighting the profession’s commitment to uphold the rights of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples and by acknowledging Indigenous world views in their practice with Indigenous people.
The social work profession is grounded in social justice. The Code reflects this as well as addressing obligations to ensure services are offered in a manner that respects the service users’ ethnicity, national origin, age, economic status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, culture, varying abilities, language, religion, values and beliefs.
Reviewing the Code was an extensive process that began over five years ago, with rigorous national consultations. Over 2,200 social workers and hundreds of clients were able to provide input in numerous formats including online surveys, focus groups and interviews. During this process, perspectives were received from every part of the country and from Francophone, First Nation, Metis, Inuit, 2SLGBTQI, Black, racially marginalized people as well as people that experience intersecting identities.
Launching today, CASW is embarking on an educational campaign to ensure social workers across the country are aware of the changes to the Code and the many updates that will support the profession. For more information, please visit https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/casw-code-ethics-2024.
MEDIA CONTACT
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW, CAE
fred.phelps@casw-acts.ca