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5 Int'l Soc. Work 1 (1962)

handle is hein.journals/intsocwk5 and id is 1 raw text is: PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS (A Synthesis of Reports from National Associations in Several Countries) Eliane B. Brunner* R ECOGNITION of human dignity and value, and respect for every individual regardless of his political opinion, religious affiliation, or ethnic origin are basic to the professional practice of social work. This universal concept underlies the ethics of the social work profession and is expressed in the Codes of nine profes- sional social work associations which responded to a questionnaire put to its members by the International Federation of Social Workers. This study provided material for the open meeting of the IFSW Council in Rome in January 1961. A large attendance and enthu- siastic participation at the meeting demonstrate the importance of professional ethics to social workers, individually and in their associations. Following the Rome meeting, further analysis of the responses to the questionnaire showed that, in general, the ethical problems met by social workers and their solutions for dealing with them are alike. The great ethical principles are suitable to all, regardless of our cultural differences. Social work today can be compared to an adolescent. As a newly emerging profession, it is highly self- conscious, seeking to assert itself independently and yet eager for public recognition and approval. To mature, the profession must base its actions on sound knowledge of human needs and possibilities, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing society. To apply this knowledge in service to mankind also requires the guidance of clearly defined ethical principles. As professional associations have developed, they have addressed their energies to formulating such principles. Diverse as the results may be, all of the Codes of Ethics are directed to social workers: a very selected group, selected by themselves in a choice of their career and by the selection of their training schools as Miss Wood of Middlesex Hospital in Great Britain describes them. Professional associations in nine countries have adopt- ed Codes of Ethics. In six or more others, a code is being developed. Resting on a common conviction about the value and dignity of each individual human being, the Codes have dealt with a variety of problems con- fronting social workers. Confidentiality A primary concern is the professional secret, or the responsibility of the social worker to guard inform- ation imparted by clients as completely confidential. In France, this principle has been sanctioned since 1945 by a law which extended the immunity formerly reserved to physicians and lawyers, to social workers. This law has since been upheld in the courts. In England in 1959, social workers studied the pro- blem of confidentiality at a Conference on Morals and Social Workers. Case examples of conflicts which arise, for example, between respecting a client's confidence and protecting a child who is the victim of behavior confided by the client were considered. One basic difficulty is that while social workers recognize and accept that they, to some degree, embody society's con- science, they are not always in agreement with society's judgments as expressed in law, said Miss E. P. Corner, M.B.E., who addressed the Conference. In Belgium, the principles of confidentiality express- ed in the Code of Ethics adopted in 1951 do not have legal sanction. This is true also in Canada, Italy and the U.S. In these associations, a great deal of attention has been given to the subject in professional writings, at conferences and in professional education. Responsibility to Individuals Served The respect and acceptance of the rights and res- ponsibilities of persons is the primary obligation of the social workers. Expressed in different words, this concept is common to all of the professional associa- tions. For example: The Belgian Code states: The action toward the welfare of a client is direct- ed to helping him to overcome his difficulties and help him realize thoroughly his individual and social possibilities, in arousing principally his sense of responsibilities, respecting at all times his free- dom of choice. The Code of the U.S.A. Association requires its members to regard as my primary obligation the wel- fare of the individual or group served . . . *M11. Brunner 4 -sociated with the Institut de Service Social. Montrouee. France and works closely with Mile. M. L. Ginet. Director of the Institute and Preident of the International Federation of Social Workers.

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