Social Work Ethics: Standards Of Practice/Code Of Conduct

“The mission of the Social Work profession is to enhance human wellbeing and help to meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.” Nevertheless, like every other institution, there are legislations that one must adhere to in order to work effectively and efficiently. Provisioned by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (LABSWE), “the Standards of Practice/Code of Conduct provide a basis upon which to assess and measure the professional conduct of an applicant and those who are registered, certified or licensed”. In light of the above, here are some of the most interesting standards of practice stumbled upon, these …show more content…
Therefore, it is ethical to steer clear of conflict of interests, dual relationships, as well as sexual relationships with clients as it may obstruct professional judgment. Though it is prohibited, sexual intimacy or contact can surprisingly transpire between social workers and their former clients under certain conditions. Sexual intimacy or contact is defined by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners as “any contact or any other conduct which reasonably could lead to sexual arousal, whether verbal or nonverbal, including, but not limited to, sexual touching, sexual intercourse (i.e. genital, anal or oral), masturbation, whether clothed or unclothed, by either the social worker or the client. Sexual intimacy also includes phone sex, cybersex and other electronic or printed communication which reasonably could lead to sexual arousal.” Nevertheless, social workers who engage in sexual relations must do so under the following conditions: that this relationship can only ensue after five years from the documented termination of services. This would also include, obtaining the necessary consultation from an independent and unrelated LCSW to avoid any