The very first ethical standard in the NASW Code of Ethics sets the tone for all that follows. It’s where the profession declares its core loyalty—to the people we serve.

Here’s the original standard:

1.01 Commitment to Clients
Social workers’ primary responsibility is to promote the well-being of clients. In general, clients’ interests are primary. However, social workers’ responsibility to the larger society or specific legal obligations may, on limited occasions, supersede the loyalty owed clients, and clients should be so advised. (Examples include when a social worker is required by law to report that a client has abused a child or has threatened to harm self or others.)

What It Means in Practice

This standard is both powerful and practical. It tells us two things at once:

  • Primary responsibility = The client comes first.
    We are advocates, partners, and protectors of client well-being. This guides our therapeutic decisions, confidentiality, boundaries, and more.

  • Not absolute = But not always.
    In certain situations—especially those involving public safety or legal mandates—we may be required to place the interests of others above the client’s. When this happens, we must be transparent and ethical about the shift.

Real-World/ASWB Exam Applications

  • Confidentiality vs. Mandated Reporting
    You may need to breach confidentiality if a client reveals they’ve harmed or will harm a child, or intend to commit serious violence.

  • Duty to Warn or Protect
    In states that follow the Tarasoff ruling or similar, social workers may be required to warn intended victims or notify authorities if a client threatens serious harm.

  • Court Orders
    A legal subpoena may require disclosure of records, even when it’s not in the client's interest.

Commitment to clients is not about blind loyalty—it’s about informed, ethical care. Balancing that commitment with legal and societal responsibilities is one of the hardest—and most important—tasks in the profession.

Practice Question

A client tells a social worker that he is “so angry” with his ex-wife that he wants to “make her disappear.” When the social worker asks for clarification, the client laughs and says, “I’m just venting—I wouldn’t actually do anything.” What should the social worker do first?

A. Notify the ex-wife and law enforcement

B. Explore the client’s intent and assess for risk of harm

C. Document the statement and continue the session

D. Terminate services if the client appears unstable

The social worker’s primary responsibility is to the client, which includes assessing for potential harm. Jumping directly to reporting (A) without assessment could breach the standard’s intent. However, if further assessment reveals serious intent, duty to warn may apply. The best answer is B.

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April 23, 2025
Categories :
  ethics  
  practice  
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