Conflicts of interest are not always obvious—but they can quietly erode trust, distort judgment, and harm clients if left unchecked. Section 1.06 of the NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes that social workers must identify, disclose, and actively avoid any situation where personal interests could compromise professional duties.
Here’s the full official standard:
1.06 Conflicts of Interest
(a) Social workers should be alert to and avoid conflicts of interest that interfere with the exercise of professional discretion and impartial judgment. Social workers should inform clients when a real or potential conflict arises and take reasonable steps to resolve the issue, prioritizing clients’ interests.
(b) Social workers should not exploit professional relationships for personal, religious, political, or business gain.
(c) Social workers should avoid dual or multiple relationships that pose a risk of harm or exploitation. If unavoidable, they must set clear, appropriate, culturally sensitive boundaries.
(d) When providing services to multiple individuals related to each other (like couples or families), social workers must clarify who the client is, explain professional roles, and minimize potential conflicts.
(e) Social workers should avoid using technology to communicate with clients for personal or non-work-related reasons.
(f) Posting personal information on professional websites or media can cause boundary confusion or harm and should be avoided.
(g) Personal affiliations visible online may complicate client relationships; social workers must be aware of the impact of their online presence.
(h) Social workers should avoid accepting friend requests or engaging personally with clients on social media or electronic platforms to protect boundaries.
Conflicts of interest blur professional judgment.
Even when no harm is intended, a blurred line can:
Shift focus away from the client’s needs
Create favoritism, resentment, or exploitation
Open the door for legal or ethical complaints
Avoiding conflicts (and managing them when they arise) protects both the client and the integrity of the profession.
Watch for real, perceived, or potential conflicts
Disclose to clients if a conflict exists—don’t hide it
Prioritize the client’s interest, not your own comfort or gain
If necessary, end the relationship ethically and offer referrals
Social workers must not use clients or the professional relationship to advance:
Personal business ventures
Religious or political agendas
Personal gain or networking opportunities
This holds even when clients offer—the power imbalance makes it unethical.
Examples:
Social worker becomes a client's landlord
Therapist begins a friendship with a former client
Clinician counsels their child’s teacher
If unavoidable (especially in small communities):
Set clear boundaries
Document your efforts to protect the client
Seek consultation or supervision
Proceed cautiously, aware of cultural contexts
When working with families, couples, or groups:
Explain who is the identified client
Make it clear how confidentiality will work
Prepare in advance for potential conflicts, like custody disputes
If roles shift (e.g., being asked to testify), reassess and take action to minimize harm.
Digital spaces add new challenges:
Avoid casual communication with clients via personal tech (texts, DMs, emails not related to service delivery)
Don’t post personal info that could confuse professional identity
Monitor affiliations—joining certain groups online could affect client perceptions
Don’t friend or follow clients on social media—it blurs personal/professional lines dangerously
Conflicts of interest aren’t always obvious—but they are always your responsibility. The ethical social worker doesn’t just react when problems arise; they anticipate risks, set boundaries early, and prioritize the client’s trust above personal convenience.
Here's how this section of the code might look in an ASWB exam question:
A social worker is providing therapy to a teenage client. The client’s parent later contacts the social worker via Facebook to discuss concerns about the teen’s behavior. What is the most ethical response?
A. Accept the message but limit the conversation to appointment scheduling
B. Respond by addressing the parent's concerns over Facebook
C. Politely redirect the parent to professional communication channels
D. Unfriend the parent and block the client on social media
Professional communication must stay separate from personal channels. Politely guide the parent toward appropriate communication (email, phone call, secure messaging platform). The correct answer is C.
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