Some boundaries in social work are non-negotiable. Section 1.09 of the NASW Code of Ethics sets a clear and absolute standard: social workers must never engage in sexual relationships with current clients—and must approach past and related relationships with extreme caution. These rules exist to prevent exploitation, protect vulnerable individuals, and uphold the trust at the heart of the profession.

Here’s the official standard:

1.09 Sexual Relationships
(a) Social workers must not engage in sexual activities or sexual contact with current clients under any circumstances, whether consensual or coerced, including inappropriate sexual communications in person or through technology.
(b) Sexual involvement with clients’ close relatives or others in their personal circle is prohibited when there’s any risk of harm or exploitation. Social workers always bear the responsibility for maintaining boundaries.
(c) Social workers should not engage in sexual contact with former clients due to the risk of harm. If such a relationship occurs under “extraordinary circumstances,” the burden is entirely on the social worker to prove no harm was done.
(d) Social workers must not provide clinical services to former sexual partners, as this compromises professional boundaries and risks client harm.

What It Means in Practice

Sexual relationships with clients are never ethical—regardless of consent, context, or culture.
This boundary protects clients’ emotional safety, ensures clear roles, and preserves the integrity of the profession.

It’s not enough to avoid misconduct—you must also avoid situations that could even appear to blur professional boundaries.

Core Ethical Standards

(a) No sexual activity with current clients — ever

This includes:

  • Physical contact

  • Flirtation or sexualized jokes

  • Inappropriate messages, DMs, emails, or texts

  • Suggestive comments during sessions or supervision

Even if a client initiates or appears to consent, it’s always the social worker’s responsibility to uphold the boundary.

(b) No sexual involvement with clients’ close contacts

Romantic or sexual relationships with:

  • Family members

  • Romantic partners

  • Roommates or others in the client’s close circle
    are almost always off-limits due to potential indirect harm or exploitation.

If there’s any risk of damage to the client or therapeutic relationship, the social worker must not proceed.

(c) No sexual relationships with former clients — with rare, exceptional exception

This is not a loophole. Even years after services end, the client may still be vulnerable to manipulation or harm.

If a social worker believes an exception is justified (e.g., a very distant former client relationship in a small community), they:

  • Must prove no harm, coercion, or manipulation occurred

  • Cannot shift blame onto the client

  • Will be held to a high ethical and legal standard

(d) Don't work with former sexual partners

You cannot ethically serve as a social worker to someone with whom you’ve had a prior sexual relationship.This dynamic inherently compromises objectivity and safety.

TL;DR: Sexual relationships with clients are always unethical, and the responsibility for boundaries always falls on the professional. The risk of emotional, psychological, and professional harm is too great. Ethical social work demands restraint, self-awareness, and a firm commitment to safe, respectful practice.

Practice Question

Here's how this section of the code might look in an ASWB exam question:

A social worker begins providing therapy to a new client and later realizes the client is the cousin of someone with whom the social worker had a brief romantic relationship last year. There was no overlap in time. What is the most ethical course of action?

A. Continue therapy while avoiding mention of the prior relationship

B. Terminate services only if the client raises concerns

C. Assess the risk of harm or exploitation and consult before proceeding

D. Transfer the client 

Even if the relationship with the cousin is over, it may still influence the client’s experience or create boundary confusion. The social worker must assess risk and seek consultation before continuing. The correct answer is C. How to narrow it down: A ignores the ethical responsibility to assess and protect the client. B puts the burden on the client to notice or object. D may be premature; thoughtful assessment and transparency are key first steps.

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May 12, 2025
Categories :
  ethics  
  practice  
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