Words matter—especially in social work, where language can either empower or wound. Section 1.12 of the NASW Code of Ethics reminds us that the way we talk to and about clients is a reflection of our ethics, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.

Here’s the full standard:

1.12 Derogatory Language
Social workers should not use derogatory language in their written, verbal, or electronic communications to or about clients. Social workers should use accurate and respectful language in all communications to and about clients.

What It Means in Practice

This standard applies to everything—from your case notes to your hallway conversations to your tweets. Derogatory language can:

  • Reinforce stigma

  • Undermine trust

  • Create lasting emotional harm

  • Lead to complaints, lawsuits, or disciplinary action

Derogatory language includes:

  • Slurs, insults, or mocking tone

  • Dismissive terms like “crazy,” “difficult,” or “manipulative”

  • Stereotyping language tied to race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or age

  • Casual language that minimizes a client’s experience or identity

Respectful language includes:

  • Person-first language (e.g., “person with schizophrenia” rather than “schizophrenic”)

  • Strength-based descriptions (e.g., “resilient,” “coping with challenges”)

  • Gender-affirming and identity-affirming terms

  • Neutral, nonjudgmental phrasing in documentation

Where to Be Especially Careful

  • Progress notes and reports: These can be read by clients, lawyers, or other providers.

  • Staff meetings or supervision: Even casual language can reinforce bias or stigma.

  • Electronic messages: Emails, texts, or comments may be forwarded or screenshotted.

  • Social media: Even anonymous posts or jokes about “clients in general” can violate this principle.

Practice Question

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

A social worker is presenting a case during a multidisciplinary meeting and refers to the client as “a bit of a drama queen” who “likes to stir things up.” The client is not present, and the team laughs. What is the most ethical response?

A. Let it go—no harm was done since the client wasn’t present

B. Privately suggest that the social worker use more clinical language next time

C. Interrupt the meeting to ask that more respectful language be used

D. Report the social worker to their licensing board

The language used is derogatory and inappropriate, even in the client’s absence. The most ethical and direct response is to address it in the moment and model respectful communication. The best answer is C.

Why not the other options? A normalizes harmful language just because it was said behind closed doors. B may be too passive if the language was clearly inappropriate. D is excessive unless there’s a pattern of unethical conduct.

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May 19, 2025
Categories :
  ethics  
  practice  
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