A new code of ethics was introduced by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) on January 8, 2024. This updated document was long awaited in the world of Canadian social workers as the most recent edition was last updated in 2005, nearly twenty years ago and long before the prevalent use of social media, camera phones, and the release of the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

History

In 2018 a committee was formed and the journey to reviewing, consulting, creating, and launching a new code was begun. Throughout the next few years, progress was stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first draft of the new code was reviewed in 2022. In 2023 the final code was completed, and the launch took place in January of 2024. Over the next few months, CASW will be producing bilingual webinars around the values of the new code that are available to its members. Further information on this can be found on the CASW website.

what’s new?

The 2005 code of ethics was 12 pages and a partner document called “Guidelines for Ethical Practice”, a 25 page deep dive into how the values of the code of ethics can be put into practice. For the 2024 version, these guidelines are included in the code. The combining of these two documents into one for the new code facilitates easy access to these considerations, however it also means the code of ethics itself is now a 33-page beast that may make it intimidating to get to know for some folks. Of course, now that we are solidly in the days of internet and accordion drop down menus, perhaps this is a non-issue and one document will be easier to manage.

Some of the key changes that have been made in the 2024 code include clear reference to Indigenous considerations, updating language (“client” became “service users”, “cultural competency” became “cultural humility” and more), responsibility for self-care, and specific environmental directives (CASW webinar, 2024). Many of the guiding principles are more inclusive and extensive in what kinds of context may be involved.

Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People

2005 version: Respect for the Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons

Notable changes: specific reference to the rights of Indigenous People, considerations of intersectionality and diversity

Value 2: Promoting Social Justice

2005 version: Pursuit of Social Justice

Notable changes: explicit calls to advocate for Indigenous Peoples and reference to United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act; calls to advocate for all individuals to be “free from oppression, exclusion, racism, and discrimination; and advocation for protection of the environment.

Value 3: Pursuing Truth and Reconciliation

2005 version: none

Calls to “uphold the values and principles of reconciliation”, and “acknowledge Indigenous world views in . . . practice” (CASW code of ethics, 2024).

Value 4: Valuing Human Relationships

2005 version: Service to Humanity

Notable changes: addition of self-care obligation

Value 5: Preserving Integrity in Professional Practice

2005 version: Integrity in Professional Practice

Notable changes: language and organization of principles

Value 6: Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality

2005 version: Confidentiality in Professional Practice

Notable changes: inclusion of electronic service considerations

Value 7: Providing Competent Professional Services

2005 version: Competence in Professional Practice

Notable changes: addition of Indigenous knowledge consideration

These changes have been a long time coming and provide much needed guidance for today’s social workers. The efforts to demonstrate a commitment to truth and reconciliation are critical in the current social work landscape, and time will tell if these endeavours will make a difference in the lives of individuals.

Reflecting Questions for fellow social workers:

Have you had a chance to review the new 2024 code of ethics? What are your thoughts?

What changes do you see as the most beneficial?

Are there any changes you expected but don’t see?

Black and white photo of a masculine individual on a couch apparently lost in thought. — *Image from Upsplash*

Contributed by Ellery, BSW Practicum Student

Resources:

Canadian Association of Social Workers (2005). CASW code of ethics. Ottawa: CASW.
https://www.casw-acts.ca/files/documents/casw_code_of_ethics.pdf

Canadian Association of Social Workers (2005). CASW Guidelines for ethical practice. Ottawa:
CASW.

Canadian Association of Social Workers (2024). CASW code of ethics. Ottawa: CASW.
https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/casw-code-ethics-2024

A Review of the 2024 CASW Code of ethics