Six Core Values

Question 1

What are the 6 Core Values?

Answer 1

Value 1: Respect for the Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons
Value 2: Pursuit of Social Justice
Value 3: Service to Humanity
Value 4: Integrity in Professional Practice
Value 5: Confidentiality in Professional Practice
Value 6: Competence in Professional Practice

Question 2

Value 1: Respect for the Inherent Dignity and Worth of persons

Answer 2

Principles:
• Respect unique worth and dignity of a person
• Uphold each person’s right to self-determination and make choices
• Respect diversity among individuals
• Respect the client’s right to informed consent (there are specific guidelines for special populations including children)

Question 3

Value 2: Pursuit of Social Justice

Answer 3

Principles:
• Uphold the right of people to have access to resources to meet basic human needs
• Advocate for fair and equitable access to public services and benefits
• Advocate for equal treatment and protection under the law
• Challenge injustices, especially injustices that affect the vulnerable and disadvantaged
• Promote social development and environmental management in the interest of all people

Question 4

Value 3: Service to Humanity

Answer 4

Principles:
• Place the needs of others above self-interest when acting in a professional capacity
• Strive to use the power and authority in responsible ways that serve the needs of clients and that promote social justice
• Promote individual development and pursuit of individual goals, as well as the development of a just society
• Use knowledge and skills to bring fair resolutions to conflict and in assisting those affected by conflict

Question 5

Value 4: Integrity in Professional Practice

Answer 5

Principles:
• Demonstrate and promote honesty, reliability, impartiality and diligence
• Adhere to the values and ethical principles of the profession
• Establish appropriate boundaries in relationships with client
• Value openness and transparency in professional practice
• Avoid relationships where their integrity or impartiality may be compromised

Question 6

Value 5: Confidentiality in Professional Practice

Answer 6

Principles:
• Respect the importance of the trust and confidence placed in the professional relationship by clients and public
• Respect the client’s right to confidentiality of information
• Disclose confidential information with the informed consent of the client or permission of client’s legal representative
• May need to break confidentiality when required or permitted by relevant laws, court order
• Communicate “limit to confidentiality” to clients

Question 7

Value 6: Competence in Professional Practice

Answer 7

Principles:
• Offer the highest quality of services to clients
• Maintain and increase professional knowledge and skills
• Limit professional practice to area of one’s competence
• Contribute to ongoing development of profession through:
o Training of future social workers
o Development of new social work knowledge