http://ifsw.

org/policies/definition-of-social-work/ (adapted)

Definition of Social Work

Definition

The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in

human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to
improve well-being. We use theories of human behaviour and social systems.
Social work intervenes where people interact with their environments.
Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.

Commentary

Social work is oriented to the complex interactions between people and their
environments. Its mission is to enable all people to develop their full potential,
enrich their lives and prevent dysfunction. Social workers are change agents
in society and in the lives of the individuals, families and communities they
work with. Social work is a system of values, theory and practice.

Values

Social work grew out of humanitarian and democratic ideals, and its values
are based on respect for the equality, worth, and dignity of all people. Since
its beginnings over a century ago, social work practice has focused on meeting
human needs and developing human potential. In solidarity with those who
are disadvantaged, the profession fights to eliminate poverty and to liberate
vulnerable and oppressed people in order to promote social inclusion.

Practice

Social work wants to eliminate the barriers, inequities and injustices that exist
in society. It responds to crises and emergencies as well as to everyday
personal and social problems. Social work uses a variety of skills, techniques,
and activities and has a holistic focus on people and their environments.
Social work interventions can be from person-focused psychosocial
processes to working in social policy, planning and development. These
include counselling, clinical social work, group work, social pedagogical
work, and family treatment and therapy. Social workers also help people get
services and resources in the community.

Adopted by the IFSW General Meeting in Montréal, Canada, July 2000.

http://www.iassw-aiets.org/ (adapted)

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF SOCIAL WORK

Mission statement

The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) is an

international association of institutions of social work education.

IASSW is with all United Nations Declarations and Conventions on human

rights, recognising that respect for the inalienable rights of the individual is the
basis of freedom, justice and peace.

Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles

Human Rights and Human Dignity

Social work is based on respect for the worth and dignity of all people, and
the rights that come from this. Social workers should defend each person’s
physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual integrity and well-being.
This means:

1. Respecting the right to self-determination - Social workers should respect

and promote people’s right to make their own choices and decisions,
irrespective of their values and life choices, if this does not threaten the rights
and interests of others.
2. Promoting the right to participation - Social workers should promote the
involvement and participation of people using their services so that they can
be empowered in all aspects of decisions and actions affecting their lives.
3. Treating each person as a whole - Social workers should be worried about
the whole person, the family, the community and their environments, and
should look for the recognition of all aspects of a person’s life.
4. Identifying and developing strengths – Social workers should focus on the
strengths of all individuals, groups and communities and promote their
empowerment.

Social Justice
Social workers have a responsibility to promote social justice, in relation to
society generally, and in relation to the people they work with. This means:

1. Fighting against negative discrimination. Social workers have a

responsibility to fight against negative discrimination based on
characteristics such as ability, age, culture, gender or sex, marital status,
socio-economic status, political opinions, skin colour, racial or other
physical characteristics, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs.
In some countries the term “discrimination” would be used instead of “negative
discrimination”. The word negative is used here because in some countries the
term “positive discrimination” is also used. Positive discrimination is also
known as “affirmative action”. Positive discrimination or affirmative action
means positive steps to reduce the effects of historical discrimination against
groups of people.
2. Recognising diversity – Social workers should recognise and respect the
ethnic and cultural diversity of the societies in which they practise, taking
account of individual, family, group and community differences.
3. Distributing resources equitably – Social workers should ensure that
resources are distributed fairly, according to need.
4. Fighting against unfair policies and practices – Social workers have to
bring to the attention of their employers, politicians and the general public
situations where resources are not enough or where distribution of resources,
policies and practices are oppressive, unfair or harmful.
5. Working in solidarity - Social workers have to fight against social
conditions that contribute to social exclusion and they also have to work
towards an inclusive society.

Professional conduct
Social workers should act according to the current ethical code in their
country. This will generally include detailed guidelines in ethical practice
specific to the national context. The following general guidelines on
professional conduct can include:
1. Social workers have to develop and maintain the required skills and
competence to do their job.
2. Social workers should not allow their skills to be used for inhumane
purposes, such as torture or terrorism.
3. Social workers should act with integrity. This includes not abusing the
relationship of trust with the people using their services, recognising the
boundaries between personal and professional life, and not abusing their
position for personal benefit.
4. Social workers should act with compassion, empathy and care.
5. Social workers should not subordinate the needs or interests of people
who use their services to their own needs or interests.
6. Social workers also have to care for themselves.
7. Social workers should maintain confidentiality about people’s personal
details and information. Exceptions to this may only be justified on if there is a
bigger ethical requirement (such as the preservation of life).
8. Social workers need to know that they are responsible for their actions to
the users of their services, the people they work with, their colleagues, their
employers, the professional association and to the law, and that these
responsibilities may conflict.
9. Social workers should be ready to collaborate with the schools of social
work in order to support social work students to get practical training of good
quality and up to date practical knowledge.
10. Social workers should be prepared to tell the reasons for their decisions
based on ethical considerations and be responsible for their actions.