» About the Department » Related Links NASW Code of Ethics The
NASW Code of Ethics is intended to serve as a guide to the
everyday professional conduct of social workers. This code
includes four sections. The first section, Preamble, summarizes
the social work profession's mission and core values. The second
section, Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics, provides an
overview of the Code's main functions and a brief guide for
dealing with ethical issues or dilemmas in social work practice.
The third section, Ethical Principals, presents broad ethical
principles, based on social work's core values, that inform
social work practice. The final section, Ethical Standards,
includes specific ethical standards to guide social workers'
conduct and to provide as basis for adjudication. The primary
mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-
being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with
particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who
are vulnerable, oppressed, and living