Canadian Association of Social Workers

CASW Code to Code Mapping

Mapping the CASW 2005 Code of Ethics and 2005 Guidelines for Ethical Practice to the CASW Code of Ethics (2024)
The following chart focus on the elements of the CASW Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice (2005) and compares them with
the CASW Code of Ethics (2024)

2005 Code of Ethics & 2005

Elements Guidelines for Ethical Practice 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revisions

Two separate documents; the Code For ease of application across all social work domains
One document that includes
of Ethics that includes values and
many of the Guidelines found in
The Code of underlying principles, and the
the 2005 Guidelines for Ethical
Ethics Guidelines for Ethical Practice
Practice
provides es direction for ethical
behaviours.
Code of Ethics articulates the The Code articulates the values,
professional values and the guiding principles and guidelines
underlying principles of social work of social work practice
practice.
The 2024 Code shares the same purpose with the
Purpose The Guidelines for Ethical Practice
2005 Code.
served as a companion document
to the Code by applying values and
principles in the Code to 8 areas of
practice that are common across
the Scope of Practice.
Client: A person, family, group of Service User: Individuals (clients, The term ‘service user’ is an inclusive generic term
Terms persons, incorporated body, patients, residents, etc.), parents commonly used in social services to describe people
association, or community and substitute decision-makers,

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 1

on whose behalf a social worker families, groups, communities, who are engaged in any service provided by a social
provides or agrees to provide a and populations who access or work professional within the Scope of Practice.
service or to whom the social receive social work services.
worker is legally obligated to The Code uses the terms “all ‘All people’ or ‘people’ are all encompassing terms
provide a service. people” and “people” that that goes beyond service provision and recognizes
include all individuals, families, obligations for ethical behaviour beyond duties to
groups, and communities, service users.
In the French version: irrespective of their participation
Social Worker: Use of singular title social work services to indicate In the French version:
in French (Le travailleur social) and the social work profession’s Considered regional differences/preferences and
use of ‘masculin’ term throughout ethical responsibilities beyond selected most ‘accepted’ term.
the context of providing services.
Selected neutral formulation (e.g., collective nouns
All People or People: The Code and epicene expressions) whenever possible to
uses the terms “all people” and shorten the text; weighting the use of complete
“people” that include all doublets.
individuals, families, groups, and
communities, irrespective of their
participation social work services
to indicate the social work
profession’s ethical
responsibilities beyond the
context of providing services.

In French version:
The term les “bénéficiaires de
services” was used throughout.

Social Workers:
Use of plural title and use of both
‘masculin’ and ‘feminin’ in French
(les travailleuses et travailleurs
sociaux) in Guiding Principle

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 2

 statements use TS acronym as
gender neutral title thereafter.
6 Values written in passive voice 7 Values written in active voice Values are stated using verbs indicating the action to
Each value is accompanied by a and denotes actions to carry out uphold the value.
Values preamble explaining the value and the value. Includes the new
a number of principles value: Pursuing Truth and
Reconciliation
#29 Underlying Principles # 28 Guiding Principles For ease of use and application.
Are descriptions of behaviours that Guiding Principles are aligned Many GP found in the 2005 Code were revised to
Guiding
fall into the value and provide with a value and define the address contemporary issues and included in the 2024
Principles
guidance about ethical behaviour. parameters for expected ethical Code.
behaviour.
Not in the Code but a preamble is New It is a brief paragraph that To support ease of adoption of the Code.
provided that gives an explanation provides additional information
about the principle. on how the guiding principle is
Context for
applied to practice. It is not all
Practice
inclusive but provides a context
for the social worker.

Guidelines in the companion A total of 174 Guidelines that are For ease of use and adoption of the Code as a single
document to the Code organized aligned to Guiding Principles and document.
around 8 ‘common areas of social to a value. Guidelines are not all
work practice’ Each area of inclusive and usually focus on
practice (called a Section in the behaviours and actions at a high
document) has 39 subsections. level that are necessary to
Guidelines Many subsections include an demonstrate carry out the
introductory explanation, and all Guiding Principle and ultimately,
subsections have a number of the Value.
guidelines for a total of 155
guidelines. Many guidelines
provide guidance on specific sets of
behaviours.
Yes Yes Updated to include terms and phrases used in the
Glossary
Code

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 3

The following chart highlights the differences between the Values, Underlying Principles and Guidelines in the CASW Code of
Ethics (2005) and the Guidelines for Ethical Practice (2005) and the Values, Guiding Principles, Context for Practice and Guidelines
in the CASW Code of Ethics (2024)

Value 1

Guiding Principles, 2005 Code of Ethics and

Context for Practice 2005 Guidelines for 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revision(s)
and Guidelines Practice
Value Statement Respect for the inherent Respecting the Dignity and Worth Action verb added to emphasize
Dignity and worth of of All People behaviours that will follow from
Persons (Value 1) implementing the value.

The term ‘All People’ used in keeping

with the language in the Code.
Guiding Principles 7 Underlying Principles are: 7 Guiding Principles in new code Guiding principles are high level
Social workers respect the are: statements to guide decision-making.
unique worth and inherent 1.1 Social workers respect the
dignity of all people and inherent dignity and with of all Many of the underlying principles from
uphold human rights. people. the 2005 version are included but have
been revised to reflect current practice.
Social workers uphold each 1.2 Social workers promote the
person's right to self- self-determination and autonomy 1.1 & 1.2 The changes stress a social
determination, consistent with of all people. worker’s duty to respect all people and
that person’s capacity and uphold their rights to self-determination,
with the rights of others. 1.3 Social workers uphold the autonomy, and informed consent.
human rights and fundamental
Social workers respect the freedoms of all people consistent 1.3 The social worker’s duty to uphold
diversity among individuals in with applicable rights and the human rights of all people is
Canadian society and the right legislation. highlighted and references legislation
of individuals to their unique

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 4

 beliefs consistent with the 1.4 Social workers respect the that protects the rights of Indigenous
rights of others. status, rights, diversity and needs people.
of First Nation, Métis and Inuit
Social workers respect the Peoples. 1.4 is new and to honour the importance
client’s right to make choices of reconciliation and the TRC’s Calls to
based on voluntary, informed 1.5 Social workers uphold the Action for social work and recognizes the
consent. rights of all people to receive recent Federal legislation on the United
services in a manner that Nations Declaration of the Rights of
Social workers who have considers intersecting factors of Indigenous Peoples Act, 2021.
children as clients determine exclusion and respects all manner
the child’s ability to consent of diversity. 1.5 reflects contemporary practice issues
and where appropriate, and emphasizes that services must be
explain to the child and to the 1.6 Social workers respect the offered in a manner that respects service
child’s parent/guardians, the rights of service users to make users’ ethnicity, national origin, age,
nature of the social worker’s decisions based on involuntary economic status, gender, gender identity
relationship to the child. consent when possible, or expression, sexual orientation, marital
status, culture, varying abilities, language,
Social workers uphold the 1.7 Social workers uphold the religion, values, and beliefs and
right of society to impose rights of every person, group and strengthens the importance of a trauma
limitations on the self- community to be free from informed approach, knowledge about
determination of individuals, violence or threat of violence. intersectionality and expands the
when such limitations protect responsibilities to include advocating for
individuals from self-harm and equitable, diverse, and inclusive
from harming others. workplaces.

Social workers uphold the 1.7 reflects contemporary knowledge

right of every person to be about violence and the rights of every
free from violence and threat person to be free from violence.
of violence.
Context for Practice Not included, a preamble is Statements supplement each The CfP key themes includes;
included to explain each value guiding principle and provides 1.3 references the applicable legislative
additional information on how authorities and emphasizes a trauma
the delivery of competent approach to practice.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 5

 professional services is applied in Highlights the importance of advocacy to
practice. support the advancement of social,
political, and cultural rights of all people
protects people and allows them to
develop to their fullest potential.

1.5 Emphasizes that social workers

deliver services that considers all
intersecting factors of exclusion and
respects all manner of diversity, and they
understand trauma and resilience and
how traumatic events impact individuals,
families, and communities.

1.7 applies contemporary understanding

of violence in society and families,
recognizes that it is a public health issue
affecting all people and across
generations.

Guidelines 28 Guidelines found in the 38 Guidelines For ease of use and adoption. Applies
companion document apply to Guideline statements align with contemporary social work approaches
this Value as noted below. the CFP statements and describe that are relevant to this value. Revisions
specific behaviours that support were focused on Thematic Foci areas and
1 Ethical Responsibilities to guiding principles for ethical were clustered accordingly.
Clients. 1.1 Priority of Clients’ practice in respecting all people Provides clarity that the behaviours
Interests 1.1.1-1.1.6, and upholding human rights. outlined in the guideline demonstrate the
1.3 Promote Client Self- guiding principle and the value in their
Determination and Informed Guideline statements under GP practice. Some of the guidelines under
Consent- 1.3.1-1.3.6 1.1 (1.1.1-1.1.3) the Ethical Responsibilities to Clients of
1.4 Responsibilities to the 2005 accompanying document are
Involuntary Clients and Clients Guideline statements under GP applicable and brought under this value
Not Capable of Consent 1.4.1- 1.2 (1.2.1-1.2.11) and some are combined to create one
1.4.6 guideline in the Code.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 6

 1.6 Protection of Vulnerable Guideline statements under GP
Members of Society 1.6.1- 1.3 (1.3.1-1.3.5)
1.6.4
1.8 Practices for Termination Guideline statements under GP
or Interruption of Services 1.4 (1.4.1-1.4.8)
1.8.1-1.8.6.
Guideline statements under GP
1.5 (1.5.1-1.5.6)

Guideline statements under GP

1.6 (1.6.1-1.6.5)

Guideline statements under GP

1.7 (1.7.1-1.7.5)

Value 2
Guiding Principles, 2005 Code of Ethics and
Context for Practice 2005 Guidelines for 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revision(s)
and Guidelines Practice
Value Statement Pursuit of Social Justice Promoting Social Justice Action verb added to emphasize
(Value 2) behaviours that will follow from
implementing the value.
Guiding Principles 4 Underlying Principles 4 Guiding Principles include: Guiding principles were written at a
include: 2.1 Social workers uphold the higher level, encompassing several of the
1. Social workers uphold the principles of social justice related underlying principles from the 2005
right of people to have access to the rights of individuals, version.
to resources to meet basic families, groups, organizations, 2.1 Links fair and equitable access to
human needs. and communities to receive fair services, with freedom from oppression,
2. Social workers advocate for and equitable access to services, racism, and discrimination. Emphasizes
fair and equitable access to resources, and opportunities and social justice and human rights including
public services and benefits. those of communities. GP 2.1 integrates

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 7

 3. Social workers advocate for to be free of oppression, racism Underlying Principles 1 and 2 in the 2005
equal treatment and and discrimination. version for easy and application.
protection under the law and
challenge injustices, especially 2.2 Social workers advocate for New is the focus on advocating for the
injustices that affect the the rights of Indigenous peoples rights of Indigenous peoples to be free
vulnerable and disadvantaged. to be free from racism, systemic from oppression, racism, and
4. Social workers promote racism, and discrimination as discrimination and addresses legislation
social development and stipulated in the United Nations in Canada since 2005.
environmental management Declaration on the Rights of
in the interests of all people. Indigenous Peoples Act.

2.3 Social workers advocate for 2.3 focuses on rights of all people and is
the rights of all individuals, not limited to rights of those who are
families, groups, and understood to be vulnerable or
communities to be free from disadvantaged.
oppression, exclusion, racism,
and discrimination.
2.4 is a deeper emphasis on the
2.4 Social workers advocate for environment and call for social work
the stewardship of natural advocacy for environmental protections
resources and the protection of for the well-being of all people.
the environment for the common Acknowledges that climate change
good of all people. impacts all people and disproportionately
impacts vulnerable people.
Context for Practice Not included – A preamble is CFP statements supplement each Includes contemporary terms and social
included to explain each value guiding principle and provides work approaches. The dominant themes
additional information on how across the CfP are:
providing competent professional The inclusion of the social determinants
services is applied in practice. of health as a pathway for social workers
to understand the ways in which
educational. racial, socioeconomic, and
other inequities influence the well-being
of all people.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 8

 The rights of all people to be free from
oppression, exclusion, racism, and
discrimination; AND social workers
understanding how people are further
disadvantaged by intersecting factors.

Guidelines 31 Guidelines in the 19 Guidelines For ease of use and application

companion document to the Guideline statements align with Applies terms and theory that are
Code apply to this Value as the CFP statements and describe currently relevant to the profession.
noted below. specific behaviours that support Revisions were focused on Thematic Foci
1 Ethical Responsibilities to guiding principles for ethical areas (bolded) and were clustered
Clients 1.1 Priority of Clients’ practice in promoting social accordingly.
Interests 1.1.2, 1.1.6, 1.2- justice. GP 2.1 ties together social justice, service
Demonstrating Cultural users’ rights to equitable access and
Awareness 1.2.1-1.2.5. 1.3 Guideline statements under GP freedom from oppression and racism.
Promote Client Self- 2.1 (2.1.1-2.1.8)
Determination and Informed The Guidelines focus on social workers
Consent 1.3.1-1.3.6 Guideline statements under GP advocating for organizational changes in
1.4 Responsibilities to 2.2 (2.2.1-2.2.2) policies and systems that are
Involuntary Clients and Clients discriminatory or racist. Guidelines under
Not Capable of Guideline statements under GP the new GP 2.2 focus on advocating for
Consent 1.4.1-1.4.6 2.3 (2.3.1-2.3.3) changes in discriminatory policies and
components of systems including
4.0 Ethical Responsibilities to Guideline statements under GP programs and legislation.
the Work Place 4.1.4 2.4 (2.4.1-2.4.6)

8 Ethical Responsibilities to
Society 8.1 Source of
Information on Social Needs
8.1.1. 8.2 Participate in Social
Action -8.2.1-8.2.5, 8.5
Advocate for the Environment
-8.5.1

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 9

Value 3
Guiding Principles, 2005 Code of Ethics and
Context for Practice 2005 Guidelines for 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revision(s)
and Guidelines Practice
Value Statement Not applicable Pursuing Truth and Reconciliation This new value speaks to the evolution on
social work that emanates from both
historical and contemporary social justice
issues and Indigenous advocacy.
Guiding Principles Not applicable 2 Guiding Principles include: Guiding principles were created to guide
3.1 Social workers uphold the social workers about upholding the
values and principles of principles of reconciliation and
reconciliation. incorporating Indigenous world views in
3.2 Social workers acknowledge their practice when working with
Indigenous world views in their Indigenous people.
practice.
This new value emphasizes the social
worker’s responsibility to respect First
Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples. treaty,
constitutional, human rights, and their
rights to self-governance consistent with
applicable treaty rights and legislation.

Context for Practice Context for Practice Not applicable CFP statements supplement each guiding
principle and provides additional
information on how providing competent
professional services is applied in
practice.
Guidelines Guidelines Not applicable 10 Guidelines
Guideline statements align with the CFP
statements and describe specific
behaviours that support guiding

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 10

 principles for ethical practice with First
Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

Guideline statements under GP 3.1

(3.1.1-3.1.6)

Guideline statements under GP 3.2

(3.2.1-3.2.4)

Value 4
Guiding Principles, 2005 Code of Ethics and
Context for Practice 2005 Guidelines for 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revision(s)
and Guidelines Practice
Value Statement Service to Humanity (Value 3) Valuing Human Relationships Action verb added to emphasize
behaviours that will follow from
implementing the value.
Guiding Principles 4 Underlying Principles 2 Guiding Principles Revisions reflect contemporary social
Social workers place the needs 4.1: Social workers place the well- work practice and knowledge.
of others above self-interest being and interests of all people
when acting in a at the centre of their GP4.1 and 4.2 together emphasize the
professional capacity. relationships. connection between client centred
practice and self-awareness, reflective
Social workers strive to use 4.2: Social workers continually practice and self care.
the power and authority develop self awareness and
vested in them as practise self-reflection to guide
professionals in their practice and personal well-
responsible ways that serve being.
the needs of clients and the
promotion of social justice.

Social workers promote

individual development and

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 11

 pursuit of individual goals, as
well as the development of a
just society.

Social workers use their

knowledge and skills in
bringing about fair resolutions
to conflict
and in assisting those affected
by conflict.
Context for Practice Not included, a preamble is CFP statements supplement each Uses contemporary language and
included to explain each value guiding principle and provides incorporates issues and concerns faced
additional information on how by social workers..
providing competent professional Themes in CfP statements include:
services is applied in practice. 4.1: Social workers view all people as
unique and cultivate positive professional
relationships with service users and
colleagues
4.2: Social workers practice self-reflection
and self-care, are self aware and seek
supervision to guide their practice.
Guidelines 15 Guidelines. Organized in 8 Guidelines Guidelines are higher level and less
companion document to the Guideline statements align with prescriptive. Revisions were focused on
Code as ‘common areas of the Context for Practice Thematic Foci areas (bolded) and were
social work practice’ as noted Statements and describe specific clustered accordingly.
below. behaviours that support guiding
1.0 Ethical Responsibilities to principles for ethical practice in 4.1.1 and 4.1.4 outline behaviours that
Clients, 1.1 Priority of Client professional relationships. demonstrate respect for service users
Interests 1.1.1-1.1.3, 1.1.5. and colleagues, self reflective practice
1.8 Practices for Termination Guideline statements under GP and self-care including seeking services to
or Interruption of Services- 4.1 (4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4) address vicarious trauma.
1.8.5
Guideline statements under GP
4.2 (4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4)

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 12

 3.0 Ethical Responsibilities to 4.2.1-4.2.4 outline behaviours that
Colleagues 3.1, Respect 3.2 demonstrate self-awareness, self
Collaboration and reflection practice and self-care.
Consultation3.2.1-3.2.5,
3.3 Management of Disputes,
3.3.1

Value 5
Guiding Principles, 2005 Code of Ethics and
Context for Practice 2005 Guidelines for 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revision(s)
and Guidelines Practice
Value Statement Integrity in Professional Preserving Integrity in Action verb added to emphasize
Practice (Value 4) Professional Practice behaviours that will follow from
implementing the value.
Guiding Principles 4 Underlying Principles are: 4 Guiding Principles are: Language is more action oriented and
Social workers demonstrate 5.1: Social workers act with address contemporary issues in the
and promote the qualities of integrity, are honest, responsible, profession.
honesty, reliability, trustworthy, and accountable. Accountability is included as a
impartiality and diligence in component of integrity in professional
their professional practice. 5.2: Social Workers maintain practice.
Social workers demonstrate appropriate professional Identifies membership in the provincial or
and promote the qualities of boundaries with service users. territorial regulatory body as a means to
honesty, reliability, public protection.
impartiality and diligence in 5.3: Social workers are aware of
their professional practice. the potential for conflicts of 5.2 – 5.3 addresses ethical issues related
interest and avoid situations to maintaining professional boundaries
Social workers demonstrate where their personal interests and avoiding conflict of interest.
adherence to the values and may interfere with their GP 5.4 focuses on private practitioner’s
ethical principles of the professional obligations. business practices.
profession and promote
respect for the profession’s

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 13

 values and principles in 5.4: Social workers in private The issue is addressed in the Guidelines
organizations where they practice act with integrity in all for Ethical Practice as a common area of
work or with which they have business practices. practice. The new Code elevates the issue
a professional affiliation. to a Guiding Principle and focuses on
business practices.
Social workers establish
appropriate boundaries in
relationships with clients and
ensure that the relationship
serves the needs of clients.

Social workers value openness

and transparency in
professional practice and
avoid relationships where
their integrity or impartiality
may be compromised,
ensuring that should a conflict
of interest be unavoidable, the
nature of the conflict is fully
disclosed.

Context for Practice Not included, a preamble is CFP statements supplement each Themes in CFPs include:
included to explain each value guiding principle and provides Social workers are to maintain a high
additional information on how level of professional conduct with service
providing competent professional users and colleagues, uphold the Code of
services is applied in practice. Ethics and be accountable to the public
through registration with a regulatory
body. Social workers are responsible to
set and maintain professional boundaries
and are to avoid any form of exploitation
of service users.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 14

Guidelines 43 Guidelines apply to this 23 Guidelines Address contemporary issues and
value. Organized in Guideline statements align with includes some of the guidelines in the
companion document to the the Context for Practice 2005 companion document that are
Code as ‘common areas of Statements and describe specific universal and relevant to contemporary
social work practice’ as noted behaviours that support guiding practice.
below. principles for ethical practice in The guidelines focus on behaviours
2.0: Ethical Responsibilities in upholding professional integrity necessary to set and maintain
Professional Relationships, and accountability. professional boundaries, including
2.1.1, 2.2- 2.2.1-2.2.2, 2.3- refraining from communication with
2.3.1-2.3.3, 2.4- 2.4.1, 2.5- Guidelines statements under 5.1 service users using social media for
2.5.1, 2.6-2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.7, (5.1.1-5.1.6) personal or non-work-related purposes
4.0 Ethical Responsibilities to Guideline statements under 5.2 and address several business practices
the Workplace. 4.1- 4.1.1- (5.2.1-5.2.6) that are to be addressed.
4.1.7, 4.3- 4.3.1, Guideline statements under 5.3
5.0 Ethical Responsibilities in (5.3.1-5.3.2)
Private Practice. 5.1 – 5.1.1, Guideline statements under 5.4
5.2- 5.2.1-5.2.2, 5.3- 5.3.1- (5.4.1-5.4.9)
5.3.4
7.0 Ethical Responsibilities to
the Profession, 7.1 Maintain
and Enhance Reputation of
Profession- 7.1.1-7.1.8. 7.2
Address Unethical Practices of
Colleagues- 7.2.1-7.2.4, 7.3
Support Regulatory Practices -
7.3.1-7.3.3

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 15

Value 6
Guiding Principles, 2005 Code of Ethics and
Context for Practice 2005 Guidelines for 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revision(s)
and Guidelines Practice
Value Statement Confidentiality in Professional Maintaining Privacy and Action verb added to emphasize
Practice (Value 5) Confidentiality behaviours that will follow from
implementing the value.
Guiding Principles 5 Underlying Principles 5 Guiding Principles include: Guiding principles written at a higher
include: 6.1 Social workers uphold the level; encompassing the main underlying
Social workers respect the interests of service users, principles from the 2005 version.
importance of the trust and members of the public, and other Emphasis is on information documented
confidence placed in the professionals in developing and in the professional context; limits of
professional relationship by safeguarding the trust placed in confidentiality and considerations related
clients and members of the the confidential relationship. to privacy and confidentiality when
public. providing electronic social work services.
6.2 Social workers respect the Address the contemporary ethical issues
Social workers respect the right to confidentiality of related to use of online social work
client’s right to confidentiality information shared and services including e-therapies and use of
of information shared in a documented in a professional social media.
professional context. context.

Social workers only disclose 6.3 Social workers are transparent

confidential information with about the limits of confidentiality
the informed consent of the in their professional practice.
client or permission of client’s
legal representative.
6.4 Social workers disclose
Social workers may break confidential information with
confidentiality and valid consent in accordance with
communicate client applicable legislation or without
information without consent when required by law or
permission when required or court order or allowed by
legislation.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 16

 permitted by relevant laws,
court order or this Code. 6.5 Social workers preserve
privacy and confidentiality in the
Social workers demonstrate provision of electronic social work
transparency with respect to services.
limits to confidentiality that
apply to their professional
practice by clearly
communicating these
limitations to clients early in
their relationship.
Context for Practice Not included, a preamble is CFP statements supplement each Themes in CFPs address the rights of
included to explain each value guiding principle and provides service users related to information
additional information on how shared with third parties, right to privacy
providing competent professional and confidentiality of information in
services is applied in practice. official written or electronic records, and
the limits of confidentiality across all
contexts.

The CFPs address self-determination,

valid consent, and disclosure of
confidential information and implications
of privacy and confidentiality related to
the use of technology in service
provision.
Guidelines 36 Guidelines in the 41 Guidelines Revisions were focused on Thematic Foci
companion document to the Guideline statements align with areas (bolded) and were clustered
Code apply to this value as the CFP statements and describe accordingly.
noted below. specific behaviours that support
guiding principles for ethical The Guidelines emphasize the behaviours
1.0 Ethical Responsibilities to practice in the provision of that demonstrate respect for the trust
Clients – 1.1 Priority of Clients’ private and confidential services. and confidence placed in the confidential
Interests: 1.1.4, 1.1.5. relationship, address contemporary
issues pertaining to preserving

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 17

1.2 Demonstrate Cultural Guideline statements under GP confidentiality and privacy in the
Awareness and Sensitivity: 6.1 (6.1.1 to 6.1.7). provision of electronic social work
1.2.5., 1.3 Promote Client Self- services.
Determination and Informed Guideline statements under GP
Consent: 1.3.4 (bullet #2, 6, 7); 6.2 (6.2.1 to 6.2.9). 6.1.1 to 6.1.7 - Outline behaviours that
1.3.6. 1.4 Responsibilities to demonstrate respect for the trust and
Involuntary Clients and Clients Guideline statements under GP confidence placed in the confidential
Not Capable of Consent: 1.4.4. 6.3 (6.3.1 to 6.3.7). relationship.
1.5 Protect Privacy and
Confidentiality: 1.5.1 to Guideline statements under GP 6.2.1 to 6.2.9 – Outline behaviours that
1.5.13. 6.4 (6.4.1 to 6.4.11) demonstrate how social workers uphold
1.6 Protection of Vulnerable people’s right to privacy and
Members of Society: 1.6.2, confidentiality of information shared and
1.6.3 (in part, last sentence). Guideline statements under GP documented.
1.7 Maintenance and Handling 6.5 (6.5.1 to 6.5.7).
of Client Records: 1.7.2 to 6.3.1 to 6.3.7 – Outline the limits to
1.7.9. privacy and confidentiality and social
workers’ responsibilities in relation to
3.0 Ethical Responsibilities to those limits.
Colleagues – 3.5
Responsibilities to Students: 6.4.1 to 6.4.7 – Outline how social
3.5.6. workers support self-determination
rights related to disclosure of
7.0 Ethical Responsibilities to confidential information,
the Profession – 7.3 Support
Regulatory Practices: 7.3.2. 6.4.8 to 6.4.11 – Outline the
responsibilities and limits when
disclosing private and confidential
information.

6.5.1 to 6.5.7 – Outline how social

workers preserve privacy and
confidentiality in the delivery of
electronic services.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 18

Value 7
Guiding Principles, 2005 Code of Ethics and
Context for Practice 2005 Guidelines for 2024 Code of Ethics Rational for Revision(s)
and Guidelines Practice
Value Statement Competence in Professional Providing Competent Professional Action verb added to emphasize
Practice (Value 6) Services behaviours that will follow from
implementing the value.
Guiding Principles 5 Underlying Principles 4 Guiding Principles are: Guiding principles written at a higher
include: level; encompassing the main underlying
7.1 Social workers continuously principles from the 2005 version. Specific
Social workers uphold the develop their professional details related to the conduct of research
right of clients to be offered knowledge and with human subjects (e.g., risks to
the highest quality service skill at the level required to participants, informed consent,
possible. provide competent professional confidentiality, and the reporting of
Social workers strive to services. results) are outlined in the 2024 guideline
maintain and increase their statements.
professional knowledge and 7.2 Social workers practice within
skill. their level of competence and
seek appropriate guidance when
Social workers demonstrate services required are beyond
due care for client’s interests their competence.
and safety by limiting
professional practice to areas 7.3 Social workers contribute to
of demonstrated competence. the ongoing development of the
social work profession and
Social workers contribute to current and future social workers.
the ongoing development of
the profession and its ability 7.4 Social workers contribute to
to serve humanity, where the knowledge base and
possible, by participating in advancement of
the development of current knowledge in the social work
and future social workers and profession.

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 the development of new
professional knowledge.

Social workers who engage in

research minimize risks to
participants, ensure informed
consent, maintain
confidentiality, and accurately
report the results of their
studies.
Context for Practice Not included a preamble is CFP statements supplement each Themes in CFPs include:
included to explain each value guiding principle and provides 7.1 Life-long learning, professional
additional information on how development, self-reflection, evidence-
providing competent professional informed inclusive service provision.
services is applied in practice. 7.2 Limiting practice to areas of
competence, consulting resources when
beyond competence and making
appropriate referrals.
7.3 Roles (e.g., supervisory, consultative,
mentorship, education) that contribute to
ongoing development of the social work
profession.
7.4 Ethical considerations when
conducting research with human
participants and when engaged in non-
research activities.

Guidelines 50 Guidelines apply to this 30 Guidelines Revisions were focused on Thematic Foci
value. Guidelines are Guideline statements align with areas (bolded) and were clustered
organized in companion the Context for Practice accordingly.
document to the Code as Statements and describe specific
‘common areas of social work behaviours that support guiding 7.1.1 to 7.1.8 - Outline behaviours that
practice’ in terms of Social principles for ethical practice in supports the provision of competent
Work Responsibilities: providing competent services. professional services.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 20

10 Ethical Responsibilities to Guideline statements under GP 7.2.1 to 7.2.4 - Outline how social
Clients – 1.8 Practices for 7.1 (7.1.1 to 7.1.8). workers demonstrate concern for the
Termination or Interruption of interest and safety of service users
Services: 1.8.5. Guideline statements under GP through professional competence.
7.2 (7.2.1 to 7.2.4).
3.0 Ethical Responsibilities to 7.3.1 to 7.3.4 - Outline behaviours that
Colleagues – 3.2 Collaboration Guideline statements under GP contribute to the ongoing development
and Consultation: 3.2.1 to 7.3 (7.3.1 to 7.3.4). of the social work profession.
3.2.5. 3.4 Responsibilities in
Supervision and Consultation: Guideline statements under GP 7.4.1 to 7.4.2 - Outline general
3.4.1. 3.5 Responsibilities to 7.4 (7.4.1 to 7.4.2). behaviours that contribute to the
Students: 3.5.1 to 3.5.5; 3.5.7, knowledge base and advancement of
3.5.8. knowledge of the profession.
7.4.3 – 7.4.14 – Outline specific
4.0 Ethical Responsibilities to expectations when engaging in research
the Workplace – 4.1 activities involving human subjects, which
Professional Practice: 4.1.2. are guided by the Canadian TCPS 2
4.3 Responsibilities of guidelines; differentiates between
Managers: 4.3.4, 4.3.5. research and non-research activities.

6.0 Ethical Responsibilities in

Research – 6.1 Responsible
Research Practices: 6.1.1,
6.1.2.
6.2 Minimize Risks: 6.2.1 to
6.2.6. 6.3 Informed Consent,
Anonymity and
Confidentiality: 6.3.1 to 6.3.4.
6.4 Avoid Deception: 6.4.1,
6.4.2. 6.5 – Accuracy of Report
of Research Findings: 6.5.1 to
6.5.3.

Canadian Association of Social Workers| CASW Code to Code Mapping 21

7.0 Ethical Responsibilities to
the Profession: 7.1.1 to 7.1.6.
7.2 Address Unethical
Practices of Colleagues: 7.2.2.

8.0 Ethical Responsibilities to

Society 8.1 Source of
Information on Social Needs

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