This value requires that social workers practice only within their areas of ability and continually develop and enhance their professional expertise.

This principle includes assisting clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals

Example: A social worker works with a client at the local mental health center and also attends the same church as the client.

A circumstance when client informed consent is not necessary due to the potential harm that could occur based on information the client gives the social worker about planned behavior.

This value is demonstrated through respect for the inherent value of the persons with whom we work.

There are six principles in the NASW code of Ethics which address this topic. It includes making sure clients know when their services are being provided by a student.

Social workers should never engage in this behavior with a client, a former client or client's relatives or other individuals with whom a client has a close, personal relationship.

All 50 states have statutes making it mandatory for professionals to report this whether it's suspected or known.

This value means that professional social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. They treat their clients and colleagues in a fair and respectful fashion.

Clear lines of difference that are maintained between the social worker and the client in an effort to preserve the working relationship.

Social workers should not engage in this particular behavior when there is a possibility of psychological harm to the client as a result.

The release of this type of note requires special, separate authorization and must be kept separately in client files.

Within this value, social workers are expected to elevate service to others above their own self-interest. "Change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice."

Communications made within a "legally protected relationship," which "cannot be introduced into court without the consent of the person making the communication."

A continuum of smaller boundary problems that, if not interrupted can result in ethical violations, particularly those of a sexual or romantic nature.

HIPPA

This value is seen by social workers as "essential for well-being and as 'an important vehicle for change.'"

Described in the text as a "sine qua non of the helping process." Without this principle, it is unlikely that clients would risk disclosing private aspects of their lives.

Contacts with clients that are unplanned, manageable, temporary and transparent may simply be this, rather than boundary violations

The federal regulation, 42-CFR provides more strict privacy protections for clients involved in this type of service