ETHICAL STANDARDS AND CODES IN SOCIAL WORK: INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL CONTEXT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25128/2520-6230.25.3.19Keywords:
social work, ethical codes, professional ethics, professional regulation, international experience, UkraineAbstract
The article is dedicated to the analysis of ethical standards and codes in social work at both international and national levels, aiming to identify guidelines for Ukrainian practice. In the context of globalization processes and rapid transformations of social service systems in Ukraine, it is crucial to ensure that professional activities comply with contemporary ethical requirements, human rights, and principles of social justice. The study reviews global ethical principles adopted by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), as well as national codes from Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The research is based on the results of a desk study (desk research).
The analysis demonstrates that ethical codes can operate at different levels (global, national, organizational). They serve both guiding and protective functions, define professional behavior in complex situations, provide a basis for disciplinary procedures, and support professional autonomy. The study highlights the diversity of approaches to applying ethical standards at the national level.
The Ukrainian context is also examined: the “Ethical Code of Social Work Specialists of Ukraine,” adopted in 2005, is now outdated, and a professional regulatory system is practically absent; several professional associations exist, but none hold the status of an authorized regulator. Based on comparative analysis, the study proposes updating the code to align with international standards, human rights, and principles of inclusion, as well as developing a professional regulatory system and mechanisms to monitor compliance with ethical norms. The findings may be useful for improving national policy on social service quality, educational programs, and social work practice in Ukraine.
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