Updated code of conduct for Canadian social workers reflects truth and reconciliation

The code of ethics social workers must follow has undergone its first overhaul in 20 years.

The Canadian Association of Social Workers said adjustments were made to the guidelines after consultations with thousands of social workers and clients across the country.

Executive director Fred Phelps said the new document was developed through a lens of truth and reconciliation.

“Changes that were needed to move reconciliation in Canada forward,” said Phelps.

“Both for First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canada, as well as making sure those who are Black, other racialized social workers and those who have experienced intersecting identities see themselves and feel they are represented in this code.”

It’s important those groups “see themselves reflected in the values of our code of ethics,” he added.

Sandra Hoy is an associate professor of social work at Laurentian University in Sudbury. She’ll be adjusting her teaching to reflect the changes to the guidelines.

Sandra Hoy is an associate professor of social work at Laurentian University in Sudbury. She’ll be adjusting her teaching to reflect the changes to the guidelines. (Photo from video)

“Sometimes we get lost in the everyday work and we have to think about the ethics behind what we’re doing,” Hoy said.

“The ideas are consistent with what we’re teaching,”

Some of Hoy’s students had been in the middle of group ethics projects looking at each of the six principles in the code of ethics.

There are now seven, with the additional value of pursuing Truth and Reconciliation.

“So yes, we’re going to change. That’s what we do. We change based on what’s happening,” Hoy said.

“That’s the reality of a professional education program. We want to keep up with what’s happening in the field.”

The Canadian Association of Social Workers is running an educational campaign to make sure social workers across the country are aware of the changes.

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