What We Do
Ethics Consultation and Resources
On this page:
- Ethics Consultation Service
- Ethics FAQ's
- Ethics and related links and resources
- Ethics Policy and Law Reform
- Ethics Education & Training
- Latest news and developments in social work ethics
- *NEW* Code of Ethics training package
- You can also click here to learn more about making a complaint about unethical practice
Ethics Consultation Service
The Ethics Consultation Service is a free service for members and others to discuss and process ethical dilemmas and ethical practice issues. Our ethics staff can provide both verbal and written information in relation to ethical issues and assist in linking ethics decision making to the Code of Ethics and broader ethical theory.
The service has also developed a range of resources for social workers that address frequently asked questions. These currently include information and guidance on the following topics:
- Mandatory Reporting
- Writing Court Reports
- Consent and Working With Children
- Case Note Recording
- 'You've Been Served' - Responding to a Subpoena
- International ethics - Australian Social Workers overseas
Our ethics FAQ's can be accessed here.
Who provides the service?
The Ethics Consultation Service is managed by the National Ethics & Practice Standards Officer, who works closely with a team of national ethics experts (the AASW’s National Ethics Panel and National Ethics Group).
Who can contact the service?
The service is particularly provided for members, however anyone may contact the service (e.g. employers).
How do I contact the service?
Please contact the National Ethics & Practice Standards Officer at ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au or on 03 9642 2307.
Ethics and related links and resources *currently under construction*
Click here for a range of links to ethics and related resources such as:
- Information on major providers of support and advice in relation to industrial, legal and complaints matters
- Links to information of various Courts and jurisdictions
- Social work ethics reading lists, journal and educational resources
- Social work ethics training packages
Ethics Policy and Law Reform
The National Ethics Group, which includes a representative from each Branch (Branch Ethics Group Convenors), is responsible for initiating and responding to ethics policy and law reform opportunities, which are relevant to the social work profession and our clients.
How can I contact the National Ethics Group or a Branch Ethics Group?
You can contact these groups via the National Ethics & Practice Standards Officer.
Ethics Education and Training
Ethics education and training for members is coordinated nationally by the National Ethics Group, and implemented locally be each Branch Ethics Groups. Find upcoming training on our events page.
Latest news and developments in social work ethics
Social Workers have a new Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics Review is complete, and the new AASW Code of Ethics (2010) is now available. Copies can be downloaded here. Alternately hard copies can be ordered by emailing your request to ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au.
Watch out for our poster advertising the new Code to social workers, employers and clients! If you would like copies of the poster, please email the National Ethics & Practice Standards Officer at ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au.
The Code of Ethics Review Committee would like to thank the hundreds of social workers, consumers, organisations and employers across the country who contributed to this review.
Code of Ethics training package
The National Ethics Group are currently working on the development of a Code of Ethics training package that members can complete online and receive continuing professional development (CPD) points. Prior to the implementation of this package and in addition to face-to-face training sessions provided by AASW Branches the following resources are available to anyone wishing to know more about the Code of Ethics 2010, how it was developed, key additions, changes and developments in its content.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact the National Ethics and Practice Standards Officer on 03 9642 2307 or ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au.
- Powerpoint presentation can be downloaded here.
- Accompanying presentation notes can be downloaded here.
Have more questions?
Read our FAQs on Ethics or contact us on 03 9642 2307 or email ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au