Ethics Consultation Service

Ethics Consultation Service

Ethics Consultation Service

The purpose of this update is to inform you of the continued operations of the Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This update also provides some suggestions about how to engage with the AASW during these challenging times. 

Much has occurred since March 2020. The AASWs operations have had to be substantially adjusted since the beginning of March this year. Like many institutions and organisations, the AASW has had to engage in a long-term digital transformation. Staff are working remotely to ensure government protocols upheld. 

Whilst the Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service continues to receive and respond to consultations, please note that during this transition period to online and remote service delivery, there may be some additional wait-times. 

For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the ethics consultation team via email

Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service (Members only) 

The Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service is a free service for members and relevant others (such as employers of AASW members) to consider, discuss and process ethical dilemmas and ethical practice issues. Our ethics and practice standards staff can provide both verbal and written information in relation to ethics and practice issues and assist in linking ethical and best practice decision making to the Code of Ethics, Practice Standards and broader ethical and practice theories. 

The ethics consultation service can be contacted by email, or phone 03 9320 1000. 

Please note that the service is experiencing a significant volume of calls and emails and we thank you for your patience. 

Information and resources can also be accessed on the AASW website here and below. 

The service has also developed a range of ethics and practice guidelinesand resources for social workers that address common issues arising in consultations. Members are encouraged to refer to these guidelines in the first instance before contacting for a consultation. The guidelines 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 
  • Supporting Ethical Practice in the Workplace 
  • Professional Boundaries and Dual Relationships 
  • Information Management 
  • Conflicts of Interest 
  • Social media, Information and Communication Technologies

    • Click to view Ethics and practice guidelines

    One of the primary objectives of the AASW is to ensure that social workers are equipped with the skills, knowledge and reflective resources to ensure high standards of practice and prevent ethical misconduct and harm to the public. 

    Taking the time to discuss any issues raised by concerned clients is often the quickest, easiest and most respectful way to resolve complaints. 

    If a client is concerned about a service provided, or with something that was said or occurred in the course of the service provision, it is important to listen and consider how the concern could be addressed. Often, providing a clear explanation or acknowledging that something went wrong, even if it was unavoidable, can resolve any concerns or issues. 

    Always consider if your response is appropriate first, and ensure you are aware, and your clients are aware, of your employer’s complaint management processes. If you can’t resolve a concern, we are here to help. AASW members can contact our Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service to discuss options and strategies for respectful resolution of concerns. 

    The Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service is managed by the Professional Officer – Standards, who works closely with a team of national ethics and practice standards experts. 

    The service is particularly provided for members, however others may contact the service (e.g. employers)

    The Code of Ethics Practice Standards and Ethics and Practice Guidelines provide extensive guidance for ethical practice and in most instances address the common issues arising in consultations. Please refer to these documents in the first before contacting the Professional Officer – Standards at:

    [email protected] or on (03) 9320 1000. 

    *Please ensure that you include the area code (03) if calling from outside Victoria.