08/09/2025
Social Workers Follow a Code of Practice
1. Protecting Vulnerable People
Social workers must act to safeguard vulnerable individuals, including children, people with disabilities, and older adults. They cannot exploit, neglect, or harm the people they work with.
2. Professional Integrity
Social workers must be honest, transparent, and accountable in all their actions.
They must follow laws, regulations, and organisational policies, and ensure they deliver services ethically.
3. Competence and Continuing Development
Social workers must maintain professional competence through ongoing training, supervision, and reflection. They should only provide services for which they are qualified.
4. Advocacy and Social Justice
Social workers act as advocates for the rights, needs, and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. They aim to challenge systemic injustices and inequalities.
5. Confidentiality and Respect
Social workers respect privacy and confidentiality unless disclosure is legally or ethically required. They treat all clients with dignity, regardless of background, culture, or ability.
💡 Key Point for Parents & NDIS Context:
Registered social workers are held to this professional code of ethics. If you witness practices such as unqualified providers exploiting funding or neglecting vulnerable clients, that would constitute a breach of professional standards, which you can report to the NDIS.
