How Has the Code of Ethics Weathered COVID-19?

Abstract

Countries, communities, institutions, families, and individuals all live by a code of ethical standards. Social work takes pride in conducting itself according to a set of written ethical principles and standards that are derived from the core values of the profession. Depending on the state, the Code of Ethics, or parts thereof, may have the force of law. To ensure that the Code remains relevant it must have an inherent character that is neither too rigid nor too flexible, and it must be interpreted in such a way as to reflect the constantly changing dynamics and pressures of the social work profession and society. The COVID-19 pandemic has surely tested the mettle of the Code, as practitioners began to provide telehealth services, with or without weighing important practice provisions, core values, ethical principles and standards, and critical areas of knowledge. The article seeks to examine existing interpretations of the Code and the influence they have on social work practice during the pandemic. Most importantly, the article aims to broaden practitioners’ awareness and judgement regarding ethical and legal duties in social work practice. Keywords: Code of Ethics, COVID-19, social work practice, ethical decision-making processes