Social work is a profession bound by a code of ethics, which has evolved with the development of social work practice. The legend of ethics outlines the mission and values of the social work profession and the following principles and standards that demonstrate those values. The code is not a rule book but a set of guidelines that help a social worker choose the most appropriate action.

Codes of ethics or discussions of ethics can be formal, sometimes resembling legal language, and adopted by varied groups. When examined closely and analyzed, they can become powerful, and their meaning can evolve with your experience. And they serve a practical purpose, especially in social workthey are guiding principles and a checkpoint. In this Discussion, you reflect on the NASW Code of Ethics to find how its meaning can apply to your practice.

NASW Code of Ethics, including the Preamble, Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics, Ethical Principles, and Ethical Standards.

Explain the following Standards to focus on based on the first letter of your last name.

• Last Name A-D: Standard 1 to Clients
• Last Name E-I: Standard 2 to Colleagues
• Last Name J-M: Standard 3 in Practice Settings
• Las Name N-R: Standard 4 as Professionals
• Last Name S-T: Standard 5 to the Social Work Profession
• Last Name U-Z: Standard 6 to Broader Society
• Consider how you might explain to a peer the relevance of the NASW Code of Ethics and your assigned section of the code specifically.
• Describe professional ethics and the purpose of the NASW code of ethics in your own words.
• Explain the section of the code that you were assigned.
• Describe the standards within that section in your own words.
• Provide a specific example of how a social worker would apply these ethical standards.

Please Include references.