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The Evolution Of Social Work Ethics, Frederic Reamer
The Evolution Of Social Work Ethics, Frederic Reamer
Frederic G Reamer
The recent ratification of a new NASW Code of Ethics--the most ambitious set of ethical guidelines in social work's history--marks an important stage in the profession's development. This article traces the evolution of ethical norms, principles, and standards in social work during four stages in the profession's history: (1) the morality period, (2) the values period, (3) the ethical theory and decision-making period, and (4) the ethical standards and risk management period. In the past 100 years, social work has moved from a preoccupation with clients' morality and values to the formulation of comprehensive ethical guidelines for practice. In recent …