Our BCCSW Code of Ethics

A social worker shall maintain the best interest of the client as the primary professional obligation.
A social worker shall respect the intrinsic worth of the persons she or he serves in her or his professional relationships with them.
A social worker shall carry out her or his professional duties and obligations with integrity and objectivity.
A social worker shall have and maintain competence in the provision of a social work service to a client.
A social worker shall not exploit the relationship with a client for personal benefit, gain or gratification.
A social worker shall protect the confidentiality of all professionally acquired information. She or he shall disclose such information only when required or allowed by law to do so, or when clients have consented to disclosure.
A social worker who engages in another profession, occupation, affiliation or calling shall not allow these outside interests to affect the social work relationship with the client, professional judgment, independence and/or competence.
A social worker shall not provide social work services or otherwise behave in a manner that discredits the profession of social work or diminishes the public’s trust in the profession.
A social worker shall promote service, program and agency practices and policies that are consistent with this Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice of the BC College of Social Workers.
A social worker shall promote excellence in her or his profession.
A social worker shall advocate change in the best interest of the client, and for the overall benefit of society.

Our ACCT Code of Ethics

To protect the welfare of my clients and make reasonable efforts to ensure my services are used appropriately.
To treat all clients with respect and unconditional acceptance.
To consistently complete a comprehensive assessment at the beginning of the counselling relationship.
To never exploit a clients trust and to avoid dual relationships.
To report the sexual or physical abuse of a child to the authorities.
To avoid overtly or suggested sexual contact with clients and former clients.
To terminate counselling services when appropriate or requested by the client(s).
To respect the right of clients to autonomy.
To provide a private and safe setting for counselling.
To request payment for service, only after consent for service has been given.
To ensure proper self-care.
To maintain healthy boundaries with clients.
To obtain assistance and refer clients when appropriate.
To clearly disclose confidentiality limitations, facts about services offered and financial policies. To be aware of and comply with all laws and legislation within the counsellor’s relevant jurisdiction for the delivery of counselling services, including but not limited to Provincial Health Act, Privacy Information Protection Act and laws applicable to providing electronic services.
To maintain client confidentiality, except where there is written consent, danger to self or others or as required by law.
To carefully assess, develop a safety plan, and document the potential suicidal or homicidal behaviour by a client.
To maintain accurate and adequate session and financial records. To continue to grow and develop as a professional counsellor.
To avoid conflicts of interest.
To avoid giving or receiving gifts of substantial value.
To be aware of the influence my public statements may have.
To deal appropriately with the unethical behaviour of another counsellor.
To accept that I cannot realistically expect to succeed with every client.
To promote my services professionally and accurately.

Our BCCSW Code of Ethics

Our ACCT Code of Ethics

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