A new draft Code of Ethics for Social Workers has been developed
The Latvian Association of Social Workers has developed a new draft code of ethics for social workers. The current Code of Ethics for Social Workers was adopted almost 21 years ago. Since then, several changes have taken place in the international documents of social work ethics, social processes, and social work in Latvia. Since January 13, 2020, the Latvian Association of Social Workers has been designated by law as responsible for updating the Code of Ethics and other issues of professional ethics. Therefore, the association has prepared a new draft Code of Ethics, which also includes a number of news on ethical regulation, such as clarification of key concepts, values of social work and ethical principles, new regulation on dual relations, the right to refuse cooperation with clients, respect of competence of colleagues, ethics in management, in the use of digital technologies, etc. The regulation of confidentiality, performance of professional role and the obligation to develop professionally have been clarified. The implementation of the Code of Ethics in everyday practice will continue to be a special challenge for the entire community of social workers, therefore the role of the Social Work Specialists’ Council of the Ministry of Welfare is also included in the new regulations. The Council is the only structural unit in Latvia that unites all stakeholders in the social work profession – representatives of professional organizations, local governments, universities and the Ministry of Welfare. The association has also established an Ethics Commission. It is expected that the new version of the Code of Ethics will be approved by the general meeting of the Latvian Association of Social Workers this year in May. The draft code of ethics was presented to the Council on 9 March and members of the Council are invited to submit proposals or comments, if any, by the end of March.
The Latvian Association of Social Workers will henceforth publish a magazine “Social Work in Latvia” A new code of ethics for Latvian social workers has been approved
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