Topical Training for Caseworkers: Ethics

Resources include training curricula and materials on ethics and confidentiality in the child welfare field.

400: Using Ethics to Guide Casework Decision Making
The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center (2017)
Defines ethical standards in child welfare and provides guidance on implementing those standards into child welfare practice. This resource includes training materials like handouts and overheads.

Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals (PDF - 79 KB)
Illinois Department of Child and Family Services
Outlines expectations of behavior for child welfare professionals in the State of Illinois, including standards for casework practice and behavior in the workplace.

Confidentiality
California Social Work Education System
Explains the importance of confidentiality in child welfare casework practice. This resource includes handouts and quizzes.

The Confidentiality Policies in Child Protective Services (PDF - 69 KB)
Public Policy Center
Outlines several scenarios that child welfare professionals may encounter in the field. This resource includes a series of questions in order to guide users through the necessary decision-making process.

Confidentiality Toolkit: A Resource Tool From the ACF Interoperability Initiative (PDF - 2,212 KB)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (2014)
Discusses the development of collaborative relationships across the child welfare continuum while maintaining confidential information.

Ethics in Child Welfare Training Video [Video]
Sherrod (2015)
Florida's Center for Child Welfare
Defines ethical behavior in a child welfare setting. This training resource guides participants through the necessary decision-making process during an ethical dilemma and identifies situations child welfare professionals will likely encounter.

Evidence-guided Practice: Integrating the Science and Art of Social Work

Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 94(2)

View Abstract

Discusses whether the profession of social work is primarily a science or an art and proposes an alternative approach to practice that integrates, rather than separates, the art and science traditions. Evidence-guided practice incorporates research findings, theoretical constructs, and professional competencies and skills consistent with the profession's values and ethics and the individual social worker's distinctive style.
 
NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Child Welfare (PDF - 135 KB)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) (2013)
Provides background information on the development and changes to the standards over the years and definitions of key terms. This publication includes standards for ethics and values; qualifications, knowledge, and practice requirements; professional development; record keeping and confidentiality of client information; cultural competence; supervision; social work administration; and much more.
 

The NSDTA Code of Ethics for Training and Development Professionals in Human Services: Case Scenarios and Training Implications (PDF - 228 KB)
National Staff Development and Training Association (2004)
Clarifies the intention, training, and implementation of the National Staff Development and Training Association Code of Ethics for Training and Development Professionals in Human Services.

Child Welfare Information Gateway encourages organizations to submit resources from their workforce or training efforts for inclusion in our library. Send information to library@childwelfare.gov.