Foreword
NASW partnered with ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA to develop a uniform set of technology standards for professional social workers to use as a guide in their practice. The four associations formed the Task Force for Technology Standards in Social Work Practice and jointly developed the Technology Standards in Social Work Practice.
The task force met for almost two years reviewing technology literature in social work services and emerging standards in multiple professions. The task force also reviewed relevant statutes and licensing regulations in various jurisdictions. Multiple drafts were prepared and a draft was released for public comment during the summer of 2016. Many comments were received from individual social workers, social work academicians, and groups including the Grand Challenges for Social Work initiative (American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare) and representatives of a Web-based macro social work group.
The task force thoroughly reviewed and discussed every submitted comment and revised the draft accordingly. Based on the comments received, the task force established a sub-task force advisory group consisting of social work professionals with extensive technology-related expertise and experience. This group submitted a favorable review of the standards and offered recommendations that the full task force reviewed, discussed, and incorporated into the draft.
In developing these standards, the Task Force for Technology Standards in Social Work Practice used several foundation documents, including the NASW Code of Ethics and the ASWB Model Social Work Practice Act, along with many other sources. The standards use a humanistic framework to ensure that ethical social work practice can be enhanced by the appropriate use of technology. NASW wishes to thank the task force and the sub-task force advisory group for their persistence and hard work in the development of this document.
Contents
Introduction
Section 1: Provision of Information to the Public
Standard 1.01: Ethics and Values Standard 1.02: Representation of Self and Accuracy of Information
Section 2: Designing and Delivering Services
Standard 2.01: Ethical Use of Technology to Deliver Social Work Services Standard 2.02: Services Requiring Licensure or Other Forms of Accreditation Standard 2.03: Laws That Govern Provision of Social Work Services Standard 2.04: Informed Consent: Discussing the Benefits and Risks of Providing Electronic Social Work Services Standard 2.05: Assessing Clients’ Relationships with Technology Standard 2.06: Competence: Knowledge and Skills Required When Using Technology to Provide Services Standard 2.07: Confidentiality and the Use of Technology Standard 2.08: Electronic Payments and Claims Standard 2.09: Maintaining Professional Boundaries Standard 2.10: Social Media Policy Standard 2.11: Use of Personal Technology for Work Purposes Standard 2.12: Unplanned Interruptions of Electronic Social Work Services Standard 2.13: Responsibility in Emergency Circumstances Standard 2.14: Electronic and Online Testimonials Standard 2.15: Organizing and Advocacy Standard 2.16: Fundraising Standard 2.17: Primary Commitment to Clients Standard 2.18: Confidentiality Standard 2.19: Appropriate Boundaries Standard 2.20: Addressing Unique Needs Standard 2.21: Access to Technology Standard 2.22: Programmatic Needs Assessments and Evaluations Standard 2.23: Current Knowledge and Competence Standard 2.24: Control of Messages Standard 2.25: Administration Standard 2.26: Conducting Online Research Standard 2.27: Social Media Policies
Section 3: Gathering, Managing, and Storing Information
Standard 3.01: Informed Consent Standard 3.02: Separation of Personal and Professional Communications Standard 3.03: Handling Confidential Information Standard 3.04: Access to Records within an Organization Standard 3.05: Breach of Confidentiality Standard 3.06: Credibility of Information Gathered Electronically Standard 3.07: Sharing Information with Other Parties Standard 3.08: Client Access to Own Records Standard 3.09: Using Search Engines to Locate Information about Clients Standard 3.10: Using Search Engines to Locate Information about Professional Colleagues Standard 3.11: Treating Colleagues with Respect Standard 3.12: Open Access Information Standard 3.13: Accessing Client Records Remotely Standard 3.14: Managing Phased Out and Outdated Electronic Devices
Section 4: Social Work Education and Supervision
Standard 4.01: Use of Technology in Social Work Education Standard 4.02: Training Social Workers about the Use of Technology in Practice Standard 4.03: Continuing Education Standard 4.04: Social Media Policies Standard 4.05: Evaluation Standard 4.06: Technological Disruptions Standard 4.07: Distance Education Standard 4.08: Support Standard 4.09: Maintenance of Academic Standards Standard 4.10: Educator-Student Boundaries Standard 4.11: Field Instruction Standard 4.12: Social Work Supervision
Glossary Resources