Ethical behaviour is at the core of every profession. The Manitoba College of Social Workers has adopted the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Social Work Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice, which consists of 6 core values:
- Respect for the Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons
- Pursuit of Social Justice
- Service to Humanity
- Integrity of Professional Practice
- Confidentiality in Professional Practice
- Competence in Professional Practice
Standards of Practice
The Standards of Practice for Social Workers outline basic rules for professional practice for members of the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW). This is in accordance with the vision of MCSW to serve the public interest through the regulation of, and support to, the social work profession in Manitoba.
While it is recognized that there are variations in practice methods and settings throughout Manitoba, the Standards are intended to apply to a broad scope of Social Work practice. The Standards of Practice describe the basis on which safe, competent and ethical practice is conducted. For each of the Standards, practice directives have been provided to guide Social Work practice and conduct. All Social Workers and Social Work students are encouraged to be familiar with the Standards of Practice as a significant reference for professional practice and conduct in Manitoba.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Information for Social Workers
Federal legislation (Bill C-14) governing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) came into effect in June 2016. The Manitoba College of Social Workers has developed a reference document for Social Workers related to MAID in response to this legislative change.
Private Practice Requirements
The Manitoba College of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice outline specific requirements for Social Workers in private practice. This includes an obligation for private practitioners to maintain regular supervision. Grandparented RSWs must ensure their practice limitation(s) permit them to enter into private practice. For more information about standards and guidelines for Social Workers in private practice, review Standards 2.1 and 7 of the MCSW Standards of Practice and Guideline 5 in the MCSW Code of Ethics. Members are encouraged to consult the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Member’s Portal, Private Practice Portal, available via the “Members” tab.
Adoption Home Studies – Important Information for Private Practitioners
At the request of the Manitoba Central Adoption Registrar, please be advised that Manitoba adoption legislation includes specific restrictions regarding the completion of adoption homestudies by private practitioners. Legislation requires that adoption services shall only be provided by a Child and Family Services agency or by a private licensed adoption agency and a homestudy shall be prepared by a social worker on behalf of an agency. To learn more, please review the Adoption Regulation with particular attention to sections 2, 3 and 17.