Reference · Values and Ethics

Dual relationships and boundaries

The short answer

Avoid dual relationships that risk exploiting or harming a client; when one cannot be avoided, the social worker sets clear boundaries.[1] Sexual contact with current clients is never allowed, and with former clients the worker carries the full burden of showing there was no exploitation.[1] Bartering is discouraged but not absolutely banned, and personal social media connections with clients should be avoided.[1]

The key ideas

  • NASW 1.06 Conflicts of interest and dual relationships

    Avoid conflicts that impair judgment, tell clients of real or potential conflicts, do not exploit relationships, and avoid dual relationships with risk of harm; if unavoidable, the worker sets boundaries. In couple/family work clarify who the client is; clarify role in custody testimony. Avoid personal use of technology with clients and personal social media connections.[1]

  • NASW 1.09 Sexual relationships

    Never engage in sexual activity, sexual contact, or inappropriate sexual communication with current clients, consensual or forced. Do not have sexual contact with clients' relatives or close others when there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm. Do not have sexual contact with former clients; a worker who does bears the full burden of showing no exploitation. Do not treat a former sexual partner.[1]

  • NASW 1.10-1.12 Physical contact, sexual harassment, derogatory language

    Avoid physical contact where psychological harm is possible, such as cradling or caressing, and set boundaries when contact is appropriate. Do not sexually harass clients. Use accurate, respectful language about clients in all communications.[1]

  • NASW 1.13 Payment for services and bartering

    Fees should be fair, reasonable and consider ability to pay. Avoid bartering; allow only when accepted locally, essential, uncoerced, client-initiated and consented, and the worker bears the burden of showing it is not harmful. Do not solicit private fees from clients entitled to agency services.[1]

  • NASW 2.06-2.07 Sexual relationships and harassment with colleagues

    Supervisors and educators should not engage in sexual activity or contact with supervisees, students, trainees or colleagues over whom they have professional authority. Avoid sexual relationships with colleagues when there is potential for a conflict of interest, and transfer professional responsibilities when necessary. Do not sexually harass supervisees, students, trainees or colleagues.[2]

How the ASWB exam tests it

  • Classic examples are a Facebook friend request, bartering, treating a friend, and deciding who the client is in family work. The worker, not the client, is responsible for the boundary.[1]
  • The Code says "should not" for former clients, gives no time limit, and puts the burden on the worker. A client's consent or initiation is never a defense.[1]
  • In questions about hugging or touch, the worker sets the boundary and weighs the possibility of harm.[1]
  • Bartering is discouraged, not absolutely banned.[1]
  • A romantic relationship between a supervisor and a supervisee is prohibited because of the power difference.[2]

The common trap

Answers that put the boundary on the client. The social worker is always responsible for setting and keeping it, even when the client initiates.[1]

Related explainers

Sources

  1. 1.NASW Code of Ethics (public page). www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients
  2. 2.NASW Code of Ethics (public page). www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Colleagues

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