Circular No. 01/2017/TT-BLDTBXH stipulates ethical standards for social work professionals

Number: 01/2017/TT-BLDTBXH Hanoi, February 2, 20177

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Professional Ethics Standards

 for Social Work Practitionersassembly

Pursuant to the Law on Protection, Care, and Education of Children No. 25/2004/QH11 dated June 24, 2004;

Pursuant to the Law on Public Officials and Civil Servants No. 22/2008/QH12 dated November 13, 2008;

Pursuant to the Law on Public Officials No. 58/2010/QH12 dated November 15, 2010;

Pursuant to the Law on Elderly People No. 39/2009/QH12 dated December 4, 2009;

Pursuant to the Law on Persons with Disabilities No. 51/2010/QH12 dated September 26, 2010;

Pursuant to Government Decree No. 106/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 20, 2012 on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs;

At the proposal of the Director of the Social Assistance Administration;

The Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs promulgates this Circular on Professional Ethics Standards for Social Work Practitioners.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. This Circular stipulates Professional Ethics Standards for Social Work Practitioners (hereinafter referred to as Professional Ethics for Social Work).

Article 2. This Circular applies to civil servants, public officials, employees, and volunteers engaged in social work at various types of social service facilities and in communities, who directly work with beneficiaries in the fields of social security, health, education, judiciary, political-social organizations, social-professional organizations, and other related fields (hereinafter referred to as Social Work Practitioners).

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

1. Social Work refers to professional activities aimed at resolving individual, family, community, and societal issues; contributing to the realization of human rights, social equity, progress, and the happiness of the people.

2. Professional Ethics for Social Work consists of standards regarding cognition, attitude, and behavior that are appropriate to the characteristics of social work.

3. Professional Ethics Standards for Social Work Practitioners are ethical standards that Social Work Practitioners must adhere to during their practice of social work, in their social relations with service users, colleagues, relevant organizations and individuals, and workplace relationships.

4. Service Users refer to individuals, groups, families, or communities utilizing social work services (hereinafter referred to as Service Users).

Chapter II

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS STANDARDS FOR SOCIAL WORK

Article 3. Adherence to Basic Principles of Social Work

1. Respecting and promoting the right to choose, the right to decide without discrimination based on values, beliefs, thoughts, and life of subjects and not affecting the rights and legitimate interests of others.

Clause 2. Promote full participation of Service Users by assisting them in making decisions and solving problems affecting their lives.

3. Focusing on strengths, utilizing existing resources of subjects to promote empowerment.

4. Being responsible for professional social work activities, ensuring that subjects receive appropriate and quality social work services.

5. Promoting social equity, ensuring fair and transparent provision of resources according to the needs of subjects.

Clause 6. Respect diversity and refrain from discrimination based on ability, age, gender, marital status, economic and social status, skin color, ethnicity, nationality, political views, religious beliefs, and health conditions of Service Users.

Article 4. Requirements for Professional Ethics Quality

Clause 1. Thriftiness, honesty, integrity, and prohibition against personal gain through misuse of relationships with Service Users; clearly delineate boundaries between personal life and professional duties.

Clause 2. Enthusiasm, responsibility, initiative, and creativity in providing professional social work services to Service Users.

Clause 3. Patience, understanding, sharing, and concern for Service Users.

Clause 4. Prioritize the interests of Service Users in professional social work activities.

Clause 5. Take responsibility for professional activities in accordance with the law.

Clause 6. Maintain unity with colleagues; avoid exploiting or dividing relationships among colleagues.

Clause 7. Care for oneself and build an appropriate image to ensure the provision of professional and effective social work services.

Article 5. Compliance with Professional Discipline

1. Adhere to laws, internal regulations, and rules of the agency or unit. Engage in social work activities within assigned tasks and shall not refuse appropriate social work service requests from clients.

2. Maintain confidentiality of information related to clients. Information sharing must be conducted in accordance with legal provisions or with the consent of the client and the professional manager.

3. Respect the right of clients to access their files. In cases of refusal, a record must be established detailing the reasons for the client.

4. Respect, share, empathize, and assist colleagues in both professional and social relationships.

5. Be ready to cooperate with partners and experts in the field of social work and other relevant fields.

6. Use accurate and standardized language and style in communication and interaction with colleagues and clients.

7. Cease providing social work services only when the client no longer has needs. In cases of force majeure, appropriate measures must be taken to ensure continuous provision of social work services without affecting the interests of the client.

8. Continuously study, enhance knowledge, skills, and awareness regarding professional standards in social work as stipulated by law.

9. Possess specialized knowledge in social work, culture, customs, traditions, and religion to serve the job.

10. Have responsibility and ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams. Contribute and share experiences and knowledge to ensure effective interdisciplinary team operations.

11. Have the ability to consult with colleagues and clients to improve the quality and effectiveness of social work service provision.

12. Have the ability to establish relationships in society, build credibility, and connect with reputable experts and organizations to best meet the needs of clients.

13. Always love the profession and protect its reputation.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 6. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs

1. Lead and coordinate with ministries, sectors, localities, political and social organizations to manage, train, and utilize social workers in compliance with professional ethics standards.

2. Organize the compilation and training on guidelines for professional ethics standards in social work.

3. Inspect and audit the implementation of regulations concerning professional ethics standards in social work; strictly handle violations of professional ethics within the scope of management as prescribed by law.

Article 7. Responsibilities of Ministries, Agencies Equivalent to Ministries, and People's Committees of Provinces and Cities Directly Under the Central Government

1. Direct social work service providers and agencies, units, and organizations under their jurisdiction to implement this Circular.

2. Develop and implement plans for training, enhancing, and developing professional social workers who comply with professional ethics standards.

3. Inspect and audit the implementation of regulations concerning professional ethics standards in social work; strictly handle violations of professional ethics within the scope of management as prescribed by law.

Article 8. Responsibilities of Social Work Service Providers

1. Regularly organize education on compliance with professional ethics standards for social workers under their management.

2. Coordinate with training institutions and vocational education facilities to train, enhance, and improve the professional skills and ethics of social workers.

3. Publicize professional ethics standards for social work so that social workers are aware and strictly adhere to them.

4. Create favorable conditions and support for social workers to effectively implement professional ethics standards during the practice of social work.

5. Receive and resolve complaints and reports related to the implementation of professional ethics by social workers within their authority; strictly handle violations of professional ethics within the scope of management as prescribed by law.

6. Regularly inspect and evaluate the results of implementing professional ethics standards for social workers under their management.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 9. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from March 19, 2017.

2. During implementation, if there are difficulties, please report to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs for guidance./.