ABSTRACT
The codified values and ethics of the profession reflect the heart and conscience of social work practice. In this chapter, we explore the profession’s values and ethical principles as they relate to social work practice with lesbian and gay clients. In order to clearly focus our discussion on the profession’s value and ethical commitments, this chapter is organized around six core values and related ethical principles as outlined in the current National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (1996). Within each section, the discussion highlights ways in which social workers should incorporate the stated values and ethical principles in practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons and some of the obstacles that they are likely face in doing so. The chapter concludes with the identification of several frameworks useful in resolving ethical dilemmas.
