Practice
Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participating in legislative processes. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social and economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interaction of all these factors.
NASW Standards
- NASW Standards for School Social Work Services (pdf file)
- NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Family Caregivers of Older Adults (pdf file)
- NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Clients with Substance Use Disorders (pdf file)
- NASW and ASWB Standards for Technology and Social Work Practice (pdf file)
- NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings (pdf file)
- NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice (pdf file)
- NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Child Welfare (pdf file)
- Standards for Social Work Practice in Palliative and End of Life Care
- Standards for Social Work Services in Long-Term Care Facilities (pdf file)
- Continuing Education and the Social Work Profession (pdf file)
- NASW Standards for the Practice of Social Work with Adolescents (pdf file)
- NASW Standards for Integrating Genetics into Social Work Practice (pdf file)
- For Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice (pdf file)
- Indicators For Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice (pdf file)