Social Work Values, Ethics, and Spirituality

Abstract

This chapter examines underlying social work values and ethical principles that govern the practice of social work and the extent to and manner in which attention to the religious-spiritual-belief concerns of clients and client-communities is consistent with social work values and ethics. The chapter recalls the historical connections between religion, spirituality, and social work. Approaches to the integration of religion and spirituality into social work practice are presented and associated values conflicts and ethical issues are examined. The incorporation of religion and spirituality into social work education and training is also addressed.