By following these simple steps to cite the NASW Code of Ethics in APA format, you can ensure that you are accurately and appropriately citing this important source in your writing.
1. Use the full title of the code: When citing the NASW Code of Ethics in APA, it is essential to use the full title, which is “Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.”
2. Include the edition date: Along with the title, you should also include the edition date of the Code you are referencing. For example, “Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (2017 edition)”.
3. Cite in-text and reference list: When citing the NASW Code of Ethics in APA, you will need to include in-text citations and reference list entries. The in-text citation should include the author (National Association of Social Workers) and publication year (2017).
4. Use proper format: The reference list entry for the NASW Code of Ethics should follow the proper APA format for a book. It should include the author, year, title, city of publication, and publisher. For example: National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Washington, D.C.: NASW Press.
5. Double-check: As with any citation, it is essential to double-check your citation for accuracy and completeness. Follow your professor’s or publisher’s guidelines for formatting and citation style.
Understanding the NASW Code of Ethics
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is a professional organization for social workers in the United States. As a professional organization, they have developed a Code of Ethics that is intended to guide and inform the ethical practice of social workers. The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines, principles, and values that are intended to inform and guide the practice of social work.
This code of ethics lays out the ethical standards that social workers should follow, and it provides a framework for handling ethical dilemmas and conflicts that may arise in the course of their work. The NASW Code of Ethics covers a wide range of issues, including the responsibilities of social workers to their clients and to society as a whole.
Incorporating NASW Code of Ethics in APA format
Social work students, scholars, and practitioners are expected to adhere to the APA (American Psychological Association) publication guidelines when writing academic papers, including referencing and citing sources. The proper citation of the NASW Code of Ethics in an APA format is essential to enable readers to locate the source and acknowledge the author’s work. In incorporating the NASW Code of Ethics into an APA-formatted research paper, the code of ethics can be listed as a non-periodical, online document with the following format:
National Association of Social Workers. (2008). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/
Proper citation of NASW Code of Ethics for in-text references
When citing the NASW Code of Ethics within the text of an academic paper, it is necessary to provide the author’s name and year of publication to meet APA citation style guidelines. For example, the in-text citation for a direct quote from the NASW Code of Ethics would look like this: (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2008). Additionally, if the reference is directly cited, the page number can be added following the year, e.g., (NASW, 2008, p. 5).
Understanding the “constellation of core values” in the NASW Code of Ethics
The NASW Code of Ethics embodies a set of fundamental principles and values that inform social workers’ ethical behavior. Social workers are required to adhere to a “constellation of core values” that include the following:
– Service: Social workers help people in need and address social problems.
– Social Justice: Social workers challenge social injustice and pursue social change to promote equality and inclusion.
– Dignity and Worth of the Person: Social workers respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person, whether they’re working with clients or advocating for systemic change.
– Importance of Human Relationships: Social workers place a high value on human relationships and seek to strengthen them as a means of promoting wellness and social cohesion.
– Integrity: Social workers act honestly and responsibly in their professional and personal lives.
– Competence: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and pursue ongoing professional development.
Examples of referencing NASW Code of Ethics in APA format
Here are examples of proper in-text citation and reference list citation of the NASW Code of Ethics in APA format:
In-text citation: According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers have a responsibility to “respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person” (NASW, 2008, p. 1).
Reference list citation: National Association of Social Workers. (2008). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/
Tips for effectively citing NASW Code of Ethics in academic work
– Familiarize yourself with the NASW Code of Ethics and APA citation guidelines to ensure proper citation.
– Be sure to include page numbers when citing direct quotes from the NASW Code of Ethics.
– Always double-check your citation format with the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual.
– Consider using reference management software like Zotero or Mendeley to keep track of your sources and automatically format citations according to APA style guidelines.
– Make sure to include a copy of the NASW Code of Ethics as an appendix in your paper to provide your readers with quick access to the document.
In conclusion, the NASW Code of Ethics is an important tool for social workers in the United States. It provides guidelines and principles that are intended to inform and guide ethical practice. Properly citing and referencing the NASW Code of Ethics in academic work is important to ensure credibility and integrity. With the proper guidelines and tips, social work students, scholars, and practitioners can successfully incorporate this essential document into their research.
