What ethical principles are fundamental in social work?

The ethical principles fundamental in social work include confidentiality, informed consent, and social justice because these elements uphold the dignity and rights of individuals and communities. Confidentiality ensures that the information shared between a social worker and a client remains private, fostering a sense of trust that is essential for effective communication and intervention. Informed consent is critical as it empowers clients by allowing them to understand and agree to the services they are receiving and to make decisions about their own welfare. This principle respects clients' autonomy and ensures they are active participants in their own care.

Social justice is a core tenet of social work that drives practitioners to advocate for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the importance of promoting equity and addressing systemic inequalities that affect individuals and communities.

Other options, while they address important aspects of social work practice, do not encapsulate the fundamental ethical principles that guide social workers in their professional conduct. Profit maximization and productivity contradict the altruistic nature of social work, which focuses on helping others rather than generating profit. Crisis intervention and follow-up are essential practices within the field, but they do not represent the foundational ethical principles that guide all social work activities. Resource allocation and community engagement are vital for effective service delivery but stem from the ethical foundations rather than