Social workers commit to a particular set of values including respect for worth and dignity of every person, the client's right to self-determination, confidentiality, advocacy and social action that promotes social justice. The CASW code of ethics summarizes these values as follows:

Humanitarianism
Egalitarian ideals
Self-determination
Mutual respect and dignity of every person
Privacy
Human rights
Fair and non-judgmental
Co-operation

A woman I knew in my work in the Philippines, Photographer: Steve Hick, Copyright, 1997.