What is the Code’s stance on social worker self-care?

The Code emphasizes the importance of self-care for social workers to maintain their ability to effectively serve clients. Prioritizing self-care is vital because social workers often encounter challenging emotional and psychological situations that can lead to burnout. When social workers take care of their own physical, emotional, and mental health, they enhance their capability to provide compassionate and effective support to clients. This aligns with the ethical commitment to the well-being of clients, as social workers who practice self-care are better equipped to advocate for and assist others. The Code encourages professionals to recognize their own limits and ensure they are in a healthy state, thereby safeguarding their welfare and the quality of the services they provide.