What should social workers avoid accepting from clients as payment for services?

Social workers should avoid accepting goods or services from clients as payment for their professional services because this practice can create ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest. The core principle of social work is to maintain professional boundaries and avoid situations that could compromise the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. Accepting goods or services could alter the professional dynamics and may lead to exploitation or an imbalance in the therapeutic relationship.

Additionally, the social work code of ethics emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear, professional, and transactional boundaries to ensure that the focus remains on the client's well-being and progress, rather than on the value of exchanged goods or services. This helps to foster an environment of trust and professionalism essential for effective practice.

In contrast, options like cash payments, referral discounts, and donations to the firm are governed by specific guidelines within the profession and are generally more acceptable when handled transparently and ethically, ensuring that they do not influence the delivery of services or compromise the integrity of practice.