04/02/2026
Here's another ethics discussion based on my presention on boundaries issues at the NASW-North Carolina Ethics Conference. The discussion focused around letters we are asked dto write as social workers.
We might get asked to write letters for any of the following:
1. Emotional support animal.
2. Disability benefits.
3. Gender-affirming care.
4. Medical procedures.
5. Divorce, Custody, parenting time, probate, and even criminal cases.
6. Other
On one hand, it feels simple, and of course we want to support our clients.
On the other hand, this is one of those places where ethics asks us to slow down and look more closely.
The NASW Code of Ethics reminds us that our role is not only to advocate, but also to practice with honesty, accuracy, and integrity.
These letters carry weight.
They are used to make decisions that are legal, medical, and financial.
Sometimes the tension shows up in very human ways:
“I really need this . . . can you make it a little stronger?”
“Can you just say it this way so I qualify?”
These are tender moments. Real moments.
And they matter.
Because this is where we hold the line of Standard 4.04: Dishonesty, Fraud, and Deception being careful not to cross from advocacy into misrepresentation.
So we ground ourselves:
We write what we can truly support.
We stay within our scope.
We are thoughtful about confidentiality.
We make sure our words match our documentation.
We ask ourselves, gently but honestly:
Am I advocating with integrity, or am I being asked to bend reality?
Sometimes the most ethical response is not writing the letter,
but helping someone find the right path to get their needs met.
That, too, is care.
*Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational and reflective purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or clinical consultation. Please consult your state regulations, licensing board, and supervision as appropriate.*
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