How the NASW Code of Ethics Guides Social Workers in Writing Letters on Behalf of Clients

As social workers, we are often asked to write letters on behalf of clients; whether that is for emotional support animals, disability benefits, gender-affirming care, medical procedures, or custody and parenting time matters, or probate court matters.

On the surface, it feels straightforward.

Of course we want to support our clients.

But ethically can we or should we?

This is where things get nuanced.

The NASW Code of Ethics invites us to hold both advocacy and integrity at the same time.

We are guided by our commitment to clients (1.01) 

and by our responsibility to practice with honesty and accuracy.

These letters are not just supportive statements.

They are professional documents that others rely on to make legal, medical, and financial decisions.

That brings us to Standard 4.04: Dishonesty, Fraud, and Deception.

Social workers should not participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud, or deception.

And sometimes, the ethical tension shows up quietly:

• “Can you just word it this way so I qualify?”

• “I really need this—can you make it stronger?”

These moments matter.

Even small shifts in wording can cross from advocacy into misrepresentation.

So how do we stay grounded?

We come back to a few anchors that can keep us grounded:

✔️ Write only what you can clinically support

✔️ Stay within your scope of competence (1.04)

✔️ Be mindful of dual roles and conflicts of interest (1.06)

✔️ Protect client confidentiality with clear, informed consent (1.07)

✔️ Ensure your documentation aligns with your records (3.04)

And perhaps most importantly, we ask ourselves:

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 the client access the right kind of evaluation or support.

This is not about withholding care.

It’s about protecting our clients, ourselves, and the integrity of the profession.

Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational and reflective purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or clinical consultation. Practitioners should consult their state regulations, licensing boards, and supervision as appropriate.