A Hippocratic Oath For Social Workers

Dec 2009

First, do no harm.

To all that I find holy or inspirational, to those that have nurtured me, educated me and protected me, I make this promise:

It is my role to protect the weak, the oppressed, the confused and the powerless. To enable them to live lives that are whole and complete, just and fair, peaceful and filled with opportunity to grow and fulfil their own potential.

In all of my communications with those that I serve I will be honest. In my relationships with those that I serve I will not exploit any weakness, any ignorance or any fear and I will resist any who attempt to do so.

I will explore my own beliefs, my own judgements, my own prejudices before taking any action or making any representation, so that I may be sure that I do no harm.

I will listen with care and make myself aware. Where I do not understand I will ask for clarity. The people around me have a deep understanding of their lives. I will accept that all people know things that I do not know so I will accept and embrace them all as my teachers.

I will continue to learn and grow. Accepting that I will always have something to learn, accepting the reality of nature that all things change and life is not static.

I will challenge authority where I see it is oppressive, judgemental or is otherwise harmful to the lives of those I work for. Even though I accept that authority may come to see me as dispensable.

Before I take any action or make any representations that affect the lives of others: I will make myself aware of current best practice; I will explore and make myself aware of my own pre-judgements and my values and beliefs; my cares and concerns; also those of any who have authority over me and authority over those I serve; also those of the people I serve and work with. So that I can come to an understanding of conflicting interests and values and beliefs and cares and concerns.

Mark Hamer Dec 2009

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