Included in this section are tools for the reader to refresh and retain the knowledge. A Key Takeaway serves one of three purposes:

• highlighting an especially complex aspect of the chapter;
• summarizing an overarching idea; or
• emphasizing an idea that invites the reader to think about it more deeply, to connect to life experiences, and/or additional learnings.

Discussion Questions are recommended for individual reflection or class discussion.

3.5.1 Key Takeaways

• An ethical code must be considered within the context of multiple systems. The most complicated are the overlapping cultures that affect us: the cultural context of the individuals and families that are served, the professional’s own culture, societal values and policies and workplace expectations. These are not to be given equal weight, but they are all factors in the work and ethical life of the helping professional.
• The purpose of presenting these interwoven concepts now is to give human services students an introduction to the ideas. Having an ethical code is a tool that will serve practitioners, the people they serve, and society.