Which two exceptions to client confidentiality require action by a social worker?

Which two exceptions to client confidentiality require action by a social worker?

• A. When client is late for session
• B. Duty to warn/protect and mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect
• C. Client's request to share information with friends
• D. Administrative data sharing with marketing

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality in social work has important limits. The actions that require a response are the duty to warn or protect when there is a credible risk of serious harm to another person, and mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The duty to warn/protect means if a client poses a real threat, the social worker must take steps to warn the potential victim and/or protect them, and may involve notifying authorities, guided by legal standards and ethical practice. Mandatory reporting requires the social worker to report suspected abuse or neglect of children, and often of elders or dependent adults, even if the client objects, to safeguard vulnerable individuals. Other scenarios—like a client being late for a session, sharing information with friends at the client’s request, or administrative data sharing for marketing—do not justify disclosure without proper consent or a separate, applicable rule.

Confidentiality in social work has important limits. The actions that require a response are the duty to warn or protect when there is a credible risk of serious harm to another person, and mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The duty to warn/protect means if a client poses a real threat, the social worker must take steps to warn the potential victim and/or protect them, and may involve notifying authorities, guided by legal standards and ethical practice. Mandatory reporting requires the social worker to report suspected abuse or neglect of children, and often of elders or dependent adults, even if the client objects, to safeguard vulnerable individuals. Other scenarios—like a client being late for a session, sharing information with friends at the client’s request, or administrative data sharing for marketing—do not justify disclosure without proper consent or a separate, applicable rule.