An aggressive and angry client on an acute inpatient unit threatens to hurt his former girlfriend and mentions release from the unit. The social worker should

An aggressive and angry client on an acute inpatient unit threatens to hurt his former girlfriend and mentions release from the unit. The social worker should

• A. Maintain confidentiality as the Code of Ethics requires
• B. Warn the client that his behavior will get him in trouble
• C. Notify the police and warn the intended victim that the client has made threats and is about to be released from the unit
• D. Suggest that the client move to another country

Answer: (C)

This item tests the duty to warn and protect when there is a credible threat of violence. When a client on an acute inpatient unit makes a specific threat to harm a named person and mentions release from the unit, the social worker must take steps to prevent harm. The ethical obligation, rooted in the Tarasoff principle, allows breaching confidentiality to warn the potential victim and to involve law enforcement. The risk is not theoretical here—there is an immediate danger to the intended victim, and discharge could increase access to the target, making protective action essential. Telling the client that consequences will follow does not reduce risk, and simply shifting location or sheltering the client abroad does not address the imminent threat to the victim. Therefore, the prudent and ethically required response is to notify the police and warn the intended victim about the threat and about the release, so that protective steps can be taken.

This item tests the duty to warn and protect when there is a credible threat of violence. When a client on an acute inpatient unit makes a specific threat to harm a named person and mentions release from the unit, the social worker must take steps to prevent harm. The ethical obligation, rooted in the Tarasoff principle, allows breaching confidentiality to warn the potential victim and to involve law enforcement. The risk is not theoretical here—there is an immediate danger to the intended victim, and discharge could increase access to the target, making protective action essential.

Telling the client that consequences will follow does not reduce risk, and simply shifting location or sheltering the client abroad does not address the imminent threat to the victim. Therefore, the prudent and ethically required response is to notify the police and warn the intended victim about the threat and about the release, so that protective steps can be taken.