Confidentiality in social work generally has an exception when there is a risk of harm to self or others, abuse of a child, or as required by law. Which option correctly states this exception?

Confidentiality in social work generally has an exception when there is a risk of harm to self or others, abuse of a child, or as required by law. Which option correctly states this exception?

• A. Never
• B. With parental consent
• C. There is risk of harm to self or others, abuse of a child, or as required by law
• D. Only with supervisor approval

Answer: (C)

Confidentiality isn’t absolute—there are limits when safety or legal duties require disclosure. The best statement reflects that if there is risk of harm to self or others, or abuse of a child, or a legal requirement to report, a social worker must disclose the necessary information to the appropriate parties to prevent harm and comply with the law. In practice, you share only what’s needed, inform the client about the limits of confidentiality, and document your rationale. Parental consent doesn’t override mandatory reporting, and supervisor approval isn’t the trigger for disclosure—the obligation comes from the risk or the law, with supervision guiding the process.

Confidentiality isn’t absolute—there are limits when safety or legal duties require disclosure. The best statement reflects that if there is risk of harm to self or others, or abuse of a child, or a legal requirement to report, a social worker must disclose the necessary information to the appropriate parties to prevent harm and comply with the law. In practice, you share only what’s needed, inform the client about the limits of confidentiality, and document your rationale. Parental consent doesn’t override mandatory reporting, and supervisor approval isn’t the trigger for disclosure—the obligation comes from the risk or the law, with supervision guiding the process.