Which of the following is a condition that permits or requires breach of confidentiality?

Which of the following is a condition that permits or requires breach of confidentiality?

• A. Informed consent
• B. Child abuse
• C. Sexual abuse
• D. Danger to others

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality can be breached only under legitimate exceptions, and the most straightforward way to do so is when the client themselves authorizes disclosure. Informed consent means the client understands what will be shared, with whom, for what purpose, and agrees to it. Because the client is choosing to reveal information, the social worker can disclose as specified without violating ethical or legal standards. This consent can be limited or revocable, giving the client control over the scope of disclosure. Other scenarios involve legal or ethical mandates that require disclosure regardless of the client’s wishes—for example, reporting suspected child abuse or, in some cases, duties to warn or protect if there is danger to others. These breaches are not based on the client’s permission but on statutory or professional obligations.

Confidentiality can be breached only under legitimate exceptions, and the most straightforward way to do so is when the client themselves authorizes disclosure. Informed consent means the client understands what will be shared, with whom, for what purpose, and agrees to it. Because the client is choosing to reveal information, the social worker can disclose as specified without violating ethical or legal standards. This consent can be limited or revocable, giving the client control over the scope of disclosure.

Other scenarios involve legal or ethical mandates that require disclosure regardless of the client’s wishes—for example, reporting suspected child abuse or, in some cases, duties to warn or protect if there is danger to others. These breaches are not based on the client’s permission but on statutory or professional obligations.