Texas A&M University (TAMU) Commerce Social Work (SW) Comprehensive Clinical Practice Test

What is a key ethical consideration when conducting collateral interviews?

Client consent and confidentiality Collateral interviews can be conducted without client awareness Only emergency situations allow collateral interviews Collateral interviews replace direct interviewing

Correct Answer:

Client consent and confidentiality

Explanation:

Consent and confidentiality are at the heart of collateral interviews. When you reach out to someone other than the client to gather information, you must obtain the client’s informed consent to contact that person and to what information will be sought and shared. You also need to safeguard what is learned, sharing it only with people who are authorized and who need to know for the client’s care, and only as allowed by law and ethical guidelines. This respects the client’s autonomy, protects privacy, and supports trust and effective treatment planning. Collateral interviews should not be done without the client’s awareness, are not limited to emergency situations, and do not replace direct interviewing with the client.

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