TDC Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

When there is a real risk of harm to others, confidentiality is not absolute. The key idea here is that ethical practice requires informing the client about the limits of confidentiality and the possibility that information may be disclosed to a parent or guardian in order to protect safety. For a minor, involving a parent or guardian is often part of the protective process, and the worker should explain what will be disclosed, to whom, and under what circumstances. If the risk is immediate, the social worker may proceed toward disclosure to the appropriate guardian or authorities per policy, while continuing to document the assessment and rationale and seeking supervision as needed. This approach respects both the safety of others and the client’s rights, and it helps the client understand how confidentiality operates in situations of potential harm. Keeping information confidential regardless of risk isn’t appropriate because it ignores the duty to protect others. Waiting to see if risk escalates before discussing limits isn’t safe or ethical, as protective steps may be needed promptly. Simply encouraging the client to talk to a parent about their feelings doesn’t address the professional obligation to discuss confidentiality limits and potential disclosures with the client upfront.