Association of Social Work Boards Bachelor (ASWB) Practice Exam

The correct statement regarding the disclosure of client records is that client records are not free from disclosure all the time, regardless of the wishes of the client or the social worker. This reflects the reality that there are legal and ethical circumstances where disclosure is permissible or required. For instance, according to laws concerning child abuse, threats of harm to oneself or others, and certain court orders, social workers may be obligated to disclose information even if the client does not consent.

This underscores the importance of understanding that while confidentiality is a fundamental principle in social work, it is not absolute. There are exceptions that protect the welfare of individuals and the public. Knowledge of these exceptions is crucial for social workers, as they must navigate between maintaining trust with clients and adhering to legal obligations.

Other statements regarding the ownership of client records may not accurately reflect legal requirements or standards of practice within social work. For example, the notion that records are the property of the social worker contradicts the ethical understanding that these records are primarily the client’s information. Similarly, while it’s essential to obtain client consent before disclosing records, there are recognized limits to confidentiality that can lead to disclosures without consent in specific situations. Understanding these complexities is vital for any social worker to ensure they act both