What should a social worker do when the parents of a 19-year-old client request information about their son?

The appropriate action in this scenario centers around the principles of confidentiality and the client's rights. Once an individual reaches the age of 18, they are considered an adult in most jurisdictions, which signifies that they have the right to control their personal information, including any discussions or data shared with a social worker.

By refusing the parents' request for information about their 19-year-old son, the social worker adheres to the ethical standards of maintaining client confidentiality. It is crucial to respect the client's autonomy and privacy, particularly given that the individual is legally an adult who has the right to determine who accesses their information.

In this case, asking for a release of information from the client or involving the parents in a session could be options within certain contexts. However, without explicit consent from the client, sharing information with the parents or discussing their son without his knowledge would violate confidentiality principles. Refusing the request protects the client's privacy and upholds professional ethical standards.