Are conversations with social workers confidential?

The social worker’s obligation to keep client information confidential is supported through state and federal law, but most often is discussed in reference to the NASW Code of Ethics.

Can social workers disclose personal information?

Once private information is shared, standards of confidentiality apply. (b) Social workers may disclose confidential information when appropriate with valid consent from a client or a person legally authorized to consent on behalf of a client.

When can you share information about clients without their permission?

The age by which you have automatic confidentiality rights is: 14 years and over in the Northern Territory. 16 and over in New South Wales and South Australia. 18 and over everywhere else in Australia.

What are the limits of confidentiality in social work practice?

As the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) Code of Ethics states: “The general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or other identifiable person” (standard 1.07[c]).

What is socially conscious self-disclosure?

“Public self-disclosure involves a social worker revealing personal information about themselves outside of the therapeutic relationship,” Ginty Butler explains. She says examples include “sharing information online in social media, on television, or writing publicly about one’s personal life.

What is inappropriate self-disclosure?

Inappropriate self-disclosures are those that are done primarily for the benefit of the therapist, clinically counter-indicated, burdens the client with unnecessary information or creates a role reversal where a client, inappropriately, takes care of the therapist.

Is it illegal to share confidential information?

It is against federal laws for employers to sell or divulge the personal information their employees provide, such as Social Security or bank account numbers, home addresses, or credit card information. Employees risk identity theft or robbery if employers don’t respect the confidentiality of their details.

When can confidentiality be breached social work?

Guidelines. Because of the importance of client confidentiality, duty to warn and duty to protect apply only in a specific set of circumstances. For a social worker to be justified in violating confidentiality, the client must have made a specific, imminent threat to an identifiable person.

Can social workers be friends with former clients?

“Social workers should not engage in dual or multiple relationships with clients or former clients in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client. They can also be simultaneous or take place after the professional relationship has officially ended.