In what situation must a social worker break confidentiality?

Breaking confidentiality is a critical aspect of a social worker's ethical responsibility, particularly when there is a risk of harm to the client or others. The duty to protect individuals from imminent harm takes precedence over the obligation to maintain confidentiality. This is rooted in both ethical standards and legal requirements.

For example, if a client threatens to harm themselves or someone else, the social worker is compelled to take action to prevent that harm, which may include disclosing relevant information to appropriate authorities or individuals. This is aligned with the ethical principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the importance of promoting the well-being of clients and the safety of the community.

The other options do not represent situations that justify breaking confidentiality in the same way. While a client asking for information to be revealed might necessitate a thoughtful conversation about boundaries and limits of confidentiality, it does not automatically require a breach. An unhappy client does not constitute a scenario that warrants breaking confidentiality, as dissatisfaction with services can be addressed through other means. Finally, convenience for the social worker does not fulfill any ethical or legal justification for breaching confidentiality, as the integrity of client trust must be maintained regardless of the social worker's circumstances.