Under what circumstance might a social worker be required to report a client to authorities?

A social worker is mandated to report to authorities when there is credible evidence of child abuse or neglect due to their legal and ethical responsibilities to protect vulnerable populations. Reporting in such cases is often required by law, reflecting the profession's commitment to safeguard the well-being of children and ensure their safety from harm. This obligation is rooted in child welfare laws, which aim to prevent further abuse or neglect by enabling appropriate interventions.

In contrast, expressing dissatisfaction with therapy, having a conflict of interest, or suspecting a client is lying do not automatically mandate reporting to authorities. These circumstances should be addressed through therapeutic processes or ethical considerations rather than through external reporting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and trust in the therapeutic relationship.