What is the required action if sharing a minor's records may cause harm?

The appropriate action in a situation where sharing a minor's records may cause harm is to refrain from sharing those records. Protecting the welfare and best interests of minors is paramount in social work and mental health practice. The potential for causing harm underscores the ethical obligation to prioritize the minor's safety, confidentiality, and right to privacy.

In instances where revealing information could lead to emotional or physical harm, the ethical standards and legal guidelines dictate that practitioners should carefully assess the implications of disclosure. This helps ensure that minors are not put at risk, aligning with professional codes of conduct that emphasize non-maleficence—an obligation to avoid causing harm to clients.

The decision to not share records in this case supports a broader ethic of care and responsibility towards vulnerable populations, further reinforcing trust in the therapeutic relationship. By choosing not to disclose, practitioners uphold their duty to protect the minor while also balancing the ethical and legal implications of confidentiality and informed consent.