ASWB Social Work Clinical

Category - Ethics

Cassandra is a single mother who becomes upset with her clinical social worker when a referral is made for parenting classes. The client feels she is not a bad mother and there is no problem. Cassandra demands to see her records, but the social worker is concerned that some of the information found within may cause emotional harm. How should the professional deal with this problem?
  1. Inform the client to get a court order
  2. Warn the client and then make her a copy
  3. Clients are not allowed to see their records
  4. Read the records together to prevent confusion
Explanation
-Clients have a legal right to their records regardless of the content. The social worker is ethically responsible for record documentation that is accurate, objective, and thorough. While records are typically not automatically handed over when requested (a discussion of the reason and purpose for the request is encouraged), Cassandra cannot legally deny her client access. Another approach is to encourage the client to go over the information with you, so you have the opportunity to answer questions and clarify information.
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