Client Communication and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real AFC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Client Communication and Ethics flashcards as text
A client discloses they are considering hiding assets from their spouse during a divorce. What is the AFC counselor's ethical obligation?
Answer: Advise the client that asset concealment is illegal and you cannot assist with it
AFC counselors must refuse to assist with illegal activity such as concealing assets in divorce proceedings and should inform the client of the legal and ethical implications.
Which communication technique best helps a counselor understand a client's underlying financial beliefs?
Answer: Asking open-ended questions about money attitudes and childhood experiences
Open-ended questions elicit deeper insight into the money scripts and beliefs that drive a client's financial behavior.
An AFC counselor receives a referral fee from a debt management company for every client enrolled. This arrangement is BEST described as:
Answer: A potential conflict of interest that must be disclosed to clients
Referral fees create a conflict of interest; AFC standards require full disclosure to clients so they can make informed decisions.
A client with limited English proficiency struggles to understand the counselor's explanations. The MOST appropriate response is to:
Answer: Use plain language, visual aids, and arrange for a qualified interpreter if needed
Effective communication with limited-English clients requires plain language, visuals, and interpreter services to ensure informed consent and comprehension.
Under the AFC Code of Ethics, a counselor's primary obligation is to:
Answer: The welfare and best interests of the client
The AFC Code of Ethics places client welfare and best interests above all other obligations, including employer directives.
A counselor notices a client becomes defensive whenever debt is discussed. The BEST strategy is to:
Answer: Acknowledge the emotional difficulty and use motivational interviewing techniques
Motivational interviewing acknowledges resistance non-judgmentally and helps clients explore ambivalence about financial change.
Which scenario represents a breach of client confidentiality?
Answer: Mentioning a client's name and account details to a friend at a social event
Disclosing identifying client information to unauthorized parties outside professional or legal contexts is a clear breach of confidentiality.