Ethical & Legal Practices Flashcards

A school social worker learns during a session that a student engaged in illegal activity two weeks ago with no ongoing risk. In most circumstances, confidentiality should be:

Answer: Maintained, as past illegal activity without current risk does not trigger mandatory disclosure

Past illegal activity without present or ongoing risk generally does not meet the legal threshold for breaking confidentiality, and the social worker should maintain privacy.

Which ethical standard guides a school social worker who realizes a student's case exceeds their area of competence?

Answer: Seek consultation or refer the student to a more qualified professional

The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to practice only within their competence and to seek consultation or referral when a case exceeds their expertise.

A school social worker receives a gift from a grateful student's family at the end of the year. The NASW Code of Ethics guidance on gifts suggests:

Answer: Small, culturally appropriate gifts may be acceptable when refusal would harm the relationship

While the Code cautions against conflicts of interest, it acknowledges that in some cultural contexts, modest gifts may be acceptable when refusal could be culturally harmful.

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, school social workers have an ethical and legal obligation to:

Answer: Ensure immediate enrollment and access to education for homeless students without barriers

McKinney-Vento mandates immediate school enrollment for homeless youth and requires removal of enrollment barriers, including residency proof requirements.

A school social worker uses social media and notices a current student has sent a friend request. The most ethical action is to:

Answer: Decline the request and maintain professional boundaries online

Professional ethics require maintaining clear boundaries in online spaces; accepting personal social media connections with current students risks boundary violations.

Which legal concept protects a student's right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment?

Answer: IDEA

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) guarantees eligible students the right to FAPE delivered in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs.

When a school social worker disagrees with an IEP team's decision regarding a student's placement, the most appropriate ethical response is to:

Answer: Implement the decision anyway and document their professional disagreement in the record

Social workers should implement team decisions while ethically documenting their professional objections in the record through appropriate channels.