Ethical Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real SSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethical Practice flashcards as text
A school social worker suspects a colleague is providing services while impaired by alcohol. The most appropriate ethical response is to:
Answer: Report concerns through appropriate channels such as supervisors or licensing boards
Social workers have an ethical obligation to address colleagues' impairment that may harm clients by reporting through appropriate professional channels.
The ethical principle of 'least restrictive alternative' in school social work means:
Answer: Choosing interventions that minimize intrusion on student autonomy while meeting needs
Least restrictive alternative means selecting interventions that achieve goals while preserving as much student freedom and autonomy as possible.
A student discloses plans to run away from home but denies intent to harm herself. The school social worker should FIRST:
Answer: Assess safety, explore the student's situation, and determine appropriate level of response
A thorough safety assessment and exploration of circumstances is the first step before determining whether notification of parents, authorities, or other action is needed.
Which ethical concept refers to the social worker's duty to act in good faith and keep professional promises to clients?
Answer: Fidelity
Fidelity refers to the obligation to be trustworthy, honest, and to keep commitments made to clients and colleagues.
A 16-year-old student requests that information shared in sessions be kept from her parents. The school social worker should:
Answer: Explain confidentiality limits upfront and respect appropriate privacy while following legal requirements
School social workers must explain confidentiality limits at the outset and balance adolescent privacy rights with parental rights and legal mandates.
When terminating services with a student, ethical practice requires the school social worker to:
Answer: Provide adequate notice, discuss progress, and arrange referrals if continued services are needed
Planned termination includes sufficient notice, review of progress, and ensuring continuity of care through referrals when appropriate.
A school social worker receives a subpoena for a student's confidential records. The best immediate action is to:
Answer: Consult with school legal counsel before releasing any records
A subpoena is not a court order; consulting legal counsel first ensures proper legal process is followed and protects both client privacy and the social worker.