Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

How should a social worker respond when a client's spouse seeks information about the client's treatment?

1. Share all relevant details with the spouse

2. Probing for the spouse's reasons for needing the information

3. Provide a summary of the client's progress

4. Refer the spouse to the client for information

The correct answer is: Probing for the spouse's reasons for needing the information

In assessing how a social worker should respond to a spouse seeking information about a client's treatment, the focus should be on the ethical considerations related to client confidentiality and autonomy. Probing for the spouse's reasons for needing the information is vital because it helps the social worker understand the context and the potential implications of sharing any details. Engaging the spouse in a conversation about their motivations allows the social worker to gauge whether the information request is coming from a place of concern for the client or if it may pose a risk to the client's privacy or well-being. This approach is important in maintaining professional boundaries and respecting the client's right to confidentiality. In situations where a social worker fully understands the spouse's perspective, they can determine if there is a need for collaboration or if the client should be brought into the conversation. By prioritizing these ethical standards and the client's interests in the response, the social worker is upholding their professional duty to protect confidential information while also potentially fostering a supportive environment for the client’s care.