Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

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Study for the Social Work Examination Services (SWES) exam. Access insightful questions and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Prepare for your future as a social worker effectively!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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When a depressed adolescent expresses suicidal thoughts, what should a social worker prioritize?

Respect the adolescent's privacy
Focus on therapeutic techniques to improve mood
Contact the adolescent's family for safety
Suggest speaking to a counselor at school

The correct answer is: Contact the adolescent's family for safety

It is crucial for a social worker to prioritize the safety of a depressed adolescent who expresses suicidal thoughts. When an adolescent conveys such serious emotions, the immediate concern is to ensure their safety and prevent any potential harm. Contacting the adolescent's family is a vital step to establish a support network that can monitor the adolescent closely and provide necessary care. Family involvement can also facilitate open communication about the adolescent's struggles and help create a safer living environment. Other options, while they might have their place in a comprehensive approach to treatment, do not address the immediate risk associated with suicidal thoughts. Respecting an adolescent's privacy may not be appropriate in crisis situations where safety is at stake, and focusing solely on therapeutic techniques or suggesting school counseling does not effectively address urgent safety concerns. Thus, prioritizing contact with the family provides a proactive measure to enhance support and safeguard the adolescent's well-being.