The NASW Code of Ethics does not strictly prohibit low-value tokens of appreciation. Accepting a $20 hand-knit scarf at the final session is culturally sensitive, clinically appropriate, and poses no risk of exploitation. It should be accepted and documented.

A subpoena is not a court order. The social worker’s primary ethical duty is to protect client confidentiality. The social worker must claim privilege and request the court to limit or withdraw the subpoena until a judge issues a direct court order.

Under the value of Self-Determination, competent clients have the right to make decisions regarding their own care, including refusing life-prolonging treatment. The social worker must support the client and help the family process this decision.

The NASW Code of Ethics states that when a social worker has direct knowledge of a colleague’s impairment, they should first address the issue directly with that colleague and help them take remedial action before escalating the report.

While parents generally have legal rights to records, breaching confidentiality over occasional substance use that poses no imminent risk of severe harm breaks the therapeutic alliance. The social worker should maintain confidentiality and address the behavior therapeutically.

The NASW Code of Ethics strictly prohibits social workers from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients under any circumstances due to the ongoing power differential and potential for harm.

Bartering creates a dual relationship, exploits the power imbalance, and can lead to boundary conflicts. Social workers should avoid bartering unless it is an accepted local cultural norm and essential for service delivery, which is rare.

NASW standards state that social workers should provide clients with reasonable access to records. However, access can be limited or refused if the social worker has compelling evidence that access would cause serious harm to the client.

Social workers are mandated reporters. Suspected child abuse must be reported immediately to protective services to ensure child safety. Releasing this information is a legal exception to confidentiality.

Using client contact details obtained during therapeutic service delivery for personal political campaigns is a major boundary crossing and violates client privacy and trust.

Erotic transference is a common clinical dynamic. The social worker must seek supervision to manage boundaries, process the transference therapeutically, and determine if therapy can safely continue.

Social workers must ensure continuity of care. Leaving an agency requires notifying clients, discussing transition feelings, reviewing options, and making referrals (termination planning).

Social workers should maintain clinical neutrality and protect client confidentiality. Testifying for one spouse against the other violates the confidentiality agreement of couple’s therapy and claims privilege should be asserted.

Falsifying records is fraud and a direct violation of social work ethics. The social worker must refuse the request and adhere to ethical standards of honesty and professional integrity.

Informed consent requires providing clients with clear information regarding the nature of services, fees, cancellation policies, limits of confidentiality, and their right to refuse or terminate services.