What does "duty to warn" mean in social work?

The concept of "duty to warn" in social work specifically pertains to the responsibility of practitioners to inform potential victims or appropriate authorities when a client poses a serious risk of harm to themselves or others. This ethical obligation arises when a social worker assesses that there is a credible threat of danger, requiring action to protect those who may be at risk.

This principle is rooted in the necessity of prioritizing safety and preventing harm, balancing clients' rights to confidentiality against the need to avert future harm. In situations where a client indicates an intention or capacity to cause harm, the social worker must enact this duty by taking appropriate steps to ensure safety, which could include notifying potential victims or law enforcement necessary to protect those at risk.

Understanding this responsibility highlights the ethical complexities social workers navigate and reinforces the importance of client safety in practice.