What is a primary ethical responsibility of social workers regarding confidential information?

Social workers have a primary ethical responsibility to respect and protect confidential information shared by clients, and in this context, by colleagues as well. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the social work profession, as it builds trust and fosters a safe environment for clients to share personal and sensitive information. Upholding confidentiality ensures that clients feel secure in disclosing their challenges and circumstances without fear of judgment or unauthorized disclosures.

While social workers may share information with colleagues in the context of supervision or collaboration, this must be done judiciously and with the intent of enhancing service delivery while still safeguarding the client’s privacy. This commitment to confidentiality pertains not just to client interactions, but also to the information shared among professionals, as maintaining that trust contributes to professional integrity and effective teamwork.

In contrast, the other options represent approaches that fundamentally undermine the ethical standards of the profession. Ignoring confidentiality entirely, disclosing all information indiscriminately to supervisors, or selectively maintaining confidentiality only when convenient all compromise the ethical practice of social work and jeopardize client trust and safety.