What should social workers do if they foresee a serious misunderstanding from a client accessing their records?

Social workers have an ethical responsibility to ensure that clients understand the information contained in their records, especially when there is a risk of serious misunderstanding. Helping interpret the records for the client serves several important purposes. First, it fosters a collaborative relationship between the social worker and the client, emphasizing that the client’s understanding and perspective are valued.

Interpretation also helps mitigate potential distress or confusion that might arise from misinterpreting the information. Social workers can clarify technical language, contextualize the content, and address any emotional responses the client may have, thereby supporting informed decision-making.

In instances where clients are provided their records without assistance, as suggested in one of the options, they may misinterpret the content, leading to an erosion of trust or even harm. Similarly, denying access could violate the ethical principle of transparency and client autonomy, while simply encouraging independent reading might overlook a client’s need for support and clarification. Therefore, assisting clients in understanding their records not only honors their right to access but also embodies the ethical commitment to empower clients in their own processes.