Lisa, who is 4 months pregnant, has contacted a social worker several times at the community health clinic to plan for the future of her child. During her last visit, she confided that she is addicted to heroin. The social worker has expressed his or her concern that the drug may harm her unborn child, but she does not seem worried and does not want to give up use of the drug. The social worker

Question

also knows that she obtains money for heroin through prostitution and is living on the street. Explain how Lisa's unborn child's rights supersede Lisa's right to confidentiality.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Although social workers are expected to safeguard the information they collect in the course of their professional duties, there are several situations in which helping professionals are allowed or are compelled to share case information. In certain instances, the client's right to confidentiality may be less compelling than the rights of other people who could be severely harmed or damaged by actions planned by the client and confided to the practitioner. The rights of others also take precedence over the client's right to confidentiality in instances of child abuse or neglect.