Developing the necessary skills to realize the distinctions between confidentiality and open lines of communication is the focus of this week. Maintaining confidentiality is important when engaging social work clients. Breaking it could potentially constrain the open lines of communication. For example, consider the limitations “duty to warn” presents. As a future social worker, how might you ensure that you are demonstrating social work practice skills while maintaining confidentiality?
How you communicate also may affect your relationship with other social workers or even your field instructor. Does your agency observe additional types of confidentiality when interacting with others?
Important Note: Please use the media player below to hear an audio course introduction that will give you more background information about the course topic. Also provided is a transcript for you to download and print out.
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2013). Confidentiality [Audio file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 1 minute.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze potential confidentiality challenges
- Identify agency policies or mandates related to confidentiality
- Analyze potential challenges in communication with clients in agencies
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Saxon, C., Jacinto, G. A., & Dziegielewski, S. F. (2006). Self-determination and confidentiality: The ambiguous nature of decision-making in social work practice. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 13(4), 55–72.
Wulff, D. P., St George, S. A., & Besthorn, F. H. (2011). Revisiting confidentiality: Observations from family therapy practice. Journal of Family Therapy, 33(2), 199–214.
Required Media
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2013a).Confidentiality [Audio file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: This audio introduction is located in the “Introduction and Objectives” section. The approximate length of this media piece is 1 minute.
Assignment: Week 2 Blog
Refer to the topics covered in this week’s resources and incorporate them into your blog.
Post a blog post that includes:
- An explanation of potential challenges in adhering to confidentiality in your field education experience
- A description of agency policies or mandates with regard to confidentiality
- An explanation of potential challenges in communicating with clients within your agency
You may choose to support your blog posts with specific references to this week’s resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.