HBSE Social Work Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The concept of "duty to warn" in social work refers to the legal and ethical obligation of social workers to breach client confidentiality when a client poses a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. This principle stems from the understanding that the safety and well-being of individuals—both the client and potential victims—take precedence over the confidentiality agreement typically established in the therapeutic relationship.

When a social worker assesses that a client has threatened harm or is likely to act in ways that could cause danger, they are required to take appropriate action to warn the affected parties or authorities. This duty ensures that measures can be taken to prevent potential harm and protect those at risk. Therefore, understanding this responsibility is critical for social workers as they navigate the complexities of confidentiality while prioritizing safety.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of the duty to warn. Maintaining absolute client confidentiality does not apply when there is a clear threat. Encouraging clients to ignore their feelings does not address the seriousness of situations where harm is possible, and documenting client conversations verbatim is not a standard practice or related to the duty to protect from harm.