California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

The role of a social worker in a 12-step meeting can be complex, especially when it comes to the expectations and perceptions surrounding sponsorship. It's crucial for the social worker to maintain clarity about their professional boundaries and responsibilities. Providing referrals for sponsorship demonstrates an understanding of the framework of support that individuals in recovery may need. It does not promote the social worker as a sponsor in a personal context, which could lead to dual relationships that are discouraged in social work ethics. Therefore, restoring boundaries does not adequately address the ongoing need for support while still separating professional responsibilities from personal involvement. Informed consent may be appropriate in a more therapeutic context, but during a 12-step meeting, where the leadership and roles are established differently, this becomes less applicable. Legal clarifications may also distort the peer-focused nature of these meetings, where the goal is mutual support rather than professional oversight. By clearly articulating their role and the nature of sponsorship as separate from their social work practice, the professional can ensure that the participants understand the dynamics at play, thus supporting the integrity of both their role and the recovery process. Clarity allows participants to engage with the resources available without blurring the lines of accountability and support inherent in the social worker's professional obligations.