California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

A client joins a social worker's church congregation. What is the best course of action for the social worker?

1. Leave the congregation

2. Tell the client they need to join a different congregation

3. Stay in the congregation but avoid direct social interactions

4. Review dual relationships with your client and healthy boundaries

The correct answer is: Review dual relationships with your client and healthy boundaries

Maintaining appropriate boundaries in professional relationships is critical in social work, particularly in situations where practitioners and clients may intersect in community or social settings, such as a church congregation. Reviewing dual relationships and establishing healthy boundaries is essential for ethical practice and the well-being of both the client and the social worker. By choosing to review dual relationships, the social worker demonstrates an awareness of the potential complications that may arise from their client being part of their congregation. Dual relationships can create conflicts of interest, impact confidentiality, and potentially undermine the professional integrity needed for effective therapy. This examination encourages the social worker to recognize the uniqueness of their role and to implement strategies that prevent any harm or exploitation. Establishing healthy boundaries ensures that the social worker can maintain a professional environment while also being part of the community. It allows the professional to continue to provide the best service without compromising the therapeutic relationship. The other options, while they may seem protective, either unnecessarily isolate the social worker or dismiss the client’s autonomy and right to participate in community life. Therefore, reviewing dual relationships and maintaining healthy boundaries represents the most balanced and ethical approach in this situation.