Case Study
What is confidentiality and how did this breach affect the client worker relationship?
“The regulation, both legal and ethical, that protects the client’s rights of privacy” (Millstein, 2000, p.270).
This has affected the relationship since there is now a violation of trust and that there is a possibility that this information may reach the public.
Which code emphasizes the social worker’s responsibility to protect client information and confidentiality at all times?
Both
(Strom, 2023)
Is it important for social workers to educate themselves and to facilitate research and training before using a new area of practice such as digital social work?
Yes
(Reamer, 2013)
When is it expected that social workers incorporate confidentiality within their practice?
It is always essential for social workers to maintain confidentiality unless consent is given to do otherwise
How many fundamental principals does the FOIP Act have?
5
(Government of Alberta, 2024)
What is discretion and in which ways is it demonstrated throughout the case?
“Expectations that the helper will not engage in fishing expeditions, seeking extraneous or tantalizing information that is beyond the bounds of the helping relationship” (Strom, 2023, p.178).“Expectations that the helper will not engage in fishing expeditions, seeking extraneous or tantalizing information that is beyond the bounds of the helping relationship” (Strom, 2023, p.178).
Should social workers avoid talking about identifying client information with other professionals unless they have obtained consent?
Yes
(Strom, 2023)
Why does digital social work lead to greater risk in a breach of confidentiality?
Technology “can also jeopardize confidentiality by making records and other forms of stored information easier to access and disperse” (Strom, 2023, p.183)
When a social worker is struggling because maintaining confidentiality goes against their moral beliefs, who are they able to turn to for support?
-Colleagues
-Personal Support System
-Faith community
-Therapeutic Resources
(Strom, 2023)
What is the purpose of FOIP?
Their goal is to set a balance between the public's right to know and the individual’s right to privacy
(Government of Alberta, 2024)
What is privilege and how has the social working failed to use this?
“The right of a social worker, lawyer, or other professional to refuse to divulge confidential information regarding their cases” (Strom, 2023, p.201).
In this case, Antoine did not use their privilege as he did not refuse telling confidential information
What safeguards should social workers be considering when using electronic communications?
Encryption, firewalls, and passwords
(Strom, 2023)
With the use of technology why is it important to go beyond excersising discretion in order to maintain confidentiality?
Confidentiality also requires vigilance “so that the tools of practice are not vulnerable to misuse or misappropriation by others” (Strom, 2023, p.183)
What are the Pillars of Confidentiality?
Discretions, restraint, self-discipline
(Strom, 2023)
What is the difference between FOIP and PIPA
FOIP focuses on the balance between an individual’s privacy and the public’s right to know (Government of Alberta, 2024), whereas PIPA focuses more so on how to protect an individual’s information that is collected by private-sector organizations (Government of Alberta, 2023).
How has the social worker demonstrated containment?
Antoine has presented containment as he has told Elise confidential information with that belief that she might find the information scintillating or interesting
(Strom, 2023)
Is it true that social workers should only disclose just enough information necessary when it has been mandated by regulations or ask by a court order?
True
(Strom, 2023)
What is the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)?
This act is a federal privacy law in Canada that sets out expectations of how private organizations should collect, use, and disclose the information of their clients.
(Mentalyc, 2021-2024)
What term describes when a social worker should protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of professional service?
Protection/limits of confidentiality
(Strom, 2023)
What governing bodies need to follow FOIP