Ethical Dilemmas
Legal Standards
Risk Assessment
Case Documentation
Lessons from the Case
100

When must a social worker break confidentiality

When there is an imminent risk of harm to the client or others (e.g., child abuse, suicidal ideation).

100
What is "mandated reporting?"

A legal requirement for professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect to authorities.

100

Name one common risk factor for child abuse or neglect.

Domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, or poverty.

100

Why is documentation important in social work?

Documentation ensures accountability, provides a clear record for legal and ethical purposes, and helps maintain continuity of care.

100

What was the biggest ethical issue in the case study?

Failure to assess the father’s ability to care for the child adequately and not taking immediate action to ensure the child’s safety.

200

What is an example of a conflict of interest in child welfare?

When a social worker is personally involved with the family or has a close relationship with the individuals involved in the case.

200

What legal document allows child protection workers to remove a child from their home?

A court order or a protective services order.

200

What is the purpose of a safety plan in child protection cases?

A safety plan outlines steps to ensure the child is safe and specifies who will be responsible for monitoring the child’s safety.

200

What key information should always be included in a case report?

Client demographics, a summary of the case, assessment findings, interventions, and any follow-up actions.

200

How could better supervision have changed the outcome?

Better supervision could have ensured that the social worker followed proper protocols, conducted a more thorough risk assessment, and provided better support to the family.

300
How can cultural bias affect social work decisions?

Cultural bias can lead to misinterpretation of behaviors, judgments based on stereotypes, and inequitable treatment of clients from different cultural backgrounds.

300

A court order or a protective services order.

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) and Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) protect children’s rights in care.


300

 How does past trauma impact a parent’s ability to care for a child?

Past trauma may affect a parent’s ability to manage stress, provide emotional support, or create a stable environment for the child.


300

How often should a social worker update their case notes?

Case notes should be updated regularly, ideally after every contact with the client or significant development in the case.

300

What training could prevent similar cases in the future?

Training on risk assessment, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making could help prevent similar situations.

400

Should a social worker accept a small gift from a client? Why or why not?

No. Accepting gifts can lead to a conflict of interest or undermine the professional boundaries between the social worker and client.

400

What could happen if a social worker fails to document case details properly?

Poor documentation can lead to legal challenges, loss of credibility, and potential harm to the client.

400

What should a social worker do if a child is in immediate danger?

The social worker should immediately take protective action, such as removing the child from the dangerous situation and contacting emergency services.

400

What should a social worker do if they suspect false information in a report?

The social worker should investigate further, document their findings, and report concerns to a supervisor or authorities if necessary.

400

What role did systemic failures play in the case study?

Systemic failures, such as lack of resources, inadequate supervision, or poor communication, contributed to the poor handling of the case.

500

If a social worker realizes they made an incorrect assessment, what should they do?

The social worker should document the error, consult with a supervisor, and take corrective actions to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

500

What is the role of a guardian ad litem in child welfare cases?

A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed advocate who represents the best interests of the child in legal proceedings.

500

How can social workers balance family reunification and child safety?

Social workers must assess the family’s ability to provide a safe environment, create a safety plan, and work with the family to address concerns while prioritizing the child’s safety.

500

How does poor documentation affect legal cases?

It can weaken the case in court, undermine the credibility of the social worker, and potentially harm the client’s welfare.

500

What changes should be made in social work policies to prevent similar tragedies?

Strengthening training programs, improving risk assessment procedures, ensuring proper documentation, and creating better support networks for social workers.