Ethics in Social Work: Balancing Confidentiality and Protection

Extract

[...] Z was located and if you had any information about this man. Two objectives are guiding: the first is not to hinder an investigation, the second is to protect the rights of Mr. without passing judgment on the situation. In the face of the police officer, my approach would be to explain that as a professional, I am not able to reveal personal information outside of legal framework (art Code of Deontology, art. 226-13 of the Penal Code, art of the Civil Code). However, we can indeed certify that Mr. [...]

[...] It is then a professional choice based on her own discretionary power. Regarding the violation of the professional secret by B. H.: The professional secret intervenes in a professional situation between a beneficiary and the professional, but no information about Mrs. B or her children has been disclosed. The ASS was therefore entitled to take this step. However, other measures could have been taken before preferring denunciation. As an ASS, a first intervention, even in the context of Mrs. B's and her children's safety, would have been to offer accompaniment and assistance to the man based on his situation. [...]

[...] Is this a difficult or stressful time for you?). It is also possible to ask for an opinion from colleagues or other professionals involved in the case. Interprofessional communication will allow redirecting suspicions towards clearer answers thanks to a combination of viewpoints. This is only if the signs confirm a serious risk to the child that the reporting can be directed to the CRIP thanks to the provisions of articles 375 of the Civil Code and 226-14 of the Penal Code, because the protection of the child is considered before anything else. [...]

[...] It is possible to propose contacting Mr. Z directly, and checking with him if he agrees to meet the police officer, but no information can be transmitted directly to the authorities. Situation 3 : You are going to the home of the G family for the first time. Madame is 6 months pregnant. Rapidly, she you tell her about the violence she suffers from her wife. She does not want to file a complaint, but she afraid for her child. [...]

[...] It will then be a matter of starting an accompaniment with them to regularize their family situation in order to avoid a direct reporting. Some individuals do not find other escape routes from their situation, and it is important to weigh the pros and cons of a direct reporting. By regularizing with them, we apply the principles of respect for the dignity and personal situation of individuals. In parallel, we will be able to check if other aids can be proposed to them so that their financial situation is less difficult. [...]