If a client threatens another person, the social worker's duty is to:

If a client threatens another person, the social worker's duty is to:

• A. Maintain confidentiality unless a clear, imminent danger exists
• B. Warn the intended victim of the threat
• C. Inform the supervising clinician only
• D. Terminate the therapeutic relationship to avoid conflict

Answer: (B)

The main point here is safety: when a client makes a credible threat against someone, the social worker must take steps to protect the potential victim, which typically means warning the person at risk or taking actions to ensure their safety. This aligns with the duty to warn or protect established in professional ethics and case law. Warning the intended victim is the best answer because it directly addresses the risk by informing those at risk so they can take precautions. It also reflects the override of confidentiality when there is a real danger to others. Maintaining confidentiality would leave the potential victim unaware and at greater risk. Simply informing a supervisor or terminating the therapeutic relationship does not directly mitigate the danger to the targeted person or satisfy the ethical obligation to protect. If the threat is credible and imminent, the social worker would also consult with a supervisor and, if needed, involve authorities to ensure safety.

The main point here is safety: when a client makes a credible threat against someone, the social worker must take steps to protect the potential victim, which typically means warning the person at risk or taking actions to ensure their safety. This aligns with the duty to warn or protect established in professional ethics and case law.

Warning the intended victim is the best answer because it directly addresses the risk by informing those at risk so they can take precautions. It also reflects the override of confidentiality when there is a real danger to others. Maintaining confidentiality would leave the potential victim unaware and at greater risk. Simply informing a supervisor or terminating the therapeutic relationship does not directly mitigate the danger to the targeted person or satisfy the ethical obligation to protect. If the threat is credible and imminent, the social worker would also consult with a supervisor and, if needed, involve authorities to ensure safety.