Continuing through some of the hot spots in the NASW Code of Ethics, here's section 1.16 which begins like this:

Termination of Services

(a) Social workers should terminate services to clients, and professional relationships with them, when such services and relationships are no longer required or no longer serve the clients' needs or interests.

It goes on from there for a stretch (a through f). It's not uncommon to see questions about how and when to terminate with clients on the social work licensing exam. There's an Eye on Ethics column on this topic alone. The gist: avoid abandoning clients. Anticipate endings and prepare for them. Refer, refer, refer.

You've probably had to do this some time in real life--interns quickly get experience with termination. Take another look at the code section. Soon, you'll be able to terminate with your exam prep. Good luck!

For practice questions about termination and other topics, sign up with SWTP!


November 20, 2013
Categories : 
  ethics