In what situation might dual relationships be permissible for social workers?

Dual relationships in social work can be complex and potentially problematic, but there are circumstances where they may be permissible. In particular, the situation where they are unavoidable and proper boundaries are set reflects the ethical consideration that while dual relationships should generally be avoided due to the risk of conflicts of interest and exploitation, there can be instances where they are necessary and manageable.

For example, in small communities or rural settings, it’s common for social workers to encounter clients in multiple contexts. When these situations arise, setting and maintaining clear boundaries becomes essential to ensure that the client's well-being and the integrity of the professional relationship are upheld. This adherence to proper boundaries allows for the dual relationship to exist without compromising the ethical standards of the profession or the quality of care provided to the client.

In contrast, the other choices imply situations that do not support the ethical practice standards set by the NASW Code of Ethics. Maintaining boundaries is a fundamental principle, and simply being friends with or related to a client can easily blur those lines, presenting significant risks of bias and impacting the professional relationship. Therefore, while dual relationships can sometimes be unavoidable, ensuring that they are managed through clear boundaries is essential for ethical practice.