Under what condition can social workers disclose identifying information for teaching purposes?

The disclosure of identifying information for teaching purposes is permissible when the client has provided consent. Consent is a fundamental principle in the practice of social work, emphasizing the importance of respecting the autonomy and confidentiality of clients. When clients agree to have their information shared—whether for educational purposes or supervision—they are actively participating in the process and understanding how their information may be used. This ensures that their rights are upheld while also facilitating the training and educational experiences of others in the field.

In contrast, while anonymization can protect a client's identity and could theoretically allow for broader sharing of information, it doesn't specifically address the need for explicit consent in the context of teaching. Supervision is a different context where client information might be shared, but it typically involves oversight rather than educational purposes. Lastly, while supporting ongoing training is important in social work, the ethical framework mandates that this cannot occur without prior consent from the client. Therefore, client consent remains the essential condition for disclosing identifying information for teaching purposes.