What must social workers demonstrate if they engage in sexual contact with former clients?

The requirement for social workers who engage in sexual contact with former clients to demonstrate that there was no exploitation or coercion is rooted in the ethical obligation to uphold the integrity of the professional relationship. Social workers are expected to maintain clear boundaries that ensure the well-being of their clients. The dynamic between a client and a social worker is inherently one of power imbalance, where the social worker holds a position of authority and influence over the client.

Thus, it is critical for social workers to show that the former client was not subjected to any form of exploitation or coercion, as this helps ensure that the decision to engage in a sexual relationship was genuinely free from undue influence. This principle reinforces the ethical standard that promotes respect for the client's autonomy and acknowledges the trust placed in the social worker by the client. By focusing on the absence of exploitation or coercion, social workers can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practice and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Other options may address aspects of the relationship, such as consent or moving on from the relationship, but they do not sufficiently capture the core ethical concern of exploitation and coercion that is essential in the context of professional boundaries and client safety.