What must social workers do when providing access to records?

When providing access to records, the critical responsibility of social workers is to protect the confidentiality of other individuals identified in those records. This is in accordance with ethical standards that emphasize the importance of privacy and confidentiality in the practice of social work. Social workers often deal with sensitive information that includes details about clients, families, or other parties involved in a case. When disclosing records, it is paramount to ensure that any information that could identify or harm another individual is kept confidential.

This approach aligns with the core values of social work, which include respect for the inherent dignity and worth of individuals, as well as the importance of maintaining trust within the therapeutic relationship. By safeguarding the privacy of third parties, social workers preserve the integrity of the professional relationship and comply with legal standards regarding confidentiality.

In contrast, the other options do not align accurately with the ethical obligations outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. For instance, completely redacting information might impede access to necessary records or misrepresent the nature of the information provided. Not discussing third parties could prevent social workers from providing a full context of the case, which may be essential for understanding the records when required. Allowing full access without restrictions poses a direct risk to the confidentiality of all individuals involved and can lead