What should social workers do if they have had a prior sexual relationship with an individual?

Social workers are bound by ethical standards that prioritize client welfare, professional boundaries, and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. When a social worker has had a prior sexual relationship with an individual, it creates a significant power imbalance that can interfere with the effectiveness of the professional relationship. Such a past relationship can lead to conflicts of interest, exploitative situations, and compromised objectivity.

Discontinuing clinical services in this context is crucial in order to protect the client’s emotional and psychological well-being. The ethical imperative is to ensure that clients receive services in an environment where their needs can be prioritized without any influence from previous personal relationships. Continuing to provide services could potentially harm the client and undermine the trust that is essential for effective social work practice.

While consulting a supervisor or referring to another professional might be appropriate in some cases, the primary ethical responsibility remains to remove oneself from a situation where prior relationships could jeopardize the therapeutic process. This ensures compliance with the NASW Code of Ethics, which emphasizes a commitment to practice that maintains the highest standards of professional integrity and client care.