What should social workers do when responding to media requests for information?

When responding to media requests for information, social workers must prioritize client confidentiality. The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the necessity of protecting private information and respecting clients' rights to confidentiality. This is fundamental to the trust that clients place in social workers and supports their autonomy. Social workers are ethically obligated to refrain from sharing identifiable information about clients or case details without their explicit consent, except in situations where disclosure is required by law or necessary to prevent harm.

While other options might seem viable in different contexts, they do not align with the primary ethical obligation of maintaining confidentiality. For instance, encouraging contact with clients could not only breach confidentiality but also put clients in uncomfortable or potentially harmful situations. Disclosing information, even with consent, is not a blanket approach that always results in ethical practice, as clients might not fully understand the implications of disclosure. Additionally, inviting media to observe sessions poses significant risks to client privacy and may undermine the therapeutic environment, which is contrary to the ethical principles guiding social work practice. Therefore, the obligation to protect client confidentiality remains the cornerstone of ethical responses to media inquiries.