What should social workers do when facing potential conflicts of interest?

When social workers encounter potential conflicts of interest, the professional and ethical response is to inform clients and take action to resolve the issue. This approach aligns with the principles outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, which emphasizes the importance of transparency and maintaining the integrity of the client-social worker relationship.

By informing clients of the potential conflict, social workers honor the client's right to make informed decisions about their care and engage them in the resolution process. This fosters trust and keeps communication open, which is essential for effective practice. Additionally, addressing conflicts proactively helps prevent any ethical dilemmas from escalating and ensures that the best interests of the client remain the primary focus.

Taking action to resolve the issue can involve setting clear boundaries, seeking supervision, or even transferring the case to another professional if the conflict cannot be adequately managed. This aligns with the ethical standards of professional responsibility and respect for clients, which aim to prevent harm and promote clients' wellbeing.

This approach contrasts starkly with the other choices, as ignoring conflicts might lead to unresolved ethical issues that could negatively impact clients. Making personal judgments without consulting clients disregards the collaborative nature of social work and undermines client autonomy. Additionally, terminating client relationships immediately may cause further harm and disrupt the support that clients need, rather than