Why is it important for social workers to avoid dual relationships with supervisees?

Avoiding dual relationships with supervisees is crucial primarily to prevent potential harm or exploitation. Social workers have a responsibility to maintain professional boundaries, which helps ensure that the supervisory relationship remains focused on the supervisee's learning and development without any conflicts of interest. Dual relationships can compromise the objectivity of the supervisor, leading to favoritism or biased evaluations that can ultimately harm the professional growth of the supervisee.

Maintaining clear professional boundaries helps to protect the integrity of the supervision process and promotes an environment where supervisees feel safe to discuss their challenges and seek guidance. This is essential in fostering a healthy, professional, and ethical workplace culture. In avoiding dual relationships, social workers uphold the ethical principles of competence, integrity, and respect for the welfare of others, thereby reinforcing the trust that is foundational to the profession.