Risk Management in Social Work

Frederic G. Reamer is professor at the School of Social Work, Rhode Island College. His many books include Social Work Values and Ethics; Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships in the Human Services; Teens in Crisis: How the Industry Serving Struggling Teens Helps and Hurts Our Kids (with Deborah H. Siegel); and Criminal Lessons: Case Studies and Commentary on Crime and Justice.

Preface 1. Professional Risk Management: An Overview Professional Malpractice and Liability Key Concepts in Risk Management The Elements of Malpractice and Liability Process Versus Outcome and the Standard of Care Damages in Liability Cases 2. Confidentiality and Privileged Communication The Concept of Privacy Common Confidentiality Issues The Concept of Privileged Communication Responding to Subpoenas and Court Orders Unintentional Disclosure of Confidential Information 3. The Delivery of Services Clients' Rights Informed Consent Clinical Assessment and Intervention Negligent Intervention Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships Managing Boundary Risks Undue Influence Suicide Involuntary Civil Commitment Protective Services Defamation of Character Digital Technology and Social Media 4. Impaired Social Workers The Nature of Impairment Extent of Impairment Causes of Impairment Sexual Abuse of Clients Practitioner Substance Abuse Response to Impairment Risk Management Strategy The Challenge for Social Work 5. Supervision: Clients and Staff Client Supervision Staff Supervision Supervision Case Law Supervision of Volunteers Liability and Social Work Education Preventing Supervisory Liability 6. Consultation, Referral, Documentation, and Records Consultation in Social Work Referral in Social Work Social Work Documentation and Records Evolution of Social Work Standards Risk Management Standards and Guidelines 7. Deception and Fraud Self-interested Deception and Fraud Deception and Fraud Motivated by Altruism 8. Termination of Service The Concept of Abandonment Premature Termination Prevention Strategy 9. Responding to Lawsuits and Ethics Complaints: The Role of Prevention In the Event of a Lawsuit or Licensing Board Complaint The Role of the Expert Witness Preventing Lawsuits and Licensing Board Complaints: Good Practice Preventing Lawsuits and Licensing Board Complaints: Good Ethics Ethical Dilemmas and Decision Making Conducting an Ethics Audit Appendix: Sample Forms Notes References Legal Citations Index