California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is an important responsibility of social workers when dealing with potential elder abuse?

1. To act as direct investigators of all allegations

2. To document and inform relevant authorities as dictated by law

3. To maintain confidentiality at all costs

4. To prioritize client satisfaction over legal obligations

The correct answer is: To document and inform relevant authorities as dictated by law

An important responsibility of social workers when dealing with potential elder abuse is to document and inform relevant authorities as dictated by law. This duty is essential because social workers are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspicions or evidence of elder abuse to appropriate authorities, such as Adult Protective Services (APS) or law enforcement. By documenting the situation, social workers create a clear record that can provide crucial information during investigations, ensuring that the rights and safety of the elder are prioritized. This process also helps to facilitate interventions that can protect vulnerable adults from further harm. Maintaining confidentiality is important, but in cases of suspected elder abuse, the legal obligation to report overrides confidentiality concerns to protect the vulnerable individual. Moreover, social workers must balance client satisfaction with their duty to uphold legal obligations, which means they cannot prioritize client satisfaction over reporting requirements. Additionally, acting as direct investigators is not within the social worker's purview, as their role is to evaluate and refer rather than conduct investigations themselves.