Which is a key aspect of confidentiality in social work?

A key aspect of confidentiality in social work is ensuring that only the therapist has access to clients' records. This principle is crucial because it protects the privacy and trust that clients place in the therapeutic relationship. By restricting access to only the therapist, social workers uphold ethical standards that safeguard sensitive client information, which is fundamental for effective treatment and rapport building.

Confidentiality also fosters an environment where clients feel safe to share personal thoughts and experiences without fear that their information will be disclosed improperly. This promotes honesty and openness in therapy, which are essential for meaningful progress. Violations of this confidentiality can severely undermine the therapeutic alliance and may lead to negative outcomes for the client.

In contrast, sharing client information with family members could breach confidentiality without explicit consent, and documenting all client interactions is a practice that supports continuity of care but is not the core of client confidentiality. Discussing cases in public places compromises confidentiality and can lead to a violation of ethical standards, as it exposes client information to unintended parties.