Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

If a social worker learns of child abuse in a casual setting, what is the ethical response?

1. Confront the neighbor about the abuse

2. Discuss the situation at the next staff meeting

3. Report the incident to authorities

4. Encourage the neighbor to seek help

The correct answer is: Report the incident to authorities

The ethical response in this scenario is to report the incident to authorities. This action is fundamental to the social worker's professional duty to protect vulnerable populations, especially children. Child abuse is a serious matter that must be addressed promptly, as it poses a significant risk to the child's safety and well-being. Reporting to authorities ensures that trained professionals can investigate the situation and provide appropriate interventions. Social workers have a legal and ethical obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities to ensure the child receives the protection and services they may need. This approach upholds the principles of social work, which prioritize client safety, advocacy for vulnerable groups, and adherence to legal mandates. Discussing the situation at a staff meeting or encouraging a neighbor to seek help may not result in timely or appropriate action to protect the child. Confronting the neighbor directly could put the social worker in a difficult position, potentially jeopardizing the safety of both the social worker and the child. Thus, reporting is the most responsible and ethical course of action.