Confidentiality in Dual Relationships

1174 Words3 Pages

When considering dual relationships it can add several challenges to professional boundaries. Which are highlighted in small communities and rual areas. A dual relationship is defined as a set of multiple relationships in which one is professional and the others are social, financial, or professional. However, dual relationships may create boundary issues for the practitioner. Reamer describes boundary issues as things that causes conflict between professional duties and their social, sexual, religious, or business relationships. Direct service issues that arise within the rual social work practice from the increased liklihood of encountering dual relationships is the maintenance of the client confidentiality and privacy. Green and Mason published an article on the experience of social work and welfare practice in rural areas considering personal and professional role boundaries. Three issus arose from this was gaurding privileged knowledge, the use of client related knowledge gained informally, and rural service delivery considerations that protect client privacy and confidentiality. The authors point out that absolute confidentiality is difficult to obtain in rural areas. Confidentiality should be guaranteed unless a child is being abused, client is suicideal, or there is a threat to another person. However, it is challenged because rural social work invloves working with communities, groups, teams, and other agencies. The authors also point out that clients choose not to obtain services because they are unsure how confidential information is handled. Barbopoulos and Clark acknowledge that client's privacy is hard to maintain because people that know eachother are seen at places services are provided. Respondents reported that b... ... middle of paper ... ...t. It is suggested tat employees, volunteers, and board members sign a statement indicating they were informed, understand, and agree to follow the policies. It is also reccomended that they go over the policies periodically to reinforce knowledge and awareness of them. Another area that may involve breaches of confidentiality is the use of consultants. Agencies should avoid hiring a consultant that has a relationship with the organization and it ould be best if they were from out of town. The use of distance as a boundry is consistant with Kagle and Giebelhausens recommendation for rural practice management. However, consultants should sign a confidentiality pledge form. All in all more information is needed about how rural organizations handle dual relationships and confidentiality. The more emphasis on these issues will help strengthen rural social work practice.

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