Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

If a client threatens to harm someone upon release from an inpatient unit, what should the social worker do?

1. Encourage the client to express his feelings

2. Notify the police and warn the intended victim

3. Discuss the threat further with the client

4. Leave it to the client's family to intervene

The correct answer is: Notify the police and warn the intended victim

When a client expresses an intention to harm someone upon release from an inpatient unit, it is critical for the social worker to prioritize the safety of all individuals involved. Notifying the police and warning the intended victim is an essential action to prevent potential harm. This approach aligns with the ethical and legal responsibilities of mental health professionals to protect clients and others from foreseeable harm. In this scenario, immediate action is necessary to mitigate risks. Communicating the threat to law enforcement ensures that authorities can intervene if needed, and alerting the potential victim allows them to take precautions for their safety. This proactive measure not only adheres to duty-to-warn laws but also reflects the social worker’s commitment to ethical practice and public safety. The other options may not provide the necessary immediate safety interventions required when there is a credible threat of violence. Encouraging the client to express feelings or discussing the threat further might help in understanding underlying issues but would not directly address the urgent need for safety. Leaving intervention to the client’s family could lead to delays in addressing the potential threat, putting the intended victim at risk.