Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What is a social worker's duty when a minor client discloses parental conflict involving physical discipline?

1. A. Immediately file a report with Child Protective Services

2. B. Discuss the context of the discipline in a sensitive manner

3. C. Comfort the client and schedule a follow-up session

4. D. Ignore the comments if not directly relevant to therapy

The correct answer is: B. Discuss the context of the discipline in a sensitive manner

When a minor client discloses parental conflict involving physical discipline, the social worker's duty to discuss the context of the discipline in a sensitive manner is crucial. Engaging the client in an open dialogue allows the social worker to gain a better understanding of the situation, including the nature and context of the physical discipline described. This approach fosters a therapeutic environment where the client feels safe and validated in expressing their feelings and concerns. Additionally, discussing the context sensitively helps the social worker assess whether any actions are necessary beyond the therapeutic conversation. For example, it allows the social worker to gather more information about whether the physical discipline could potentially be harmful or abusive, which is important in determining the appropriate next steps. This dialogue also positions the social worker to provide education on healthy and effective parenting styles and assists the minor in processing their feelings about the situation. The other responses are not as suitable in this scenario. Filing a report immediately may be necessary in cases of clear abuse or danger, but rushing to report before understanding the full context may not be warranted. Comforting the client and scheduling a follow-up session could be supportive, yet it lacks the necessary intervention to address the issue at hand adequately. Ignoring the comments entirely can be detrimental, as it dismisses the