Risk Management in Social Work

Preface
1. Professional Risk Management: An Overview
Professional Malpractice and Liability
Key Concepts in Risk Management
The Elements of Malpractice and Liability
Process Versus Outcome and the Standard of Care
Damages in Liability Cases
2. Confidentiality and Privileged Communication
The Concept of Privacy
Common Confidentiality Issues
The Concept of Privileged Communication
Responding to Subpoenas and Court Orders
Unintentional Disclosure of Confidential Information
3. The Delivery of Services
Clients' Rights
Informed Consent
Clinical Assessment and Intervention
Negligent Intervention
Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships
Managing Boundary Risks
Undue Influence
Suicide
Involuntary Civil Commitment
Protective Services
Defamation of Character
Digital Technology and Social Media
4. Impaired Social Workers
The Nature of Impairment
Extent of Impairment
Causes of Impairment
Sexual Abuse of Clients
Practitioner Substance Abuse
Response to Impairment
Risk Management Strategy
The Challenge for Social Work
5. Supervision: Clients and Staff
Client Supervision
Staff Supervision
Supervision Case Law
Supervision of Volunteers
Liability and Social Work Education
Preventing Supervisory Liability
6. Consultation, Referral, Documentation, and Records
Consultation in Social Work
Referral in Social Work
Social Work Documentation and Records
Evolution of Social Work Standards
Risk Management Standards and Guidelines
7. Deception and Fraud
Self-interested Deception and Fraud
Deception and Fraud Motivated by Altruism
8. Termination of Service
The Concept of Abandonment
Premature Termination
Prevention Strategy
9. Responding to Lawsuits and Ethics Complaints: The Role of Prevention
In the Event of a Lawsuit or Licensing Board Complaint
The Role of the Expert Witness
Preventing Lawsuits and Licensing Board Complaints: Good Practice
Preventing Lawsuits and Licensing Board Complaints: Good Ethics
Ethical Dilemmas and Decision Making
Conducting an Ethics Audit
Appendix: Sample Forms
Notes
References
Legal Citations
Index