A 16-year-old client is seeking services from an outpatient social worker after becoming the victim of a sexual assault. The client's mother has signed a general release of information that allows the social worker to talk to the school. The social worker receives a call from the client's math teacher who states the client's grades have declined and she wants to know if there is something "going on" with the client lately. How should the social worker respond?
Adolescents have a right to confidentiality. Unless the adolescent poses a risk to self or others, the information the client discloses should be protected. Even when there is a release of information in place, disclosure should be on a need-to-know basis, and the client should participate in any discussion about whether or not to disclose the information.