Social workers don’t just have a responsibility while services are being delivered—we also have an ethical obligation to plan for what happens when services are disrupted. Whether it’s temporary or permanent, expected or sudden, clients must not be left without care or direction due to a gap in service.

Here is the full standard:

1.15 Interruption of Services
Social workers should make reasonable efforts to ensure continuity of services in the event that services are interrupted by factors such as unavailability, disruptions in electronic communication, relocation, illness, mental or physical ability, or death.

What It Means in Practice

This standard emphasizes ethical follow-through. Life happens—social workers get sick, go on leave, move jobs, or experience unexpected emergencies. What matters is that clients are not abandoned. Every interruption should be met with a plan.

Planning for continuity is not just good practice—it’s your ethical responsibility.

Key Guidelines

  • Plan ahead

    • Anticipate common service disruptions like vacations, illnesses, or system outages

    • Use auto-responses, coverage plans, and backup therapists where appropriate

  • Discuss transitions

    • If you're changing roles, relocating, or going on extended leave, inform clients early

    • Help them transition to a new provider or discuss interim support options

  • Prepare for emergencies

    • Have a plan in place in the event of sudden illness, incapacity, or death

    • This includes record access, client notification protocols, and documented instructions

  • Protect electronic continuity

    • Ensure your technology systems (e.g., client portals, messaging apps, telehealth platforms) have backups and alternative contact methods if disrupted

Practice Question

Here's how this section of the code might look in an ASWB exam question:

A social worker plans to take a three-month leave of absence due to medical treatment. What is the most ethical action they should take in advance of the interruption?

A. Phase out services and refer clients to a resource list

B. Arrange for coverage

C. Notify clients of coming break

D. Ask clients to wait until their return to resume services

Clients are entitled to ongoing, uninterrupted care. The social worker must proactively arrange for continuity and, of course, communicate clearly.
The correct answer is B.

How to narrow it down:

  • A is too abrupt and may leave clients unsupported

  • C goes without saying. The more important step to take here is arranging for coverage during the absence.

  • D puts the social worker’s convenience over the client’s wellbeing

Want more questions that test your readiness on ethical nuance like this? SWTP’s full-length practice exams are built to challenge and prepare you—start building confidence today.

Take your first practice test now.




May 26, 2025
Categories :
  ethics  
  practice  
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