Client or former client? Implications of ex-client definition on social work practice.
The study discussed in this article investigated the effect of the variation in individual worker definition of "former client" in relationship to workers' perceptions of appropriate professional behaviors during the provision of social work services. A random sample of 654 social workers who possessed MSW degrees, provided direct services to clients, and were members of NASW were surveyed regarding their perceptions of appropriate behavior in seven practice domains: peripheral professional advice, concrete assistance, multiple or dual relationships, sexual and intimate relations, confidentiality and privacy, social relationships, and religion and prayer in practice. Variations in practice behavior perceptions were analyzed in relationship to the worker's definition of an "ex-client." The overall findings suggest that there is a definite lack of consensus regarding the definition of a former client, and that this may affect practice standards and variations in views of appropriate professional behavior.
Mattison
Debra
D
St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. debmatt@umich.edu
Jayaratne
Srinika
S
Croxton
Tom
T
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012947:Social Work / Q000592:standards*