Under which circumstance may a professional break confidentiality?

Under which circumstance may a professional break confidentiality?

• A. When a client requests disclosure
• B. When the professional is puzzled and needs advice
• C. When the client is a minor
• D. When policy requires

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality is a core principle, and it’s kept unless a clear, legitimate exception applies. The proper circumstance to break confidentiality is when policy or law requires it or when there is a formal mandate to disclose information. Agencies and laws define specific situations for disclosure—such as mandated reporting of abuse, or disclosures ordered by a court or required by policy for safety reasons. In these cases, the obligation to protect clients or the public overrides confidentiality. Saying you should disclose simply because the client asks to or because you’re unsure of something doesn’t justify breaking confidentiality. And while minors involve special considerations, the act of breaking confidentiality isn’t automatically allowed just because the client is underage; any disclosure normally hinges on the applicable laws and policies, not on the mere presence of a minor as a client.

Confidentiality is a core principle, and it’s kept unless a clear, legitimate exception applies. The proper circumstance to break confidentiality is when policy or law requires it or when there is a formal mandate to disclose information. Agencies and laws define specific situations for disclosure—such as mandated reporting of abuse, or disclosures ordered by a court or required by policy for safety reasons. In these cases, the obligation to protect clients or the public overrides confidentiality.

Saying you should disclose simply because the client asks to or because you’re unsure of something doesn’t justify breaking confidentiality. And while minors involve special considerations, the act of breaking confidentiality isn’t automatically allowed just because the client is underage; any disclosure normally hinges on the applicable laws and policies, not on the mere presence of a minor as a client.