Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The option indicating that the social worker's actions are unethical for terminating services due to a delay in contact highlights an important principle in social work practice: the obligation to provide continuity of care and to act in the best interests of the client.

When a social worker agrees to help a client seek another professional, it raises concerns about continuity and the potential implications of any break in contact. If a professional ends services prematurely or without sufficient rationale, it can lead to disruptions in care, particularly in cases where the client may still be in need of support.

In social work, every effort should be made to ensure that clients are adequately supported until a safe and appropriate transfer of care can take place. If the social worker discontinues services merely due to a temporary communication gap, it can be seen as neglecting the client’s ongoing needs and may leave the client vulnerable. Therefore, this option emphasizes the ethical responsibility of social workers to maintain a standard of care that prioritizes the welfare of their clients, regardless of external circumstances like scheduling conflicts.