Which legal concept protects a social worker’s client information?

The concept that protects a social worker’s client information is client confidentiality and privilege. This legal principle ensures that any information shared by clients with social workers during the course of their professional relationship is kept private and is not disclosed without the client's consent. Client confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic process, as it fosters trust and allows clients to open up about sensitive issues without fear that their personal information will be shared.

Privilege, which is related to confidentiality, further extends this protection by legally barring the social worker from disclosing certain communications in a court of law. This ensures that clients can speak freely, knowing that their disclosures are legally protected.

While informed consent is essential for establishing the parameters of the therapeutic relationship and outlining what information may or may not be disclosed, it does not, by itself, protect the confidentiality of information. Mandatory reporting refers to a legal obligation to report certain situations, like child abuse, when disclosure is required regardless of confidentiality. Professional liability relates to the responsibility of social workers to provide competent and ethical services but does not directly address the protection of client information.