ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

When a social worker suspects that a client is experiencing issues, their ethical obligation is to monitor and assess the client's condition regularly. This involves ongoing observation, evaluation, and engagement with the client to understand their current situation and needs thoroughly. Consistent monitoring allows the social worker to gather valuable information about the client's progress, responses to interventions, and any changes in behavior or emotional state.

Regular assessment is crucial in social work practice because it informs decision-making about the appropriate interventions needed to support the client. This ongoing process helps ensure that the social worker can adjust their approach based on the client's evolving circumstances and can advocate effectively for necessary resources or services.

While discussing findings with the family, documenting observations, and seeking supervisory advice can also be important actions in specific contexts, the primary ethical obligation in this scenario revolves around a consistent and thorough approach to monitoring and assessment. This foundational practice is vital to providing effective support and intervention for the client.