When Confidentiality Has Limits: Ethical Decision-Making in Mandated Reporting and Duty to Protect

Title: When Confidentiality Has Limits: Ethical Decision-Making in Mandated Reporting and Duty to Protect
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026; 9:30 am - 1:45 pm
Presenter: Kristin Whiting-Davis, LCSW-C

Synopsis: Confidentiality is one of the foundations of social work practice, yet there are circumstances when social 
workers are ethically and legally required to take action to protect clients or others from harm. 
Determining when confidentiality has limits can be one of the most challenging responsibilities in 
practice, particularly when information is incomplete, risks are unclear, or competing ethical obligations 
are present. This interactive ethics training explores ethical decision-making in common high-risk situations, 
including suspected child abuse and neglect, vulnerable adult abuse, threats of harm to self or others, and concerns involving impaired or unethical professional conduct. Through case examples, guided discussion, and reflective exercises, participants will examine how core social work values such as self-determination, privacy, dignity, and protection from harm can sometimes come into tension with one another. While reporting obligations are often defined by law and regulation, social workers frequently encounter situations where facts are incomplete, competing ethical values are present, and professional judgment is required. This training explores both the obligations themselves and the ethical decision-making processes that support responsible action in complex situations. Grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics and ethical decision-making frameworks, the training emphasizes practical strategies for recognizing reporting obligations, consulting effectively, documenting decision-making, and communicating with clients in ways that preserve dignity and support the therapeutic relationship. Participants will also review reporting principles and jurisdiction-specific considerations applicable to their practice setting. Participants will leave with greater confidence in navigating situations where confidentiality has limits and professional action may be required.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: 
1. Identify reporting and duty-to-protect obligations in social work practice.
2. Recognize ethical dilemmas involving confidentiality and safety.
3. Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to high-risk situations.
4. Utilize consultation and documentation strategies to support ethical practice.

CE: 4 Cat I (3 Cat I in Ethics and 1 Cat 1 in Mandatory Reporting)

Cost: NASW Members - $65; Nonmembers - $100; Retired Members - $40; Student Members - $25

Please Note: This workshop fulfills 3 of the 6 CEUs in Ethics and 1 CEU in Mandatory Reporting required by the Delaware Board of Social Work for license renewal.

Register here.