NASW Code of Ethics Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Preparation

The most appropriate setting for social workers to avoid discussing confidential information is in public areas where privacy cannot be ensured. Confidentiality is a foundational principle in social work, essential for fostering a trusting relationship between the client and the social worker. When discussions occur in public settings, such as waiting rooms, hallways, or even coffee shops, there is a significant risk that unauthorized individuals might overhear sensitive information. This could compromise the client's privacy and trust, undermining the ethical obligation to protect client confidentiality.

In contrast, private rooms, therapeutic group settings, and client documentation, while they all have specific considerations regarding confidentiality, can be structured to maintain privacy. Private rooms are designed for private conversations, therapeutic groups provide a controlled environment where confidentiality can be discussed with informed consent, and client documentation can be carefully managed to ensure that information is stored securely. Therefore, public areas lack the necessary privacy safeguards and should be avoided for discussions of confidential matters.