Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

Which principle of social work might be relaxed when working with a client who has mental retardation?

1. Self-determination

2. Empowerment

3. Confidentiality

4. Advocacy

The correct answer is: Self-determination

Self-determination is a fundamental principle in social work that emphasizes the right of clients to make their own choices and have control over their lives. However, when working with clients who have intellectual disabilities, there may be circumstances where this principle is interpreted differently. In such cases, the ability of the client to fully understand the implications of their decisions might be compromised, which could warrant a more nuanced approach to self-determination. Social workers often assess the client's capacity to make informed choices while considering their needs and best interests, potentially leading to a relaxation of the strict adherence to this principle. For example, if a client lacks the cognitive ability to understand the consequences of their decisions, the social worker may need to step in and advocate on their behalf while ensuring that the client's rights and dignity are still respected. This careful balance recognizes the importance of safeguarding individuals who may not be fully capable of advocating for themselves, thereby justifying a more flexible approach to self-determination in these scenarios. In this context, empowerment, confidentiality, and advocacy still play crucial roles but do not typically necessitate the same level of modification. Empowerment focuses on enhancing the client's ability to make choices, confidentiality ensures protection of personal information, and advocacy involves representing the client's interests. While