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BJSW Advance Access published online on October 3, 2005
British Journal of Social Work, doi:10.1093/bjsw/bch248
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© The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved.

Article

A Camel’s Nose Under the Tent? Some Australian Perspectives on Confidentiality and Social Work Practice

Phillip A. Swain *

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Phillip A. Swain, E-mail: paswain{at}unimelb.edu.au


  Abstract

This article examines contemporary meanings attributed to the ethical principle of confidentiality--a core practice dimension for social workers--in the context of current practice realities and legislative requirements. The meanings usually attributed to the term, together with Code of Practice requirements, are considered alongside the organizational and legal riders so frequently used to justify a stepping away from what clients may consider confidentiality to require. The particular difficulties associated for those in practice with families and children, and the implications of attention to best interests and paramount rights notions, are examined. The article concludes that, in lieu of a misleading commitment to confidentiality, the practitioner rather needs to commit to respectful and open dealing with client information.

Keywords: confidentiality, ethics, best interests, social work practice.
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