Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

A mother requests a social worker to treat her son for persistent fighting. After gathering a social history, what should the social worker do next?

1. Obtain a release to talk with the school counselor

2. Schedule an intake appointment with the child

3. Recommend behavioral interventions

4. Consult with the mother about potential strategies

The correct answer is: Obtain a release to talk with the school counselor

The most appropriate next step for the social worker after gathering a social history is to obtain a release to talk with the school counselor. This step allows the social worker to gather comprehensive information about the child's behavior in various settings, particularly in school, where social dynamics and interactions often play a significant role in a child's conduct. Collaborating with the school counselor can provide insights into the child's academic performance, social relationships, and any incidents of fighting that may have occurred at school. This collaboration helps create a more complete understanding of the child's behavior and informs the treatment approach, ensuring that interventions can be tailored effectively to address the specific issues the child is facing. By obtaining consent to communicate with the school, the social worker also engages in a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, which can lead to better outcomes for the child. In contrast, scheduling an intake appointment might be essential eventually, but first, understanding the context of the child's behavior from different environments is crucial. Recommending behavioral interventions or consulting with the mother about strategies are also important steps, but they may be premature without a full understanding of the situation from all relevant parties, including the school.