Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

Under which condition should a social worker recommend placement in a secure residential facility for a youth involved in armed robbery?

1. If the youth expresses remorse for their actions

2. If the youth's family agrees to the placement

3. If the safety and welfare of the community are at risk

4. If the youth completes a rehabilitation program

The correct answer is: If the safety and welfare of the community are at risk

Recommending placement in a secure residential facility for a youth involved in armed robbery primarily hinges on considerations of safety and welfare for the community. When a youth has committed a serious crime such as armed robbery, it is vital to evaluate the potential threats to others that the youth may pose if allowed to remain in a less restrictive setting. The need for a secure residential facility arises from concerns surrounding the protection of the public and the individual’s capacity to reoffend. This placement is often seen as a necessary step to ensure that the community remains safe, as it limits the youth's ability to engage in further criminal behavior while also providing structured supervision and treatment. While expressing remorse, family agreements, or rehabilitation programs are important factors to consider in the overall treatment plan for the youth, they do not directly address the immediate risk the youth may pose to the community. Essentially, the recommendation for secure placement is rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of risk management and public safety.