Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What should a social worker help a client do if they report concerns about their elderly mother's potential abuse in a group home?

1. Suggest therapy for the elderly mother

2. Leave the situation as it is

3. Make a report to the appropriate authorities

4. Encourage family meetings with the group home staff

The correct answer is: Make a report to the appropriate authorities

When a client reports concerns about potential abuse of an elderly individual in a group home, the most appropriate action for a social worker is to make a report to the appropriate authorities. This action is critical because it prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of the elderly individual who may be experiencing abuse. Social workers have a professional and ethical responsibility to protect vulnerable populations, and reporting concerns to authorities ensures that an investigation can take place. This process can help to safeguard the individual from further harm and ensure that appropriate interventions are enacted. In addition, reports to authorities are often mandated by law, depending on the jurisdiction, especially when it involves potential elder abuse. This fulfills legal obligations and promotes accountability within the care system. While therapy for the elderly mother could be a beneficial approach in addressing any possible psychological impacts of abuse, it does not address the immediate concerns of safety or intervene in the potential act of abuse. Leaving the situation as is would not be protective and could lead to further harm. Encouraging family meetings with the group home staff might provide a platform for discussion but does not directly engage the mechanisms needed to investigate and remediate any abusive situations that may exist. Therefore, reporting to the appropriate authorities is the most effective and necessary course of action.