How Long Should Social Workers Keep Client Records Before Destroying

question 1

Multiple Choice

How long should social workers keep client records before destroying them?

• A) 2 years after termination of work with the client (unless the client is a minor)
• B) 6 years after termination of work with the client (to ensure the statute of limitations has expired and the social worker can no longer be sued)
• C) Forever
• D) It depends on the client's needs, agency's policies and any laws governing the social worker's practice

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Definitions:

Other Specified

A phrase used in diagnostic classification to indicate conditions that don't meet the full criteria for a specific disorder but still cause significant distress or impairment.

Unspecified Disorders

Disorders that do not fit into the existing categories within diagnostic criteria, often used when the specific details are unclear.

Compensatory Behaviour

Actions taken to make up for or to conceal behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that are considered undesirable.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging to prevent weight gain.