Privacy and confidentiality in social work

Abstract

In the human services confidentiality is a central principle defining the relationship between the worker and the client. In this paper the authors argue that the human services have privileged the notion of confidentiality over the more fundamental right of privacy. They argue there is a persistent confusion between these two concepts and that privacy is an important but neglected ethical concept within human services. The authors discuss the relationship between privacy and confidentiality and identii some of the implications of the privacy concept for practice.

Key Words:

• ethics
• social work
• privacy
• confidentiality

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mike Collingridge

Member, Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, Charles Sturt University

Wendy Bowles

Member of the AASW National Ethics Committee and member, Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics. Charles Sturt University