When working with individuals, families, and groups during the planning and contracting phase, the social worker should pay particular attention to the principles of maximizing client participation and self-determination. After all, it is the clients who must live with the outcome resulting from the plans selected and the accompanying interventions. Specifically, the worker should recognize that the client should have the following:
- Makes decisions and have input concerning the intervention goals and objectives, as well as the general approach to be used to reach goals.
- Know what approach the worker proposes to use, the likelihood of success, and if there are any anticipated risks or adverse effects associated with the proposed intervention.
- Know how long the intervention will last and/or about how long it will take to achieve the agreed upon objectives.
- Know how much time and money (if any) will be required of the client.
- Know any consequences for terminating the intervention against advice of the social worker or agency.
- Know what rules of confidentiality apply and who else (e.g., court, probation officer’s, school officials, parents, etc.) will have access to information about the client’s participation and the outcome of the intervention.
- Know how the success if the intervention will be evaluated
- Know about the appeals or grievance procedures that can be used to challenge a decision by the social workers or agency.
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