![]() ![]() Isn’t it better to have more than enough information, rather than not enough? For these purposes, comprehensive, and perhaps expansive record keeping might be suggested. Good records can keep the helping professionals and clients on track, and ensure that services are provided in a competent and effective manner. ![]() Social workers, supervisors, and colleagues need to know about the client’s concerns, the client’s goals, and the plans for reaching those goals. Records are supposed to support the provision of services. Part (b) instructs social workers to include sufficient information to “facilitate delivery of services and to ensure continuity of services provided to clients.” Once again, this standard seems obvious. Part (a) states that social workers should ensure their documentation is “accurate and reflects the services provided.” That makes sense. Standard 3.04 of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2008) provides social workers with guidance about documentation and record keeping. Conversely, good old boring records are vital to risk management, reducing the risk of malpractice lawsuits, professional disciplinary hearings, and agency discipline. ![]() Nothing says “malpractice lawsuit” faster than situations in which social workers provide direct evidence of substandard practice in their client records. Still, if you want excitement in your professional life, try documenting in an incompetent, disrespectful, dishonest, incomplete, or disorganized manner. In fact, sometimes the documentation process can be downright tedious. Now, how exciting is that?! Yes, documentation is not exactly the most thrilling aspect of social work practice. ![]()
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