LMSW Practice Test

How long prior to leaving should a social worker tell the clients she is leaving the agency?

1. About one month before the termination date

2. About three months before the termination date

3. About two weeks before the termination date

4. When the client seems ready to accept the social worker's departure

The correct answer is: About one month before the termination date

Informing clients about a social worker's impending departure about one month prior to the termination date allows for a thoughtful transition process. This timeframe provides clients with adequate notice to process the change, express their feelings about the departure, and prepare for the transition to a new provider if needed. It also gives the social worker an opportunity to discuss any lingering issues, reinforce the client’s progress, and help them feel supported as they prepare for this change. In practice, this duration aligns with professional standards advocating for ethical and responsible case management, ensuring clients are not abruptly left without guidance. The other timeframes, such as two weeks or three months, do not capture the balance needed; two weeks may be too short for effective closure, while three months might extend the period unnecessarily, impacting both the social worker’s and client's ability to focus on their ongoing needs and addressing the transition. The approach of discussing the departure only when the client seems ready is too open-ended and does not establish a clear timeframe, which can lead to confusion and a lack of closure for the client.