Under what circumstances might confidentiality be overridden?

• A. Mandatory reporting when there is imminent danger to a child or vulnerable adult
• B. When the client requests it
• C. For routine administrative reasons
• D. In all cases where law enforcement is involved

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality isn’t absolute. The key circumstance that overrides it is when there is imminent danger to a child or a vulnerable adult. In that situation, professionals have a legal and ethical duty to disclose information to protect the at‑risk person, which is the reason for mandatory reporting. This obligation reflects safeguarding responsibilities and legal requirements that take precedence over keeping details private.

Client requests to disclose, routine administrative tasks, or mere involvement of law enforcement don’t automatically override confidentiality. Disclosures in those contexts depend on consent, policy, and specific legal triggers, whereas imminent danger to a vulnerable party creates a clear, mandated exception.