Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

If a court orders a woman to attend therapy for her children to be returned and she misses sessions, what should the social worker do first?

1. Document the missed appointments in her file

2. Contact the woman to discuss the consequences of missed appointments

3. Consult with the court about her participation

4. Schedule her next appointment

The correct answer is: Contact the woman to discuss the consequences of missed appointments

The first step a social worker should take in this situation is to contact the woman to discuss the consequences of her missed appointments. This choice emphasizes the importance of communication and engagement with the client to help her understand the significance of her attendance in therapy, especially in the context of the court order regarding her children's custody. By reaching out, the social worker can provide the woman with an opportunity to express any barriers she might be facing in attending sessions, whether they are logistical, emotional, or otherwise. This conversation can foster a supportive relationship, encourage accountability, and facilitate problem-solving strategies that may assist the woman in making her therapy sessions a priority moving forward. While documenting missed appointments and consulting the court are important tasks, these actions come after ensuring that the client comprehensively understands what is at stake regarding her participation in therapy. Additionally, scheduling her next appointment would be premature if she has not yet addressed the underlying issues that are causing her to miss her sessions. Engaging in dialogue first paves the way for more effective support and intervention.