Final answer:
A social worker should consult a legal professional and adhere to professional ethical guidelines if a subpoena's compliance may harm the client. They should never ignore the court order and always seek to minimize harm to the client by disclosing minimal necessary information.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a social worker receives a subpoena but believes that complying with it may cause harm to the client, after unsuccessfully attempting to limit the scope of the release, the social worker must consider several ethical and legal obligations. If the court declines the request to limit the information, the social worker should typically consult with a legal professional, such as an attorney who specializes in mental health law, to explore all available options for protecting the client's privacy and wellbeing.
The social worker should also review the ethical standards provided by professional organizations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which might provide guidance on how to navigate such complex situations. It's vital for the social worker to not ignore the court order but to continue to advocate for their client's privacy and wellbeing in the most ethical and legal manner possible.
In cases where all else fails, it may be necessary to comply with the subpoena, but the social worker should always seek to minimize harm to the client by disclosing the minimum amount of information necessary and continue to support the client throughout the process.