Question

The mother of a 16yearold client who is in therapy for depression calls the social worker and reports

that she thinks her daughter took some pills. What should the social worker do NEXT?

Answer 1

If a mother reports that her 16-year-old daughter may have taken some pills, the social worker should take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Here are the steps the social worker should take: remain calm and reassure the mother, gather more information about the situation, contact emergency services or a healthcare professional, inform the mother of the actions taken, document the incident, and follow agency protocols.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a mother reports that her 16-year-old daughter may have taken some pills, the social worker should take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Here are the steps the social worker should take:

1. Remain calm and reassure the mother. Thank her for reaching out and expressing her concerns.
2. Gather more information about the situation from the mother. Ask about the type and quantity of pills, when they were taken, and if any symptoms or adverse effects are present.
3. Contact emergency services or a healthcare professional for immediate medical attention. Provide them with all the information you have gathered from the mother, as well as the client's name and address.
4. Inform the mother of the actions taken and reassure her that professional help is on the way.
5. Document the incident, including the date, time, conversation with the mother, and steps taken. This documentation will be important for follow-up and future reference.
6. Follow agency protocols and inform your supervisor or the appropriate authorities within your organization about the incident.