In a situation where a supervisor proposes meeting in a restaurant to discuss urgent client issues, the social worker should:

• A. Accept the location to address the urgency
• B. Accept because the supervisor suggested it
• C. Decline because it is a boundary crossing
• D. Decline and propose a private but safe location

Answer: (D)

Maintaining professional boundaries and client confidentiality is essential in social work, even when issues are urgent. Meeting in a public restaurant can expose client information, invite interruptions, and blur lines between work and personal life. The best move is to decline the restaurant setting and propose a private but safe location—such as the agency office or a private conference room—where the discussion can stay confidential and professional. This approach ensures urgent issues are addressed promptly while preserving boundaries and protecting client information.