Which of the following is TRUE about physical contact of a client by a social worker?

• A. It is strictly prohibited in all instances
• B. It is allowed to occur as long as the client's informed consent is obtained
• C. It is permitted if the contact is not sexual in nature
• D. It is not allowed if there is a possibility of psychological harm to a client or it is sexual in nature

Answer: (D)

Maintaining professional boundaries is essential in social work. Physical contact with a client introduces a power imbalance and risks misinterpretation, boundary crossings, or psychological harm. Because of those risks, any touch is not appropriate if there is a possibility of harming the client or if the contact is sexual in nature. Consent does not remove these concerns, and ethical guidelines emphasize protecting clients from potential harm by avoiding or strictly restricting physical contact. Even gestures that seem comforting can be misread or pressure a vulnerable person, so agencies often set clear limits on touch and require careful consideration of context, power dynamics, and cultural factors. In contrast, simply having informed consent or limiting contact to non-sexual touch does not provide a universal guarantee against harm or boundary violations, whereas the rule that forbids contact when harm or sexual implications are possible directly supports client safety and professional integrity.