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School of Social Work
Indiana University

Dual Relationships

Professional relationships are an important component of social work practice. Students must be aware of situations in which multiple relationships, conflicting roles, or personal interests may affect professional judgment, objectivity, or the well-being of clients and others involved in the practicum experience.

The Indiana University School of Social Work expects students to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the ethical standards of the social work profession.

What Are Dual Relationships?

A dual relationship occurs when a social worker, student, supervisor, instructor, or client has more than one type of relationship with another person at the same time or over time.

Examples may include:

  • Providing services to a friend, family member, or acquaintance
  • Supervising or evaluating someone with whom there is a personal relationship
  • Developing a personal, romantic, or financial relationship with a client
  • Maintaining both a professional and social relationship with a client
  • Working with individuals who are also classmates, coworkers, or family members
  • Engaging in business relationships that may affect professional judgment

Not all dual relationships are prohibited. However, all dual relationships require careful consideration of potential ethical concerns, risks, and boundary issues.

Why Dual Relationships Matter

Dual relationships may create situations in which:

  • Professional judgment is compromised
  • Objectivity is reduced
  • Favoritism or bias is perceived
  • Boundaries become unclear
  • Confidentiality is affected
  • Clients or others may experience harm
  • Conflicts of interest arise

Social workers are responsible for recognizing and addressing situations that may interfere with ethical and effective practice.

Professional Boundaries

Professional boundaries help establish clear expectations and protect both clients and professionals.

Students are expected to:

  • Maintain appropriate professional roles
  • Avoid relationships that may impair professional judgment
  • Respect the professional purpose of client relationships
  • Establish clear and appropriate limits
  • Seek guidance when boundary concerns arise

Professional boundaries should be maintained throughout the practicum experience and after services have ended when required by ethical standards.

Relationships with Clients

Students should not enter into relationships with clients that could interfere with professional responsibilities or create the potential for exploitation or harm.

Examples include:

  • Romantic or sexual relationships
  • Financial relationships
  • Business partnerships
  • Personal caregiving arrangements
  • Social relationships that compromise professional roles

Students should consult their practicum instructor or faculty practicum liaison whenever a potential conflict or boundary concern is identified.

Relationships with Former Clients

Even after professional services end, certain relationships may remain inappropriate because of the previous professional relationship and potential power imbalance.

Students should exercise caution and seek supervision before engaging in interactions that extend beyond professional roles.

Social Media and Online Relationships

Technology and social media can create additional boundary challenges.

Students should avoid engaging in online interactions with clients that may compromise professional boundaries.

Examples include:

  • Accepting friend or follower requests from clients
  • Sharing personal information with clients through social media
  • Communicating through personal social media accounts
  • Posting information that may affect professional relationships

Students should follow agency policies and professional standards regarding electronic communication and social media use.

Relationships Within Practicum Settings

Students may encounter situations in which they are assigned to work with:

  • Friends
  • Family members
  • Coworkers
  • Former supervisors
  • Personal acquaintances

These situations may create actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

Students should notify appropriate practicum personnel whenever they believe an existing relationship may affect their learning experience, objectivity, or professional responsibilities.

Employment-Based Practicum Considerations

Students completing practicum experiences within their place of employment may face unique boundary challenges.

In these situations, students are expected to:

  • Clearly distinguish practicum responsibilities from employment responsibilities
  • Follow approved educational plans
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Discuss concerns promptly with supervisors and School personnel

Additional oversight may be necessary to ensure that educational and employment roles remain appropriately separated.

Gifts and Favors

Students should exercise caution regarding gifts, favors, or other exchanges that may affect professional relationships.

Agency policies often govern the acceptance or exchange of gifts.

When questions arise, students should consult their practicum instructor or supervisor before accepting or offering gifts or favors.

Conflicts of Interest

Students should avoid situations in which personal, financial, professional, or family interests may interfere with professional judgment.

When a potential conflict of interest exists, students are expected to:

  • Recognize the concern
  • Disclose the concern to appropriate supervisors
  • Seek consultation
  • Follow recommendations provided through supervision

Prompt communication helps protect clients, agencies, and students from potential ethical issues.

Consultation and Supervision

Boundary concerns and dual relationship issues are often complex and may not always have simple solutions.

Students are encouraged to seek consultation whenever they:

  • Are uncertain about a relationship or boundary issue
  • Believe a conflict of interest may exist
  • Encounter situations involving overlapping roles
  • Have questions regarding professional conduct

Appropriate sources of consultation include:

  • Practicum Instructor
  • Task Instructor
  • Faculty Practicum Liaison
  • Practicum Education Coordinator
  • School of Social Work administration

Seeking supervision is a professional responsibility and demonstrates sound ethical decision-making.

Ethical Responsibilities

Students are expected to apply the principles outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics when evaluating relationships, boundaries, and potential conflicts of interest.

Professional decisions should prioritize:

  • Client well-being
  • Ethical practice
  • Professional integrity
  • Sound judgment
  • Protection from harm

When concerns arise, students should consult with supervisors before taking action.

Consequences of Boundary Violations

Failure to maintain appropriate professional boundaries may result in:

  • Agency corrective action
  • Removal from specific assignments
  • Practicum performance concerns
  • Student review procedures
  • Academic consequences
  • Disciplinary action

The severity of the response will depend on the nature and impact of the conduct.

Professional Commitment

Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries is essential to ethical and effective social work practice. Students are expected to remain aware of potential dual relationships, seek guidance when concerns arise, and make decisions that protect clients, support professional integrity, and uphold the values of the social work profession.

By recognizing and appropriately managing dual relationships, students contribute to safe, ethical, and respectful professional environments.