Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining client confidentiality?

The principle that emphasizes the importance of maintaining client confidentiality is fidelity. This involves the obligation to remain faithful to promises made to clients, including the commitment to protect their private information. Maintaining confidentiality is a crucial aspect of building trust between social workers and their clients, allowing clients to feel safe in discussing personal issues without fear of judgment or disclosure.

Fidelity reinforces the ethical standard that professionals must honor these commitments, ensuring that sensitive information is only shared when necessary, such as in cases of risk to the client or others. This ethical principle forms the foundation for professional relationships and helps to safeguard the dignity and autonomy of the client, which is fundamental to effective practice in adult protective services and many other fields.