What should a PSS do if a client is at risk of harming self or others?

• A. Ignore risk.
• B. Publicly reveal to the group.
• C. Wait for supervisor to decide.
• D. Follow mandated reporting requirements and safety planning.

Answer: (D)

When a client is at risk of harming self or others, safety takes priority and you act within legal and agency guidelines. The appropriate response is to follow mandated reporting requirements and implement a safety plan with the person. Mandated reporting means you comply with laws and agency policies that require you to inform the right authorities or professionals when there is a risk that cannot be managed in the moment. This isn’t something you decide on your own in isolation; you involve your supervisor and the treatment team as required, documenting what was observed, what steps were taken, and what needs to happen next.

Safety planning is a collaborative process with the client. It includes identifying warning signs that risk may be increasing, developing coping strategies the client can use, and arranging supports (trusted contacts, safe environment, and crisis resources). Part of safety planning is removing or securing means that could be used to harm, establishing a clear crisis plan, and knowing who to contact for help if the situation escalates. Throughout, you document assessments and actions and communicate with the supervisor and treatment team, following the agency’s procedures and confidentiality rules.

Other options fall short because they fail to address immediate safety and legal obligations: ignoring risk is unsafe and unethical; publicly sharing risk with the group violates confidentiality and can worsen the situation; waiting to see what the supervisor decides without taking prompt safety actions can delay critical intervention.