Should RSS's immediately call family members after meetings to share everything said about them?

In the context of Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) training, confidentiality is a fundamental principle that underpins the relationship between an RSS and their clients. Trust is essential in establishing effective support, and clients need to feel secure that their personal information and discussions will be kept private.

The correct response highlights that RSS should not immediately call family members to share everything discussed in meetings. This practice can violate the client's confidentiality and potentially damage the trust that has been built. Clients have a right to control how their information is shared, and it is critical that RSS professionals respect this autonomy and privacy. Moreover, discussing sensitive topics without the client's consent could lead to further emotional distress or a breakdown in the support process.

Communication with a client's family should be approached with care and respect. In some cases, it may be appropriate or beneficial for the RSS to connect with family members, but this should only occur with the client's explicit permission and in a manner that prioritizes the client's needs and comfort. The principle of informed consent is essential in such situations, reinforcing the idea that family members should only be informed about matters when the client agrees to that shared communication.