In protecting confidentiality and privacy, what is required before terminating services?

• A. Advocates will disclose all client information to any family member upon request.
• B. Before terminating services, the advocate will inform the client about the advocate's records retention policy.
• C. The advocate may terminate services without any notice.
• D. The advocate should retain no records after termination.

Answer: (B)

Before ending services, the advocate must discuss how client records will be handled, including the records retention policy. This ensures the client understands what information will be kept, for how long, who can access it, and how they can obtain copies or have it transferred, which protects confidentiality during the transition. This step supports informed consent and aligns with ethical and legal expectations around privacy. Disclosing information to a family member on request would breach confidentiality, and terminating without providing notice or a transition plan undermines the client’s ability to manage the change. Retaining no records contradicts standard retention practices and legal requirements that govern how long records must be kept and how they’re disposed of.