Library · Domain 5. Indirect Client Care
Task 5.1
Working with the client's support systems
“Collaborate with client’s relevant support systems (e.g., advocate, family, wraparound services, legal services) with goals and objectives” (NBCC, 2027 task 5.1)
Clients do better when the people and services around them are working toward the same goals. Counselors collaborate, with consent, with family, advocates, wraparound teams, legal services and others who support the client. The exam tests collaboration that respects confidentiality and keeps the client at the center.
Key points
- Support systems include family and friends, advocates, wraparound teams, case managers, legal services, faith communities and peer supports.
- Obtain written consent specifying what may be shared with whom before collaborating, except where law allows otherwise.
- Wraparound is a team-based, family-driven planning process for people with complex needs, often youth, that coordinates formal services and natural supports around shared goals.
- Align the support system with the client's treatment goals and objectives so everyone pulls in the same direction.
- Keep the client involved in decisions about who is included and what is discussed.
- Be clear about your role and avoid becoming an advocate in legal matters beyond your expertise.
- Share the minimum necessary information for the collaboration's purpose.
In practice
A 15-year-old in foster care has a wraparound team: foster parents, caseworker, teacher and counselor. With appropriate consent, the counselor attends team meetings and helps the team agree on a shared goal of school attendance, with each member's role defined.
With his consent, a counselor invites a client's wife to two sessions to learn about his depression and how she can support his activity plan, without discussing details he has asked to keep private.
Check yourself
What must a counselor obtain before collaborating with a client's family or advocates?
The client's written consent, specifying what may be shared and with whom, unless law permits otherwise.
What is wraparound?
A team-based, family-driven planning process that coordinates formal services and natural supports around shared goals.
Why keep the client involved in decisions about collaboration?
It respects autonomy and confidentiality and keeps the plan centered on the client's goals.
NBCC's knowledge and skills for Domain 5
Knowledge of: Documentation practices and models; Release of information and confidentiality; Basic psychopharmacological information; Professional roles; Record retention and management.
Skill in: Completing case notes; Case conceptualization; Advocating for client.
A study guide written by ExamDragon from NBCC's published task; not NBCC material and not part of the exam.