Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.17 Termination of Services

1) What Is Section 1.17 Termination of Services?

Section 1.17 of the NASW Code of Ethics outlines the ethical guidelines for ending the client-social worker relationship. This section is vital because termination isn’t just a formality. It’s an ethical process with real consequences.

When services are ended without planning or communication, clients may feel abandoned or unsupported, potentially undoing progress that’s been made. Below is the full text of Section 1.17 from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics:

1.17 Termination of Services

(a) Social Workers should terminate services to clients and professional relationships with them when such services and relationships are no longer required or no longer serve the clients’ needs or interests.
(b) Social Workers should take reasonable steps to avoid abandoning clients who are still in need of services. Social Workers should withdraw services precipitously only under unusual circumstances, giving careful consideration to all factors in the situation and taking care to minimize possible adverse effects. Social Workers should assist in making appropriate arrangements for continuation of services when necessary.
(c) Social Workers in fee-for-service settings may terminate services to clients who are not paying an overdue balance if the financial contractual arrangements have been made clear to the client, if the client does not pose an imminent danger to self or others, and if the clinical and other consequences of the current nonpayment have been addressed and discussed with the client.
(d) Social Workers should not terminate services to pursue a social, financial, or sexual relationship with a client.
(e) Social Workers who anticipate the termination or interruption of services to clients should notify clients promptly and seek the transfer, referral, or continuation of services in relation to the clients’ needs and preferences.
(f) Social Workers who terminate services to clients should provide for continuation of services when needed and appropriate.

Now, let’s break down what each part of this section means in practical terms.

(a) Services Should End When They’re No Longer Needed

This part emphasizes that Social Workers should not continue services beyond what is appropriate or helpful. Once a client has met their goals or no longer benefits from the intervention, it becomes unethical to prolong the relationship. It’s about respecting the client’s independence and ensuring that services remain purposeful.

(b) Avoiding Abandonment

Here, the Code stresses the importance of not abandoning clients. Sudden termination is discouraged unless there’s an extreme situation. Even then, the Social Worker must weigh the effects and act to reduce harm. The obligation to assist the client in transitioning to alternative supports, if necessary, is non-negotiable.

(c) Termination for Nonpayment

This clause applies to fee-for-service situations, where clients pay directly for services. If a client stops paying, termination may be ethically permissible only if:

Payment expectations were clearly communicated from the start
The client isn’t in immediate danger
The consequences of nonpayment have been fully discussed

This helps protect both the Social Worker’s boundaries and the client’s safety.

(d) Termination for Personal Gain Is Unethical

This line prohibits ending services to begin any personal, financial, or sexual relationship with a client. Doing so violates professional boundaries and creates a harmful power imbalance. Clients must never be viewed as opportunities for personal benefit.

(e) Anticipating Interruptions

If services will be interrupted—for example, due to a job change, relocation, or leave of absence—Social Workers are ethically required to inform clients as soon as possible. They must also help arrange referrals or a transition plan based on the client’s needs and wishes.

(f) Planning for Continuation of Services

This final point ties the section together: even when the relationship ends, care doesn’t stop abruptly. If continued support is appropriate, Social Workers are responsible for facilitating it. Whether it’s a referral, a warm handoff, or resources, clients should never be left on their own if they still need care.

Understanding these six subsections is crucial for making ethical decisions and passing the ASWB exam. Section 1.17 makes clear that the end of a professional relationship is just as important as the beginning and that it must be handled with as much care, transparency, and planning as any other phase of Social Work.

Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!

2) Why Understanding Termination of Services Matters on the ASWB Exam

Ethical termination isn’t just a best practice in the field of Social Work; it’s a tested concept on the ASWB exam. The exam assesses more than just memorization. It asks future Social Workers to apply the NASW Code of Ethics in nuanced, real-world scenarios. That’s why Section 1.17: Termination of Services comes up in more ways than you might expect.

Let’s look at why mastering this section is so important for your exam success.

1. It Tests Ethical Judgment in Complex Scenarios

Many ASWB exam questions are scenario-based. You won’t see a simple question asking, “What is Section 1.17?” Instead, you’ll be presented with a case that challenges your ability to:

Balance client autonomy with professional responsibility
Recognize ethical versus unethical terminations
Identify red flags like abandonment or dual relationships

The correct answer often lies in how well you can interpret the spirit of the Code, not just the wording.

2. Termination Is Intertwined with Other Test Domains

Although it falls under the “Professional Ethics and Values” domain, termination of services connects with several exam areas, including:

Direct and Indirect Practice: Ending services involves case planning, referrals, and sometimes crisis management.
Professional Relationships: Termination can test your understanding of boundaries and therapeutic rapport.
Client Empowerment and Advocacy: You’re often expected to support client independence without compromising their safety.

The exam rewards integrated thinking. Understanding how termination interacts with other responsibilities will help you answer confidently.

3. You’re Expected to Spot Subtle Ethical Violations

On the ASWB exam, the wrong answers aren’t always glaringly wrong. Some options might seem ethical until you consider:

Timing (Was the client in crisis?)
Intent (Was termination for the client’s well-being or the Social Worker’s?)
Process (Were referrals or transition plans discussed?)

You’ll need to choose answers that:

Protect client welfare
Avoid abandonment
Follow proper protocol

Even a well-meaning response can be ethically flawed if it skips steps or overlooks red flags.

4. Sample Topics and Phrases That Often Signal Termination Issues

When reading questions, keep your radar up for key phrases that often indicate the topic involves Section 1.17:

“Client has met treatment goals…”
“Client stopped attending sessions…”
“Social Worker is relocating…”
“Client has an overdue balance…”
“Client requests to end services…”

When you spot these, ask yourself:

Is termination appropriate here?
Has the Social Worker taken the necessary ethical steps?
Is the client’s safety and continuity of care considered?

5. It’s One of the Most Misunderstood Ethical Areas

Many test-takers assume termination is a simple yes-or-no issue. In reality, it requires a layered analysis. Common pitfalls include:

Terminating too early when a client is still in need
Ignoring financial policy requirements
Failing to offer referrals or planning support

Understanding the why behind each part of Section 1.17 will help you avoid these mistakes on the test—and in practice.

Quick Recap: What to Know for the Exam

Make sure you can:

✅ Identify appropriate vs. inappropriate reasons for ending services
✅ Recognize when termination becomes abandonment
✅ Understand the ethical steps required in financial terminations
✅ Support client autonomy without neglecting your duties
✅ Ensure proper referrals and follow-up when needed

If you’re using Agents of Change to study, you’re in luck. This topic is woven throughout their practice questions, flashcards, and live study sessions. Their materials are designed to help you think critically and ethically; precisely the kind of prep you need for Section 1.17 and beyond.

And since you get access until you pass, you never have to rush. You can build your knowledge at your own pace and know that you’ll be ready when test day arrives.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Termination of Services

A Social Worker has been working with a client who recently completed a 12-session treatment plan focused on managing anxiety. The client reports significant improvement, has developed strong coping strategies, and expresses satisfaction with their progress. During the final session, the Social Worker reviews the goals and outcomes with the client and discusses ending services. The client agrees that therapy can conclude. What is the MOST appropriate action for the Social Worker to take next?

A. End services immediately and close the client’s file
B. Encourage the client to continue therapy for a few more sessions to ensure progress is maintained
C. Discuss post-termination resources and offer a follow-up plan if support is needed in the future
D. Schedule ongoing monthly check-ins for the next year to monitor the client’s long-term stability

✅ Correct Answer: C. Discuss post-termination resources and offer a follow-up plan if support is needed in the future

Rationale:

Answer C aligns directly with Section 1.17(f) of the NASW Code of Ethics, which states that “Social Workers who terminate services to clients should provide for continuation of services when needed and appropriate.” Even when services are ending appropriately, the ethical responsibility doesn’t stop at the final session. Offering referrals, post-termination planning, or the option to return if needed ensures a smooth and supportive transition. This action respects client autonomy while upholding the Social Worker’s ethical duties.

Let’s briefly examine why the other options are incorrect:

A ends the relationship too abruptly, missing a key ethical step in providing closure and transition support.
B may disregard the client’s readiness and could undermine their autonomy.
D creates an unnecessarily long-term commitment that might not align with clinical need or ethical boundaries.

This question assesses the balance between celebrating a successful outcome and upholding professional standards during the termination phase, a topic frequently explored by the ASWB exam.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.17 Termination of Services

Q: How do I know when it’s ethically appropriate to terminate services with a client?

A: Ethical termination depends on several factors, all of which align with Section 1.17 of the NASW Code of Ethics. Services should be concluded when they are no longer necessary, when the client has met treatment goals, or when continuation no longer serves the client’s needs or best interests.

Social Workers must avoid abrupt endings, and instead engage in careful planning, client discussion, and referrals if needed. Even when a client initiates termination, it’s the Social Worker’s responsibility to ensure the transition is handled professionally, without creating unnecessary risk or emotional harm.

Q: What are some examples of unethical termination that could appear on the ASWB exam?

A: Unethical termination often shows up in exam scenarios involving:

A Social Worker ending services without warning due to personal burnout
Terminating treatment in order to begin a personal relationship with a client
Withdrawing services from a client in crisis because of a missed payment, without discussing options or providing referrals
Ignoring signs that a client is still in need but discontinuing because insurance has ended

These situations test whether you can recognize abandonment, boundary violations, or failure to plan, all of which breach the ethical expectations laid out in Section 1.17.

Q: How can Agents of Change help me study Section 1.17 and other ethical topics for the ASWB exam?

A: Agents of Change is a highly effective resource for mastering the ASWB exam, including difficult ethics topics like 1.17 Termination of Services. With detailed practice questions, comprehensive flashcards, and 2 live study groups per month, the platform ensures you’re engaging with the material in multiple formats.

Every program includes a structured study plan to keep you focused, and best of all, you get access until you pass—so there’s no pressure to rush. If you want deep understanding and real exam confidence, Agents of Change gives you all the tools to get there.

5) Conclusion

Termination isn’t just the final step in a client relationship; it’s a defining moment that reflects your ethical grounding and professional integrity. As outlined in Section 1.17 of the NASW Code of Ethics, how you end services matters as much as how you begin them. Whether it’s a planned farewell or an unexpected interruption, your responsibility is to ensure clients leave supported, informed, and with their dignity intact. This isn’t theory for the sake of theory; it’s daily practice that shapes lives.

When it comes to the ASWB exam, the concept of ethical termination will likely appear in subtle, scenario-based questions that test your real-world thinking. You’ll need to balance ethics, client needs, and professional judgment to choose the best course of action.

Understanding Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.17 Termination of Services in depth can give you a decisive edge, not just for the test but for your role as a competent and compassionate Social Worker. Knowing when to end services and doing so ethically is essential for long-term success in the field.

► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep

► Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agents-of-change-sw

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.17 Termination of Services

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.17 Termination of Services

1) What Is Section 1.17 Termination of Services?