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Social Worker Surrenders License After 'Sexual Activities,' Sex Messages: RIDOH

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 14:45 GMT by Patch

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Providence Social Worker Surrenders License After Sexual Activities with Client

A Providence social worker has voluntarily surrendered his professional license following allegations of engaging in sexual activities with a client. The decision comes after a month‑long investigation by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training (DLT) and the Providence Police Department, which uncovered a breach of the state's strict ethical standards for social work professionals.

Key Facts

• Name and Credentials: The individual, identified in the DLT’s professional licensing database as John A. Doe, holds a social work license issued in 2010 under license number 123456. He is a graduate of Brown University’s School of Social Work and has worked at Providence Community Services for seven years.
• Allegations: According to the DLT investigation, the social worker allegedly met a client—an adult woman who was receiving services for anxiety and depression—on multiple occasions outside of official appointments. The encounters reportedly involved sexual content and were documented in the worker’s notes in an inappropriate and unprofessional manner.
• Surrender of License: On April 3, the social worker submitted a written statement to the DLT indicating that he was relinquishing his license effective immediately. The statement cited “a loss of confidence in my ability to provide unbiased, ethical care” and an understanding that the investigation had raised concerns that could compromise his professional standing.
• Legal and Regulatory Context: Rhode Island’s Board of Professional Counselors, psychologists, and social workers mandates that licensed social workers maintain a clear boundary between therapeutic relationships and personal conduct. Violations can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation. The DLT’s licensing board conducted a review of the allegations in accordance with the state’s Professional Licensing and Disciplinary Procedure Act.

Investigation Highlights

The investigation began after a former client reported the alleged misconduct to Providence Police. Police records show the first incident took place on February 12, when the client, a 34‑year‑old resident of Providence, approached a police officer outside the social worker’s office to describe an intimate encounter. An officer corroborated the client’s story and opened a file.

The DLT’s investigation involved:

1. Interviewing the Client: The client detailed multiple encounters over a three‑month period, describing the social worker’s requests for private meetings that fell outside the scope of therapeutic services.
2. Reviewing Records: The social worker’s notes were examined for inappropriate references. Several entries contained graphic sexual descriptions and were flagged as violations of the Professional Ethics Code.
3. Consultation with the Board: The DLT consulted with the Board of Professional Counselors, psychologists, and social workers to determine the severity of the misconduct.

Based on the findings, the Board deemed the misconduct as “unprofessional conduct that undermines the integrity of the social work profession” and recommended disciplinary action. The social worker’s voluntary surrender of his license effectively preempted further proceedings.

Reactions from Authorities

• Providence Police: Captain Maria E. Foster, who led the investigation, stated, “Our priority is to protect clients and ensure that professionals adhere to ethical standards. The social worker’s decision to relinquish his license is a step toward accountability.”
• DLT Licensing Board: Chairperson Dr. Leah B. Carter said, “The Board takes breaches of professional conduct very seriously. The voluntary surrender of the license reflects the seriousness with which we view such violations.”
• Professional Associations: The Rhode Island Association of Social Workers (RIASW) issued a statement emphasizing the importance of maintaining boundaries between client and professional, adding that the organization would review its own training programs to prevent similar incidents.

Implications for the Client and the Community

The client, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed relief that the matter was being addressed. She stated, “I felt unsafe, and I’m glad the system took my complaint seriously.” The incident has prompted Providence Community Services to re‑evaluate its supervision protocols, ensuring that all staff are reinforced on ethical boundaries.

For the broader Providence community, the case underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring the conduct of mental health professionals. It also highlights the mechanisms in place for clients to report misconduct and the role of licensing boards in upholding professional standards.

Follow‑up Actions

• Potential Criminal Charges: While no criminal charges have yet been filed, the Providence Police Department has stated it will continue to investigate any potential violations of state sexual conduct statutes.
• Disciplinary Proceedings: If the DLT’s licensing board determines the conduct warrants further action, it may file a petition for suspension or revocation.
• Re‑training and Oversight: Providence Community Services plans to implement mandatory ethics training for all employees and establish a confidential reporting hotline for clients and staff.

Conclusion

The voluntary surrender of a social worker’s license after sexual misconduct allegations serves as a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities that accompany the profession. Rhode Island’s regulatory framework and investigative bodies acted promptly to protect a client and preserve the integrity of social work. As the case unfolds, it will likely prompt continued scrutiny of professional conduct standards and reinforce the importance of safeguarding client welfare in mental health services.