Health & Fitness
Tue, November 25, 2025
Mon, November 24, 2025
Rhode Island Social Worker Suspended After Sexual-Romantic Relationship With Client
//health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. er-sexual-romantic-relationship-with-client.html
Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 19:20 GMT by Patch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Rhode Island Social Worker Suspended After Sexual–Romantic Relationship With Client
A Rhode Island social worker’s license was suspended in late March after the state’s Board of Social Workers concluded that the professional had entered into a sexual‑romantic relationship with a client. The decision followed an internal investigation that found the relationship violated the board’s ethical standards and the state’s licensing regulations. The suspended worker, who had been practicing for several years in the Providence area, is currently barred from providing any social‑work services while a disciplinary hearing is pending.
The Allegations
According to the board’s statement, the alleged relationship began in early 2022 when the client—identified only as “a 35‑year‑old male client” to protect privacy—was under the care of the worker’s agency. Over the course of several months, the social worker allegedly engaged in a romantic and sexual relationship that was both unprofessional and potentially exploitative. The board’s investigation revealed that the relationship began during an active therapeutic engagement and continued even after the client’s needs were addressed. The worker’s personal account, released by the board, acknowledges that a boundary was crossed, but denies any intent to manipulate the client.
The client, who reportedly left a written complaint to the agency, stated that he felt uncomfortable and that the worker’s behavior “became more intimate than professional” during their sessions. The complaint was forwarded to the agency’s supervisor and subsequently to the state board for review.
The Investigation and Suspension
The Rhode Island Board of Social Workers, which oversees licensing, discipline, and ethical practice for social workers in the state, initiated an investigation in April after receiving the complaint. The board interviewed the worker, the client, the agency’s supervisor, and a third‑party witness who had observed the sessions. The investigation also reviewed the worker’s case files, communication logs, and emails that documented the evolving nature of the relationship.
In a press release issued on March 28, the board announced that the worker’s license was suspended pending a formal hearing. “The board’s duty is to protect the public, and we take violations of professional boundaries very seriously,” said Dr. Linda H. McCarthy, chair of the board. “This worker’s conduct breached the core principles of the Code of Ethics and the state’s licensing regulations.”
The suspension is effective immediately and prohibits the worker from conducting any social‑work practice, including private practice, agency work, or volunteer services that require a license. The worker is also barred from representing himself in any capacity related to the discipline case.
The Board’s Code of Ethics and Licensing Standards
The Rhode Island Board of Social Workers requires its members to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that includes sections on “Boundaries with Clients” and “Sexual and Romantic Relationships.” These sections prohibit social workers from engaging in sexual or romantic relationships with clients or former clients who are under the social worker’s direct supervision or whose welfare is directly dependent on the worker. The board’s investigation found that the worker’s actions violated these provisions.
In addition to the Code of Ethics, the state’s licensing regulations—codified in Title 16, Chapter 28 of the Rhode Island General Laws—state that any violation of professional conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, probation, or revocation of a license. The board’s action aligns with similar cases across the country where social workers have faced disciplinary sanctions for boundary violations.
Next Steps and Hearing Process
The board’s decision to suspend the license is an interim measure. A formal hearing is scheduled to be held on May 10 at the Rhode Island Board of Social Workers’ headquarters in Providence. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the board’s administrative procedures, giving both the worker and the board the opportunity to present evidence, witnesses, and arguments.
If the board finds the worker guilty of the alleged misconduct, the worker’s license could be revoked or placed on probation with specific conditions such as mandatory ethics training, supervised practice, or a period of professional development. The worker also has the right to appeal the decision to the Rhode Island Supreme Court or the state’s appellate court system.
Agency and Professional Community Response
The agency that employed the social worker released a statement expressing its “deep concern” about the situation and underscoring its commitment to ethical practice. The statement noted that the agency immediately notified the board and complied fully with all investigative requests. It also announced that the agency will be reviewing its internal policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The broader Rhode Island social‑work community has been quick to weigh in. A local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) issued a brief statement urging the profession to reinforce training on boundary issues and to encourage practitioners to seek supervision when they feel a relationship with a client might become personal. “Professional boundaries are the bedrock of trust and safety,” said NASW’s state representative, Maria Gonzales. “When these boundaries are compromised, the consequences for clients can be devastating.”
A Call for Vigilance
The incident serves as a stark reminder that professional boundaries are non‑negotiable in the field of social work. The Rhode Island Board’s swift action underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring that social workers remain trustworthy and ethically sound. For practitioners nationwide, this case is a cautionary tale about the fine line between empathy and exploitation and the importance of vigilance, self‑awareness, and ongoing training.
While the hearing date approaches, the community watches closely. Whether the worker’s license will ultimately be reinstated, revoked, or subjected to probation remains to be seen, but the board’s decision has already sent a clear message: sexual‑romantic relationships with clients are unacceptable and will be met with serious disciplinary consequences.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/rhode-island/across-ri/ri-social-workers-sexual-romantic-relationship-leads-suspension-state ]
