What is the duration of record retention for a minor client upon therapy termination?

• A. Until the client turns 18
• B. 5 years after termination
• C. 10 years after termination
• D. Indefinitely

Answer: (C)

The correct duration for record retention for a minor client upon therapy termination is typically 10 years after the client turns 18. This means that even if therapy is completed before the minor reaches adulthood, the records must be kept for a specified period beyond that age to ensure access to treatment history if necessary.

The rationale behind retaining records for this duration includes the potential for the client to seek further assistance or for guardians to need information about the treatment. Appropriate documentation supports continuity of care and can be crucial if legal matters arise regarding the minor's treatment history. Therefore, keeping records for 10 years after turning 18 aligns with legal and ethical standards for protecting client rights while also considering their developmental trajectory.

Other durations listed may not comply with typical ethical and legal guidelines; retaining records until a minor turns 18 or for just 5 years may leave gaps in essential documentation that could be critical in the future. Indefinitely keeping records is generally unnecessary and impractical, as it could lead to issues with storage, confidentiality, and data management.