What are the clear lines of difference between a client and a social worker designed to avoid abuse of power called?

The term that refers to the clear lines of difference between a client and a social worker, designed to avoid abuse of power, is known as boundaries. In social work, boundaries are crucial as they help to define the professional relationship between the social worker and the client. This ensures that the interaction remains respectful, ethical, and focused on the client's needs.

Boundaries provide a framework for the limits of engagement, helping to establish trust and foster a safe environment for clients to explore their issues. By maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, social workers can prevent situations that may lead to exploitation or the inappropriate use of power. This concept is foundational in establishing healthy, professional relationships and safeguarding the integrity of the social work practice.

While limits, guidelines, and protocols are related concepts that may also pertain to the structure of professional interactions, they often emphasize different aspects of the relationship or the operational procedures within a social work context. Boundaries specifically target the relational dynamics and the protection of clients from potential abuses of power, making it the most accurate choice in the context of the question.