Under what condition should a social worker recommend placement in a locked residential facility for a court-ordered youth?

Recommending placement in a locked residential facility for a court-ordered youth primarily hinges on the safety and well-being of both the individual and the community. When a client poses a safety risk to the community, it indicates that their behavior may endanger others or themselves, warranting a more secure and controlled environment for their care and rehabilitation.

In such cases, a locked facility serves not only to manage and prevent potential harm but also to provide the necessary structure for therapy and behavioral interventions in a safe setting. While other factors, such as the potential for rehabilitation or parental support, could influence treatment decisions, the paramount concern in this context is public safety and the immediate risk presented by the youth's behavior. The placement decision stems from a responsibility to protect the community while addressing the youth's behavioral issues within a secure framework.