When a family member inquires about a peer's status, what should the Certified Peer Specialist do?

The most appropriate response for a Certified Peer Specialist when a family member inquires about a peer's status is to tell them that you cannot confirm or deny that their relative is in the unit. This answer aligns with the principles of confidentiality and respect for individuals' privacy rights, which are fundamental in the field of peer support.

Maintaining confidentiality is critical in any support setting, as it helps to build trust between peers and specialists. By stating that you cannot confirm or deny the presence of a person in the unit, you are upholding the ethical standards that protect the peer's rights. This response also ensures that the individual being inquired about is afforded dignity and respect, safeguarding their personal information.

In contrast, providing minimum information, simply stating that the person is in the unit without further detail, or giving any information requested would violate confidentiality principles. Each of these approaches could potentially breach trust or the legal obligations around privacy, which is why they do not align with best practices for Certified Peer Specialists.