When addressing conflicts with a client's teenage children, the social worker's first task should be to __________.

Building rapport with the mother is crucial in situations involving conflicts with her teenage children. Establishing a trusting relationship allows for open communication and creates a safe space for the mother to share her concerns and insights regarding her children's behaviors and the family dynamics at play. This approach fosters collaboration, helping the social worker to better understand the context of the issues the family is facing and to work together toward finding effective solutions.

When rapport is developed, the mother is more likely to engage meaningfully in the process, providing valuable perspectives that will inform the social worker's intervention strategies. Moreover, a strong relationship can facilitate discussions about the children's needs and the family’s strengths, making it easier to address and resolve conflicts constructively.

While counseling the mother about teenage behaviors could be a part of the process later on, it is more effective when it follows the establishment of rapport. Reporting the children to juvenile courts or immediately assessing for potential abuse might be necessary under certain circumstances, but they should not be the first course of action without understanding the family dynamics and ensuring safety through relationships first.