Which of the following statements about retention of client records is correct?

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Maintaining client records for a defined period after treatment is a standard ethical and professional responsibility. Seven years is the typical minimum retention period recommended in art therapy practice guidelines. This duration supports continuity of care if the client returns later, provides needed information for any future questions or concerns, and offers a safeguard in case of later legal or ethical inquiries. If the client was a minor, many guidelines instruct keeping records until seven years after the client reaches the age of majority, which often extends the total retention beyond the last contact. Shorter timeframes, like five years, may not cover potential issues that emerge later, while longer periods (ten or twelve years) go beyond the common baseline unless a specific state law or policy requires it.