Ethical Dilemma 270

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Tim Mulcahey Liberty University Ethical Dilemma Initial Reaction Assignment HSER 270: Ethics in Professional Helping Professor Alison Ferrara November 13 th 2023

Ethical Dilemma Paper: Initial Reaction Assignment The scenario is as a provider we aim to achieve patient/client relationships and connections that allow us to give the best care, here we have done that job however we’ve been given information from the mother that they are in danger that will certainly make a lot of uncomfortable changes that will require me to seek counsel and evaluate the social work ethics, federal laws, all while also maintaining integrity with our client and client’s family. The Dilemma The ethical dilemma in this scenario is as a provider I'm required to act on situations that can negatively affect the well-being of young children and my client. I’m concerned for the mother and most certainly the child, for the fact they have to use assumed names for their everyday safety. This makes me think this person is actively looking for them, looking to cause harm and will do so if it means getting through to other people. The dilemma is that I have to maintain this trust with the mother and not also put her and her child at risk. Ultimately, I will decide to sit with the mother in a collaborative way to pursue services that will provide the best care. First however, I will have to speak with a supervisor, mentor and do my own research to find the best options that fit their current situation. I will do this because the safety of the child and mother is everyone’s number one concern. Not only are we concerned about safety, but it’s extremely important that the mother has a say in the care she and her son take. Now, the most desirable outcome will probably come from patient/client trust that I believe could be repaired with great work, however the mother will then risk the chance of losing her son due to her addiction and unsafe conditions regarding her ex. The son and mother will be the most impacted in this scenario. The mother could ultimately lose her son until there is a mutual

resolution between all parties. The son will then lose his mother and be placed in care of a relative or housing service. These are the most extreme cases that could happen, as depending on the services there are many things that could happen as a result of this. The Impact of the Dilemma I will most definitely be impacted being that I have to move this family around out of wanting safety. It’s a tug of war feeling knowing you’ve made the right decision ethically while also allowing the client to have control. The ripple effect of this dilemma is that I will know in the future how to handle these situations more familiarly as I will complete my research. I will know much more about addiction, domestic abuse and child endangerment. The textbook says that “an ethical dilemma always occurs when a worker is in a situation where they may make a decision that will knowingly violate a moral rule” (Bryan, 2021 pg. 43). I will most certainly learn how to work collaboratively with future clients, and work through future dilemmas. This experience will make me a well-rounded social worker. However, the ripple effect goes all the way to the top. A lot of services are mostly supported by the state, and there could possibly be court dates with the mother if certain services require it. There will be personnel effects, such as the son with his behavioral concerns and mother with her addiction and personal concerns. The ex-husband will also experience an effect here from his actions. The ex-husband could possibly seek incarceration or other discipline from his actions to cause harm. Competing Values Competing values are family and service. I’m sensitive to the situation for the fact I value family, and wouldn’t want to be in that position myself. I also understand why the mother decided to use assumed names to provide safety for her and her son. Service is the other

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competing value here because I did my job in the sense that I have built trust with the mother and a place where she feels safe to speak on this issue, and I’m happy the mother was able to confide in me and find me someone who is trustworthy. I want all my clients to feel that. Initial Gut Solution My gut wants to first sit with the mother and validate her concerns and actions. I want to sit with the mother and go over options and services that way the mother has the opportunity to find services of her own that will fit the needs of her and her son the best way she feels she wants to. I want to assure the mother and son I’m here to provide resources for them and help assist them in the life they are deserving of. I want to encourage them to pursue things the right way and get them to safety. Conclusion Based on the information I have; I will pursue this the correct way as explained previously. The correct way is to sit with the mother and go over service options she has, then go ahead and contact the service to get them to safety. First however, I cannot make these decisions without first counseling a mentor or higher up or doing my own research. In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”( New American Standard Bible , 1971/1995). I want to always make sure that I’m doing things the ethical way, while also collaborating with my client to ensure they are involved in the process and never feel pressured or in further harm and educating my client on these services, outcomes and future impact.

Reference Bryan, V., Sanders, S., & Kaplan, L. E. (2021). The Helping Professional's Guide to Ethics (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9780197502877 Ethical Principles. NASW, National Association of Social Workers. (2023). Retrieved November 12th, 2023, from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of- Ethics-English New American Standard Bible . (1995). https://nasb.literalword.com/ (Original work published 1971)

Ethical Dilemma 270

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