Reflective Analysis
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Reflective Analysis: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Child Protective Services
Kaitlynn V. Roach
College of Humanities and Social Services
SWK-280, Social Services Delivery System
Sunday, October 29
th
, 2023
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Introduction
Working within Child Protective Service requires social workers to navigate complex
situations that demand a delicate balance between professional responsibilities and ethical
considerations. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics provides a
framework to guide practitioners in making ethically sound decisions. In this reflection, I will
discuss two social work ethical principles that resonate with my experiences in CPS, explore
potential conflicts between the NASW Code of Ethics and my personal values, and examine
hypothetical ethical dilemmas within this context
(NASW,2021).
Ethical Principles
Fundamental ethical principles from the NASW Code of Ethics significantly shape my work
in Child Protective Services, Social Justice, and Client Self-Determination. In the realm of Social
Justice, the role I have supervised would be to emphasize the imperative to advocate for the
rights of vulnerable children and families, aligning seamlessly with my dedication to addressing
systemic issues and promoting equitable access to resources. This commitment will propel me to
challenge inequalities and actively advocate for policies that uplift the well-being of those under
my care. Simultaneously, the principle of Client Self-Determination proves crucial in navigating
the delicate balance between respecting the autonomy of parents and ensuring the safety and
welfare of children in CPS. This principle mirrors my personal belief in empowering individuals
and families, allowing them an active role in decision-making processes, and acknowledging
their right to choices aligned with their values and preferences
(NASW,2021).
Conflicts with Personal Values
Despite the alignment between social work principles and personal values, conflicts can
arise, challenging the ethical decision-making process. One such conflict emerges in the dilemma
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of Parental Rights vs. Child Safety. The NASW Code of Ethics underscores the importance of
respecting client self-determination. However, when parental decisions pose a threat to the safety
of a child, a complex ethical dilemma unfolds. Balancing the rights of parents with the duty to
pretext the child can be particularly challenging, especially when it involves reconciling my
personal value of autonomy with the imperative to ensure the child’s well-being. Another ethical
quandary surfaces in the tension between Confidentiality vs. Reporting Obligations. While
maintaining confidentiality is a critical ethical principle, it can clash with the legal and ethical
duty to report suspected child abuse. Navigating this conflict demands careful consideration of
the potential harm caused by breaching confidentiality juxtaposed with the imperative to protect
a child from harm
(NASW,2021).
Ethical Dilemmas in CPS
Navigating reunification challenges in Child Protective Service poses a significant ethical
dilemma, particularly when advocating for the reunification of a family raises concerns about the
parents’ ability to provide a safe a nurturing environment. This scenario demands a delicate
balance between preserving family unity and ensuring the child’s safety. Addressing this ethical
dilemma requires a thorough assessment, collaboration with other professionals, and strict
adherence to the guidelines outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. Additionally, another ethical
quandary emerges in the realm of Cultural Competence and Bias. While the NASW Code of
Ethics underscores the importance of cultural competence, personal biases may inadvertently
influence decision-making processes. To navigate this challenge ethically, it is imperative to
recognize and address these biases actively. Seeking supervision, engaging in ongoing cultural
competence training, and fostering self-awareness become essential steps in ensuring fair and
unbiased practices within CPS (T
eam, M. 2018).
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Christian Worldview Impact
Applying a Christian worldview to the ethical dilemmas in Child Protective Services
(CPS) introduces an additional layer of moral guidance, emphasizing core values such as love,
compassion, and justice. In the context of reunification challenges, a Christian perspective places
a significant emphasis on forgiveness, redemption, and the sanctity of family. Viewing the
situation through this lens may influence the decision-making process by fostering an approach
that seeks rehabilitation and support for parents. While maintaining the paramount concern for
child safety, a Christian worldview guides efforts toward promoting healing and restoration
within the family unit. Similarly, when addressing issues of Cultural Competence and Bias, a
Christian worldview reinforces the call to love and respect all individuals, irrespective of cultural
differences. Integrating this perspective into the decision-making process requires the recognition
of biases as inherent human imperfections. In line with Christian teachings, this involves seeking
forgiveness and actively working towards a more inclusive and unbiased approach to serving
diverse families. Through the application of a Christian worldview, the ethical considerations
within CPS are shaped by a commitment to love, understanding, and the promotion of holistic
well-being for both children and families involved in the child protection system
(DuBois, et. AL,
2019).
Conclusion
Working in Child Protective Services demands a deep commitment to ethical principles
outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. While conflicts with personal values may arise, adherence
to the principles of social justice and client self-determination remains paramount. Ethical
dilemmas in CPS require a nuanced approach, considering the well-being of children and
families. Integrating a Christian worldview reinforces the importance of love, compassion, and
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justice in the decision-making process, offering an additional moral compass to navigate the
complexities of professional behavior in this challenging but essential field
(DuBois, et. AL,
2019).
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References
DuBois, B., & Miley, K. K. (2019). Social Work: An Empowering Profession (9th ed.).
Pearson. ISBN-13:9780134695792
Read the Code of Ethics (2023) NASW, National Association of Social Workers. Available
at:
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
.
Team, M. (2018, August 28). Ethical dilemmas in child protection practice: A tale of Two stories.
Australian Childhood Foundation Professionals.
https://professionals.childhood.org.au/prosody/2016/10/vicki-averkiou/
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