Ethics and Diversity in Family Practice The case of Marie
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5004
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Philosophy
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Apr 3, 2024
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Uploaded by CaptainMoon13767
1 Ethics and Diversity in Family Practice: The case of Marie
Department of Masters in Social Work, Capella University
SWK5007: Mezzo Social Work Practice
Professor Billy Bible
February 18, 2024
2 An ethical dilemma is defined as a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two courses of action, either of which entails transgressing a moral principle: (Webster, 2023).
The biggest challenge of an ethical dilemma is that it does not offer an obvious solution that would comply with all ethical norms. Upon assessment and evaluation of the Marie contextual analysis, this paper will review the varying ethical dilemmas, difficulties, and vital stages in ethical problem solving. When reviewing the NASW there are six essential steps for ethical problem solving. In evaluation of a situation identifying the NASW essential steps for ethical problem solving is instrumental for application. The NASW has a model for ethical problem solving that includes the following steps: (A) determine whether there is an ethical issue or/ and dilemma. (B) Identify the key values and principles involved. (C) Rank the values or ethical principles that are most relevant to the issue or dilemma. (D) Develop an action plan that is consistent with the ethical priorities that have been determined as central to the dilemma. (E) Implement the action plan
. (NASW, 2023)
Upon the review and evaluation of these essential steps, a social worker can also consult other colleagues to ensure that all bases have been covered and that the action plan is justifiable by the information provided and assessed. Ethical Dilemma
As a social worker, it is our job to not only gather information but also to be resourceful in bringing about solutions to problems and addressing ethical dilemmas. Qualitative data collection would be most beneficial in conducting ethical decision-making in this case. For the qualitative data collection to be impactful measurable interventions must ensure a comparable baseline and outcome measurement. Data can be collected by way of interviews and
3 observations. When in the stage of collecting data, you want to make sure that you don’t collect too little and that you do not collect too much information. Either outcome can be counterproductive in the success of bringing about a solution to the ethical dilemma. Qualitative data collection is a valuable tool in addressing ethical dilemmas within a family setting. In such situations, the collection of qualitative data can provide a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and dynamics at play, helping to inform ethical decision-making and intervention strategies. Qualitative data collection involves gathering information through methods such as interviews, observations, and open-ended questionnaires. This allows researchers or practitioners to explore complex issues in depth, gaining insights into individuals' perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. In the context of ethical dilemmas within a family, qualitative data can uncover the personal values, cultural norms, and relational dynamics that influence decision-making processes.
An ethical dilemma presented in the Marie case is that although Marie had a health concern that warranted her to take prescription drugs for her to heal properly. Marie did not feel comfortable taking the meds as prescribed due to her alleged suspicions of her daughter abusing the prescription medications. In addition, although her leaving her current living situation and moving closer to family should have been positive in healing through the grief of the passing of her husband and best friend; the move has proven to be more stressful to Marie due to ethical dilemmas that position Marie into certain decisions that she should not have to make or feel guilty about making. In conjunction with these issues, Marie also reports that she is depressed and no longer feels that she has a purpose in life. (Marie Case, 2023)
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4 The other internal dilemma is between the sisters, Lisa and Toni. The two daughters have very different perspectives on the outcome of their mother Marie. Toni is of the idea that her mother should be placed in assisted living due to her uncertainty about her mother’s ability to live independently as she is getting older. Lisa on the other hand seems to be more concerned with the lack of Marie taking the prescription medication and her needing to spend more time with her grandchildren. These two different perspectives are on opposite spectrums and creates an ethical dilemma when dealing with the family dynamics that have many complexities. As a social worker, it is our responsibility to resolve conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality and remains culturally aware and socially diverse in seeking solutions. Decision-Making Process
As a social worker, we must move in a manner that helps in a way that does the least harm. To ensure this, we must be mindful of our values and or biases that may or may not align with the values/ biases of the family or client that we are working with. In the ethical dilemmas of this case personal values and biases could impact others if you are not self-aware. Social workers must make sure that we keep our biases and values to ourselves due to the fact that not everyone's values are the same. When working with a family as a group, individual personal values can come into play and impact the dynamics within the group. Each family member brings their own set of values and beliefs to the table, which can shape how they view situations and interact with one another. This can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, depending on how the values align or clash within the group.
5 One way to ensure that personal values do not hinder the group dynamic is to create a safe space for everyone to speak freely without fear of confrontation or arguments. Encouraging open communication and active listening can help each family member feel heard and valued, allowing for a more collaborative and productive discussion. This also helps to prevent misunderstandings and assumptions based on personal values, as everyone has the opportunity to share their perspective. By allowing everyone to speak freely and openly, the family can work together to determine the right paths to take. This inclusive approach ensures that all voices are heard and considered, leading to better decision-making and a stronger sense of unity within the family. It also helps to bridge any gaps caused by differing personal values, as the group can come together to find common ground and solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Strengths, Needs and Challenges The strengths of this family are the bond between each one of them and the fact that the children and grandchildren are involved in Marei’s life. This type of relationship is a strength and helps those who feel alone to not be alone when they have family that wants to be around them and care for their well-being. The needs of the family are vast but range from individual as well as group therapy and possible AA. An assessment of family activities that are inclusive but not overbearing for Marie so that she can grieve, adjust to her new stride in life without the pressures of certain aspects as she adjusts. This could be discussed in group therapy. In addressing these challenges within the family dynamic, the ethical dilemmas will also be addressed and a true open dialogue of where everyone stands in their perspectives and what is in the best interest of Marie and the family can be dealt with.
6 Conclusion
Social workers play a crucial role in society, as they are tasked with helping individuals and families navigate through difficult situations and overcome challenges. In order to effectively carry out their responsibilities, social workers must communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the expectations for members of the social work profession. Scholarly communication is essential for social workers because it demonstrates their expertise and knowledge in the field. By communicating in a scholarly manner, social workers are able to present evidence-based practices and interventions that are backed by research and theory. This not only enhances the credibility of the social worker, but also ensures that the interventions being implemented are effective and ethical.
In addition, communicating in a professional manner is vital for social workers as they are often working with vulnerable populations who may be experiencing trauma or crisis. Professionalism in communication involves maintaining boundaries, confidentiality, and respect for the individual's autonomy. It also includes being mindful of power dynamics and ensuring that the client's needs and perspectives are at the forefront of the conversation. Furthermore, consistency in communication is important for social workers as it helps to build trust and rapport with clients. Consistent communication involves being reliable, responsive, and dependable in interactions with clients. This consistency helps to establish a sense of safety and security for the client, as they know that the social worker is committed to their well-being and will follow through on their promises.
Overall, communication is a fundamental aspect of social work practice and plays a significant role in the effectiveness of interventions and the quality of services provided to
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7 clients. By communicating in a scholarly, professional, and consistent manner, social workers are able to build trust, credibility, and rapport with clients, which ultimately contributes to positive outcomes and successful interventions. Therefore, social workers must uphold high standards of communication that are in line with the expectations for members of the social work profession
.
8 References
The Case of Marie (2023). Retrieved February 1, 2024 Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving. National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Massachusetts Chapter. (2020). Retrieved February 10, 2024 from https://www.naswma.org/page/100/essemtial-steps-for-ethical-problem-solving-htm.