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The Ethical Dilemma Within the Department of Family & Children Services LaTeasa Jackson Walden University MMPA- 4405 Ethics & Social Justice Dr. Joyce Haines December 24, 2023

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in Georgia, focusing on its mission, vision, general structure, brief history, and key stakeholders. Understanding the organization's core principles and historical context is crucial for comprehending its role in the state's child and family welfare system. This paper will also explore the multifaceted ethical challenges encountered by the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) in the pursuit of safeguarding the welfare of children and families. As a vital agency responsible for making critical decisions in child welfare, DFCS grapples with ethical dilemmas that arise from the complex interplay of legal, moral, and societal considerations. Drawing upon deontological and teleological perspectives, the abstract delves into the ethical foundations guiding DFCS decision-making. Key ethical issues include the delicate balance between individual rights and collective well-being, decisions related to child protective services, family support services, and foster care placements. The abstract underscores the need for an integrative approach that navigates the tension between adherence to universal principles and the pursuit of positive outcomes for the families served by DFCS. Through an examination of ethical frameworks and practical implications, this abstract aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions inherent in the operations of DFCS.

A Public Organization The organization that I decided to choose is the Department of Family and Children's Services. I chose this organization because this job was the start of my career path in 2019. Our vision is safe children, strengthen families, and a stronger Georgia. The mission of the job is to ensure the safety of children and provide families with all the best services and resources as possible to ensure the families stay together. Within the department there are 7 guiding principles: committing to the safety of the children with the decisions that are made and the actions that are taken, empowering, strengthening, and supporting families on their paths to independence, embracing a client's heart with compassion, providing caring and effective service, listening and responding to the people we serve, collaborating with the communities to create a support system for the family, and developing a professional and efficient work environment that doesn’t stop learning and growing. The history of DFCS in Georgia traces back to the early 20th century when the state recognized the need for a dedicated agency to address issues related to child welfare and family support. Over the years, DFCS has evolved in response to changing societal needs and legislative developments. The organization has consistently adapted its programs and services to align with emerging best practices in social work and child welfare. There are multiple stakeholders that play a vital role in the success of the department. The stakeholders are the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), local government entities, community partners, legislative bodies, and families and children. The Georgia Department of human services oversees the department of family and children services. Local government entities collaborate with the department to implement programs and services tailored to meet the needs of the community. Community partners such as non-profit organizations, community based groups, and advocacy organizations help support the department with contributing resources and

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raising awareness in regards to child and family issues. The legislative bodies influence DFCS through their development of laws and regulations that shape the organization’s mandate, funding, and operational framework by state legislature and policy making. Families and children are the core of DFCS and it is the job to ensure the families and children meet all of their needs through its diverse array of programs and services. DFCS operates within the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), reflecting a hierarchical structure designed to efficiently provide a wide range of services to families. The organization is divided into various units, including Child Protective Services, Family Independence, and Family Support Services. These units work collaboratively to address the diverse needs of families and children in the state. Ethical Dilemmas Within the Organization An ethical issue that stems when a choice or obligation in a situation that doesn’t allow for an ethical outcome is known as an ethical dilemma. Cooper (2012) posits that his ethical decision- making model reflects a rational and direct approach, facilitating a thorough analysis of alternative possibilities and potential outcomes in ethical decision-making. One potential ethical dilemma that DFCS may face involves the tension between maintaining confidentiality and sharing information to ensure the safety and well-being of children. DFCS faces the ethical dilemma of respecting the confidentiality and autonomy of the victimized parent while also recognizing the need to intervene to protect the children from harm. Striking the right balance between safeguarding sensitive information and taking necessary steps to ensure child safety becomes challenging. Kidder (2005) argues that individuals guided by ethical principles face no dilemma or difficulty when presented with a choice between right and wrong. A scenario of an ethical dilemma that may arise DFCS receives a report of suspected child abuse involving a family with a history of domestic violence. The report indicates that the violence is escalating,

posing a significant risk to the children in the household. During the investigation, it becomes apparent that the victimized parent is hesitant to disclose the full extent of the violence due to fear of reprisal. Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved in the case is a fundamental ethical principle. DFCS must consider the potential harm to the victimized parent if information is disclosed without their consent. DFCS may need to engage in open communication with the victimized parent, emphasizing the agency's commitment to child safety. Exploring options for collaborative decision-making and informing the parent about the potential consequences of non-disclosure while respecting their autonomy can be part of the resolution process. It's important to note that real-world ethical dilemmas can be complex and context-specific. Roy (2017), in their TEDx talk, underscores the necessity of assessing the consequences of one's actions when confronted with ethical decisions. DFCS professionals often rely on ethical guidelines, legal frameworks, and ongoing training to navigate these challenges while upholding the agency's mission and values. Decision Making Within the Organization The decision that requires action on the part of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) could involve a range of situations related to child welfare and family support. In this stage of the ethical decision-making model, it is essential to thoroughly analyze all potential consequences (Cooper, 2012). DFCS is often tasked with making critical decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families under its jurisdiction. I am a child protective services investigator and when I receive a report of child maltreatment or abuse which indicates a child is in immediate danger. DFCS may need to conduct an urgent investigation, assess the level of risk to the child, and determine whether immediate intervention, such as removing the child from the home or implementing safety measures, is necessary. During or after an

investigation the case can go 3 different ways; it can either close with issues resolved, family preservation, or maybe even foster care. In cases where a report is substantiated, Child Protective Services (CPS) can pursue various avenues of action. This may involve delivering no services in 40 percent of confirmed cases, providing in-home services in 36 percent, or implementing out- of-home (foster care) services in 24 percent (Berger et al, 2015). A case is closed if the family has done everything that was needed in the investigation and there are no further services needed for that family because the issue was resolved. If a decision is made to send the case to family preservation that means that everything wasn’t completed within that investigation and the family needs further services such as counseling, parenting classes, or any type of assistance. Lastly, when a child is removed from their home due to safety concerns it is the agency’s job to determine the best suitable placement for the child’s well being. DFCS is faced with complex decisions that require careful consideration of the best interests of the child and the overall welfare of the family. These decisions often involve collaboration with various stakeholders, adherence to legal guidelines, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved. Through the Eyes of DFCS Analyzing the decision-making processes of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) through the lens of philosophical foundations for ethical decision-making involves considering whether the issues at hand align more with deontological or teleological principles. Deontological ethics, influenced by Immanuel Kant, emphasizes the inherent moral duty and adherence to universal principles. In the realm of Kantian philosophy, an inherently virtuous action is one that possesses the potential to be universally applicable as a law, while an action driven solely by self-interest lacks generalizability and is consequently absent in the Kantian

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worldview (Muscente, 2020). In child welfare, decisions made by DFCS could be viewed through the lens of moral duty, following ethical principles and universal laws, such as protecting the well-being and safety of children. Actions are guided by a sense of duty to uphold moral laws and respect the rights of individuals, particularly children, irrespective of consequences. Kant's categorical imperative stresses acting according to principles that could be universally applied without contradiction. DFCS decisions may be evaluated based on whether the actions taken could be considered universalizable moral laws. For example, decisions related to child protection must be justifiable as principles that all agencies could adopt without leading to logical contradictions. The Golden Rule, treating others as one would want to be treated. DFCS decisions should reflect a commitment to treating families and children with dignity, empathy, and fairness. Ensuring that decisions align with ethical principles of reciprocity and respect for individual autonomy is crucial. According to Teleological ethics in the Encyclopedia Britannica (2018), Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart believed in the utilitarian theory which for them produced the happiness and number of the highest resort. DFCS decisions may be evaluated in terms of their consequences and outcomes. For instance, reunification efforts should be aimed at achieving the greatest good for the family, with a focus on the overall well-being of the child and the family unit. Utilitarianism involves calculating the overall happiness or welfare generated by an action. Decisions related to resource allocation, intervention strategies, and placement options should consider the potential positive outcomes for the majority of stakeholders involved, aiming to maximize overall well-being. Ethical decision-making often involves a combination of deontological and teleological considerations. DFCS must navigate the complexities of ethical dilemmas by blending a commitment to universal principles with a focus on achieving positive outcomes for the individuals and families they serve. This integrative

approach can help balance the duty to adhere to ethical principles with the goal of promoting overall well-being. Conclusion The Division of Family and Children Services in Georgia stands as a crucial entity in the state's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. By understanding its mission, vision, structure, history, and key stakeholders, one can appreciate the complex web of relationships and responsibilities that contribute to the organization's success in promoting the welfare of families and children in Georgia. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive portrait of an agency committed to the welfare of Georgia's families and children. Understanding the intricate interplay between these elements is vital for appreciating the multifaceted efforts undertaken by DFCS in fulfilling its crucial role.

References Berger, L. M., & Font, S. A. (2015). The Role of the Family and Family-Centered Programs and Policies. The Future of Children , 25 (1), 155–176. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6342196/ Cooper, T. L. (2012). The responsible administrator: An approach to ethics for the administrative role (6th ed.). Jossey-Bass Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors. (2008, April 24). Teleological ethics. In Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/teleological-ethics Kidder, R. M. (1995/2005). Overview: The ethics of right versus right Links to an external site. In How good people make tough choices: Resolving the dilemmas of ethical living (pp. 12– 29). https://erhsnyc.enschool.org/ourpages/auto/2013/2/12/49529080/Good%20people_%20tough %20choices.pdf Muscente, K. K. (2020). Categorical Imperatives and the Case for Deception: Part I | 2020 | IRB Blog | Institutional Review Board | Teachers College, Columbia University. Teachers College Columbia University. https://www.tc.columbia.edu/institutional-review-board/irb-blog/2020/categorical- imperatives-and-tthe-case-for-deception-part-i/

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TEDx Talks. (2017, June 23). Why do ethics matter? Shefali Roy: TEDxOxbridge . [Video]. YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yesE4mcv4CM

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