Situation of Ethical Dilemma Experienced in Practice

Describe a situation of ethical dilemma that you have experienced in practice and how it was resolved. (Saunders, 2014)

Submission Instructions:

• Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.

Scenario:

As a social worker in a rural community, you are assigned to work with a family struggling with poverty and substance abuse issues. The parents, John and Mary, have two children, ages 5 and 7, who frequently go hungry due to the family’s financial difficulties. You discover that John occasionally sells drugs to make ends meet, and Mary is aware of his activities but feels helpless to stop him. You feel torn between your duty to report John’s illegal activities to the authorities, which could potentially lead to the children being removed from their home, and your desire to maintain the family’s trust and work towards a solution that keeps the family intact.

Resolution:

1. Identify and Analyze the Ethical Dilemma: In this scenario, the ethical dilemma revolves around conflicting obligations: the duty to report illegal activities versus the duty to maintain client confidentiality and preserve the family unit. On one hand, reporting John’s drug selling could protect the children from harm and uphold societal laws. On the other hand, it could rupture the trust between the social worker and the family, potentially exacerbating their already precarious situation.
2. Consider Ethical Principles: Utilize ethical frameworks such as the NASW Code of Ethics to guide decision-making. The principles of social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships are particularly relevant. In this case, weighing the potential harm to the children against the importance of family preservation is crucial.
3. Consultation and Supervision: Seek guidance from colleagues, supervisors, or ethical committees within the organization to gain different perspectives on the situation. Consultation can provide valuable insights and help in determining the most ethically sound course of action.
4. Explore Alternatives: Consider alternative interventions that address the underlying issues while minimizing harm to the family. This may involve collaborating with community resources to provide financial assistance, substance abuse treatment, and parenting support.
5. Client-Centered Approach: Engage in open and honest communication with the family, emphasizing their strengths and agency in finding solutions to their challenges. Respect their autonomy while also advocating for the well-being of the children.
6. Document Decision-Making Process: Maintain thorough documentation of the ethical dilemma, the considerations involved, and the chosen course of action. This ensures transparency and accountability in case of any future inquiries or evaluations.

In this scenario, the social worker may ultimately decide to address the family’s immediate needs by connecting them with resources for food assistance, substance abuse treatment, and financial support. Simultaneously, the social worker could continue to monitor the situation closely and engage in ongoing discussions with the family about the risks associated with John’s illegal activities and the potential consequences for the children. If the situation deteriorates or if there are signs of imminent harm to the children, the social worker may need to reconsider their approach and take appropriate action, which may include reporting to the authorities.

Situation of Ethical Dilemma Experienced in Practice – Best Writers