Slide 4

Now the ethical issues related to this scenario includes:

1. Client rights to self-determination
The issue of a upholding a client’s right to self-determination is the fundamental principal upon which
other ethical decisions reside, and the challenge of choosing when to preserve versus when to supersede
this right was a re-occurring theme. As a case worker, it is difficult to draw the line. We were
perplexed either to report the responsible authorities or respect the client’s decision, though it
appeared irrational to us.
2. Privacy and confidentiality
When she told us that her husband was jobless and also a drug user but the bruises were the
result of rough play while we suspected that the child was witnessing or a victim of domestic
abuse, we were unable to make a decision either to intervene and do my duty or to respect the
family matter.
3. Difference of values and culture
Domestic violence and abuse is allowed and is not considered a crime in some cultures. At the
same time, we were unaware of her values, culture and norms. Thus being a case worker, we
were having difficulty in this case.
4. Domestic violence and children
If this was not happened to the child what her mother was insisting then its our legal obligation
to report the police. But what if her mother or child refused to cooperate with policy or
authorities.
Slide 5
The ethical and legal concepts associated to this case study includes:
Slide 6
Duty of care
Duty of care means a person has a duty or responsibility to maintain the safety and well being of
others. Being a case worker, it was our duty to prevent a child from being injured, a mother to be
saved from the torture and a husband to be an habitual offender. In short, it is our duty to care for
a family.
Slide 7
Mandatory reporting
It is our ethical and legislative obligation to report child of domestic violence to the police and
governmental authorities for his safety, and welfare.
Slide 8
In Australia, there are a number of legislations that have defined a child in need of care or
protection. These include:
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children
Children, Youth and Families Act
Children and Community Services Act
Children and Young Persons Act
Slide 9
Ethical dilemmas can be overwhelming or frightening, therefore there are a number of decision-
making models that help social workers to make sound decisions. The eight steps in making
ethical decisions adopted by Corey, Corey, & Haynes (1998) was one of those models. This
model outlines steps to take and also imperative questions to ask. This decision making process
posits that ethical decision-making should be collaborative, not just individualistic. The eight
steps are as follows: 1) identify the problem or dilemma, 2) identify the potential issues involved,
3) review the relevant ethical codes, 4) know the applicable laws and regulations, 5) obtain
consultation, 6) consider possible and probable course of action, 7) enumerate the consequences
of various decisions, 8) decide on what appears to be the best course of action.
Slide 10
Concerning the situation of Jenny at hand, our group looked for a eight steps decision making
model that would walk us through the issues presented.
1. Identify the problem/ dilemma
To identify the problem or dilemma, our group discussed in length that the ethical dilemma at
stake pertains to right to self determination and privacy.
2. Identify the potential issues involved
The potential issues involved in this scenario include client’s right to self determination, duty of
care and welfare of all involved.
3. Review relevant ethical codes
ACWA code of ethics (2017) were reviewed for this case.
4. Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
After reviewing applicable ethical codes and guidelines, we next turn to any applicable laws and
regulations. Are there any specific laws, regulations, or agency policies that might have a bearing
on the dilemma at hand. The Children, Youth and Families Act (2005) reminds us that it targets
those children and young people who are at risk of harm or where families are unable to protect
them. The main functions of Child Protection are to: Investigate matters where it is alleged that a
child is at risk of significant harm. In addition, UN Conventions on Rights of Children also sets
out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race,
religion or abilities.
5. Obtain consultation
Consultation is necessary to help solve the issues at hand, think of new solutions, and carry them
out through our action plan. There are many different resources that can be used to obtain
appropriate consultation when dealing with ethically related cases, such as this one with Jenny.
The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) states that “counselors take reasonable steps to ensure that they
have the appropriate resources and competencies when providing consultation services.”
Therefore, a few ways to obtain these appropriate resources include, but are not limited to,
referring to the ACA Code of Ethics, consulting with other professionals, supervisors, managers
of organizations to which worker is associated, and utilizing online and Internet resources.
6. Possible courses of action
In this case, we considered 3 possible courses of actions. We can talk to parents privately and
separately. These actions will allow them to talk to us freely and without being pressurized from
their spouses. Thirdly, we directly report police and allow them to intervene and handle the
scenario.
7. Potential consequences of action highlighted
While each of the above courses of action come with their own additional pro’s and con’s, one of
them undoubtedly has to be chosen. The greatest concern remains keeping the child’s best
interest at heart. Corey, Corey, and Haynes (2014) reminds us once more to discuss the
psychological risks involved at this point with the clients. After consulting with other
professionals and taking into consideration the psychological risks, we also need to consider the
consequences of the various courses of action we can take.
As a result, we turn to our first course of action-speak to parents privately about their problems
and what incited them to do so. The primary purpose of this action is to “respect the [parental]
inherent rights and responsibilities of the welfare of the child”.
The second alternative, speak to parents separately, would allow client to talk freely and without
being pressurized by her husband. Because there is the possibility that anger, hurt feelings, and
feelings of betrayal could be revealed when both of them telling facts while sitting with one
another.
Finally, we have an option of reporting to police and responsible authorities. This will help to
take actions accurately, timely and accordingly. Moreover, no harm or injuries will be there for
the people involved in this case.
8. Best course of action
Of the choices listed, the final course of action we would take in the case is reporting to the
police. After consulting and working through the ethical decision-making model selected, this is
believed to be the best way to handle this particular situation for several reasons. Firstly, not only
the child will be protected physically, mentally, emotionally but also his mother would also be
saved if beaten by her husband. Secondly, the child would be under the observation of
organizations or authorities so he would not be harmed or injured and would be treated well.
Thirdly, his father would also be treated if he would show some willingness but if he’d opt not to
consult a rehabilitation center, then the people around him could be saved.