Select One Of The Cases Available In Engage Using The Steps ✓ Solved

Select One Of The Cases Available In Engageusing The Steps In Ethica

Select one of the cases available in Engage. Using the Steps in Ethical Decision Making on pages 80-81, discuss how the social worker should handle the situation moving forward. Your initial discussion board post should be no less than 250 words in length. Be sure to use APA style and format: in-text citations and references.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The ethical dilemmas faced by social workers often require careful navigation through complex situations to ensure that client welfare and professional standards are upheld. The cases provided in Engage, specifically vignette #1 concerning client confidentiality and ethical boundaries, serve as pertinent examples for applying the Steps in Ethical Decision Making (pp. 80-81) as outlined by the NASW Code of Ethics. This paper will analyze the situation involving Mr. Don Tellanyone, a client seeking therapy for depression, who discloses sensitive information regarding his mother's death and his feelings of guilt, while simultaneously emphasizing his concern about confidentiality.

Case Summary and Ethical Issues

In the described vignette, Mr. Tellanyone exhibits behaviors that raise ethical concerns, particularly regarding confidentiality, client competence, and professional boundaries. The client’s repeated emphasis on privacy implies a potential mistrust or fear of disclosure, which must be addressed to foster a therapeutic alliance. Moreover, his disclosure of potentially criminal behavior—administering an overdose of his mother's medication—introduces further ethical considerations, including the social worker's duty to prevent harm and report properly, balanced against confidentiality obligations.

The social worker, Dr. Solomon, faces the dilemma of maintaining client confidentiality versus the obligation to prevent harm, especially considering the risk that Mr. Tellanyone might attempt similar actions with his father. The ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice guide social workers to protect clients and others from harm while respecting client autonomy.

Application of Ethical Decision-Making Steps

Applying the NASW’s ethical decision-making model, the first step involves identifying the problem by recognizing the conflicting values and responsibilities, such as respecting confidentiality and ensuring safety (NASW, 2017). The second step is reviewing relevant ethical standards, including those related to confidentiality, informed consent, and duty to warn (American Psychological Association, 2017).

The third step involves considering the decision options, such as discussing limits of confidentiality explicitly with Mr. Tellanyone, consulting with colleagues or supervisors about potential actions, and considering legal obligations. The fourth step is to weigh the consequences of each option, balancing client trust against the potential danger posed by his behaviors.

The fifth step involves making a decision by opting to clarify confidentiality boundaries with the client while monitoring his safety and possibly involving other professionals if there is imminent harm. This step also emphasizes the importance of documentation and supervision.

Finally, the sixth step entails reflecting on the outcome and process to learn from the case. Following the initial intervention, regular supervision and possible referral to a mental health specialist for risk assessment would be prudent.

Recommendation for Handling the Ethical Dilemma

The social worker should start by clearly explaining the limits of confidentiality to Mr. Tellanyone during their session, emphasizing the duty to warn and protect if there is imminent danger to himself or others. Given the concern about the overdose of his mother’s medication, the social worker should assess his current risk level and consider consulting with a supervisor to determine whether a report to authorities is warranted. The social worker must document all disclosures, decisions, and actions taken.

Furthermore, establishing a safety plan with Mr. Tellanyone, including involving family members or other support systems with his consent, would be beneficial. The social worker should also consider referring him for a comprehensive mental health assessment to evaluate his risk of self-harm further. Throughout this process, maintaining an empathetic stance and fostering trust are vital in ensuring the client feels supported while adhering to ethical standards (Fox, 2018).

In conclusion, the social worker’s handling of this case should be grounded in a thorough ethical decision-making process, prioritizing client safety, transparency about confidentiality, and collaboration with colleagues and legal entities when necessary. These steps will help navigate the complex ethical terrain and promote the client's well-being effectively.

Conclusion

Handling ethical dilemmas requires a balanced approach that respects client rights while safeguarding safety. In the case of Mr. Tellanyone, applying the NASW Code of Ethics and the decision-making steps offers a structured pathway to resolve the dilemma ethically and effectively. By communicating clearly, assessing risks, and consulting with colleagues, the social worker can uphold professional standards and support the client’s mental health journey responsibly.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. APA.

Fox, J. (2018). Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work Practice. Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, 15(2), 22-35.

National Association of Social Workers. (2017). NASW Code of Ethics. NASW Press.

Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Corey, C. (2018). Becoming a Helper (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Kadushin, A., & Harkness, D. (2014). Supervision in Social Work (5th ed.). Columbia University Press.

Pope, K. S., & Vasquez, M. J. T. (2016). Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide (5th ed.). Wiley.

Reamer, F. (2018). Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the NASW Code of Ethics. Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, 15(2), 4-13.

Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2018). Ethical Challenges in Mental Health Practice. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(12), 2169-2179.

Banks, S. (2017). Ethics and Social Welfare Practice. Routledge.

Liamputtong, P. (2018). Research Methods in Health: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods. Oxford University Press.