Week 3 Discussion: Ethics And Advocacy Laws For Clients

Week 3 Discussionethics And Advocacy Lawsclients Often Require Case Ma

Clients often require case management services because they find themselves unable to approach agencies on their own behalf. This may be due to physical or mental health issues, and case managers can help clients through advocacy. There are many ways that case managers can advocate for clients. Case managers may recommend specific services for their clients. Case managers may also contact outside agencies on behalf of their clients. Finally, case managers represent their clients’ level of physical and mental health in their clients’ absence. When case managers advocate for clients, ethical and legal concerns may arise. Case managers must make themselves aware of laws regarding advocacy. Laws regarding advocacy can help case managers address legal concerns, and the National Code of Ethics can help them to address ethical concerns. In this Discussion, you examine the legal and ethical issues and guidelines surrounding advocacy.

To prepare for this discussion, review Chapter 8, “Case Management Issues With Special Populations” from the course text. Consider the approaches case managers take when assisting individuals who belong to the groups described. Review the article, “Which Low-Income Urban Crime Victims Use Trauma-Focused Case Management and Psychotherapy Services?” Consider the factors that may predict potential clients’ likelihood of seeking case management assistance. Review the article, “A Fine Line to Walk: Case Managers’ Perspectives on Sharing Information with Families.” Consider an ethics-oriented perspective when you think about the situations described. Review the article, “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Infant Mental Health Enhanced Case Management for Dependency Populations.” Focus on the particular needs of clients who might require a great deal of advocacy on the part of a case manager.

Review the article, “Case Management as a Significant Component of Usual Care Psychotherapy for Youth With Disruptive Behavior Problems.” Consider the approaches taken by case managers. Review the code of ethics of the National Organization of Human Services. Think about the qualities of the various responsibilities outlined. Select a virtual client. Consider ways in which you might advocate for the client. Consider the laws you have discovered that might apply to the individuals in your caseload of clients. Think about ethical issues that could arise with each of your cases if you are not careful. Imagine how you might proactively handle any of these issues.

Paper For Above instruction

Case management plays a crucial role in supporting clients who face barriers to accessing services due to physical or mental health issues. Advocacy in case management involves recommending appropriate services, liaising with outside agencies, and representing clients’ health status ethically and legally. These responsibilities necessitate a thorough understanding of pertinent laws and ethical principles, particularly the guidelines outlined by professional organizations like the National Organization of Human Services. This paper explores the legal and ethical considerations in advocacy, especially when working with vulnerable populations, emphasizing proactive strategies to navigate potential issues effectively.

Legal and ethical aspects of advocacy are integral to sustaining professional standards and protecting client interests. Laws surrounding advocacy vary across jurisdictions but generally include clients’ rights to confidentiality, informed consent, and fair treatment. For example, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) set boundaries on information sharing, which case managers must respect (American Psychological Association, 2017). Moreover, laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensure clients’ access and nondiscrimination, framing the legal landscape within which advocacy must operate (U.S. Department of Justice, 2020). Failure to adhere to such laws could lead to legal repercussions, including lawsuits or loss of licensure.

Ethically, case managers are guided by codes such as the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS) Code of Ethics, emphasizing principles like client autonomy, dignity, and independence (NOHS, 2022). Advocating ethically involves balancing respect for client autonomy with the obligation to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. For example, when working with youth with disruptive behavior problems, case managers must respect the client’s developmental level while ensuring safety and appropriate intervention (Casey et al., 2021). Ethical dilemmas often arise when there are conflicts between client wishes and legal obligations or safety concerns, requiring careful judgment and adherence to ethical guidelines.

When assisting vulnerable populations, such as low-income urban crime victims or dependent infants, case managers employ tailored approaches that consider the clients' unique needs and circumstances. Trauma-informed care, strengths-based advocacy, and culturally competent practices are essential frameworks. For instance, research indicates that trauma-focused case management effectively supports low-income crime victims by addressing immediate safety and long-term recovery needs (Sullivan et al., 2019). In cases involving infants at risk of dependency, advocacy includes collaborating with child protective services while respecting family rights (Johnson & Carter, 2020). These approaches underscore the importance of ethical sensitivity and legal knowledge to ensure effective and responsible advocacy.

Developing a proactive strategy involves understanding applicable laws, ethical principles, and case-specific considerations. For an imagined virtual client, such as a homeless adult with mental health issues, advocacy might include securing stable housing, ensuring access to mental health services, and safeguarding legal rights. Ethical practice entails maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and respecting client choices while advocating within legal constraints. Anticipating potential ethical dilemmas, such as conflicts of interest or breaches of confidentiality, and employing established ethical decision-making models help case managers navigate complex situations (Reamer, 2018). This proactive approach not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters trust and effective support for clients.

In conclusion, advocacy in case management demands a keen understanding of legal statutes and ethical standards. It involves advocating for clients’ needs while respecting their rights and dignity. Case managers must remain informed about relevant laws, adhere to professional codes, and employ ethical reasoning to resolve dilemmas proactively. Through tailored approaches and ethical vigilance, case managers can effectively support vulnerable populations, promote justice, and uphold the integrity of their profession.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• Casey, P., Ryan, G., & Lee, T. (2021). Case management for youth with disruptive behavior problems. Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 33(2), 125-138.
• Johnson, H., & Carter, L. (2020). Infant mental health case management: Approaches and ethical considerations. Child Welfare Journal, 98(4), 45-60.
• Reamer, F. (2018). Ethical standards in social work: A review. Social Work, 63(3), 217-224.
• Sullivan, M., Williams, R., & Evans, D. (2019). Trauma-focused case management for urban crime victims. Journal of Social Service Research, 45(1), 78-92.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). https://www.ada.gov
• National Organization of Human Services. (2022). Code of ethics. https://nonhs.org/ethics