Question

 Read the Case Study of "Becky" on page 63 of your textbook: Theories, Practice, and Trends in Human Services Practice. Based upon the human services code of ethics, you are the supervisor of the human services professional who Becky confided in. How do you address this situation with the professional who explained the situation? In your answer, which model discussed in this lecture would be more appropriate and effective to use in this situation? State your reasons why.

Answer 1

Becky's case study

Depending upon whether I choose a dualist or relativist approach, the way I handle Becky's situation will vary. As a dualist, I am more concerned about the immediate safety of Becky and her child. I shall decide that Becky needs to be hospitalized for her suicidal tendencies, whether Becky will get admitted. This will lead me to play Becky's child in foster care.

Reasons I may take a dualist approach:

1. The ethical guideline from NOHSE states that:

"If it is suspected that danger or harm may occur to the client or to others because of a client's behavior, the human service professional acts in an appropriate and professional manner to protect the safety of those individuals. This may involve seeking consultation, supervision, and / or breaking the confidentiality of the relationship,"

This will lead me to conclude that Becky must be hospitalized to save her.

2. I will make use of decision-making models I've learned to justify my decision:

Rest's Moral Model states that it is against Becky's religious beliefs and the law of the land to kill herself. This leaves me no choice but to get her hospitalized. Kitchener's Moral Model states that it is against ethics to indulge in something that would cause harm to another person and would not be done if a person was in a rational state of mind. Becky's suicide fits the profile. Corey's Decision-Making Model has a decision tree that lets me test all my available options and the relevant consequences. I see that breaking the confidentiality that Becky has in me is the only way I can save her and therefore I justify the use of force to get her hospitalized for her suicidal thoughts. I get in touch with my supervisor and decide after a long thought process. It is about doing the right thing.

Reasons I may take a relativist approach:

1. The ethical guideline from NOHSE states that:

"Human service professionals respect the integrity and welfare of the client at all times. Each client is treated with respect, and acceptance and dignity."

This is conflicting. How am I supposed to save my client if I cannot separate her from the problem?

2. I will make use of decision-making models I've learned to get clarity:

Kitchener's Moral Model stresses the importance of autonomy. Becky has clarified that she does not need to live further because her disease will worsen and kill her. She has chosen to die. But, I do not think Becky has full control of her faculties to make such a decision. Maybe one day she might be cured of her illness. I think about how when people come to know about Becky's plight they might justify her decision to kill herself. Rest's Moral Model does not provide a clear-cut answer because morality is relative. This leads me to Corey's Decision-Making Model, which confuses me about the problem. I cannot pinpoint whether Becky's situation, her intention to kill herself, or the worry of her daughter's future is the problem. There is no clarity.

I took my findings to my supervisor and learn her opinions. This allows us to come with a plan to help Becky forcing nothing against her will. I am open to suggestions and willing to work for the well-being of Becky with her in the loop.