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The Ethical Dilemma Within the Department of Family & Children Services LaTeasa Jackson Walden University MMPA- 4405 Ethics & Social Justice Dr. Joyce Haines December 24, 2023

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in Georgia, focusing on its mission, vision, general structure, brief history, and key stakeholders. Understanding the organization's core principles and historical context is crucial for comprehending its role in the state's child and family welfare system. This paper will also explore the multifaceted ethical challenges encountered by the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) in the pursuit of safeguarding the welfare of children and families. As a vital agency responsible for making critical decisions in child welfare, DFCS grapples with ethical dilemmas that arise from the complex interplay of legal, moral, and societal considerations. Drawing upon deontological and teleological perspectives, the abstract delves into the ethical foundations guiding DFCS decision-making. Key ethical issues include the delicate balance between individual rights and collective well-being, decisions related to child protective services, family support services, and foster care placements. The abstract underscores the need for an integrative approach that navigates the tension between adherence to universal principles and the pursuit of positive outcomes for the families served by DFCS. Through an examination of ethical frameworks and practical implications, this abstract aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions inherent in the operations of DFCS.

A Public Organization The organization that I decided to choose is the Department of Family and Children's Services. I chose this organization because this job was the start of my career path in 2019. Our vision is safe children, strengthen families, and a stronger Georgia. The mission of the job is to ensure the safety of children and provide families with all the best services and resources as possible to ensure the families stay together. Within the department there are 7 guiding principles: committing to the safety of the children with the decisions that are made and the actions that are taken, empowering, strengthening, and supporting families on their paths to independence, embracing a client's heart with compassion, providing caring and effective service, listening and responding to the people we serve, collaborating with the communities to create a support system for the family, and developing a professional and efficient work environment that doesn’t stop learning and growing. The history of DFCS in Georgia traces back to the early 20th century when the state recognized the need for a dedicated agency to address issues related to child welfare and family support. Over the years, DFCS has evolved in response to changing societal needs and legislative developments. The organization has consistently adapted its programs and services to align with emerging best practices in social work and child welfare. There are multiple stakeholders that play a vital role in the success of the department. The stakeholders are the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), local government entities, community partners, legislative bodies, and families and children. The Georgia Department of human services oversees the department of family and children services. Local government entities collaborate with the department to implement programs and services tailored to meet the needs of the community. Community partners such as non-profit organizations, community based groups, and advocacy organizations help support the department with contributing resources and

raising awareness in regards to child and family issues. The legislative bodies influence DFCS through their development of laws and regulations that shape the organization’s mandate, funding, and operational framework by state legislature and policy making. Families and children are the core of DFCS and it is the job to ensure the families and children meet all of their needs through its diverse array of programs and services. DFCS operates within the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), reflecting a hierarchical structure designed to efficiently provide a wide range of services to families. The organization is divided into various units, including Child Protective Services, Family Independence, and Family Support Services. These units work collaboratively to address the diverse needs of families and children in the state. Ethical Dilemmas Within the Organization An ethical issue that stems when a choice or obligation in a situation that doesn’t allow for an ethical outcome is known as an ethical dilemma. Cooper (2012) posits that his ethical decision- making model reflects a rational and direct approach, facilitating a thorough analysis of alternative possibilities and potential outcomes in ethical decision-making. One potential ethical dilemma that DFCS may face involves the tension between maintaining confidentiality and sharing information to ensure the safety and well-being of children. DFCS faces the ethical dilemma of respecting the confidentiality and autonomy of the victimized parent while also recognizing the need to intervene to protect the children from harm. Striking the right balance between safeguarding sensitive information and taking necessary steps to ensure child safety becomes challenging. Kidder (2005) argues that individuals guided by ethical principles face no dilemma or difficulty when presented with a choice between right and wrong. A scenario of an ethical dilemma that may arise DFCS receives a report of suspected child abuse involving a family with a history of domestic violence. The report indicates that the violence is escalating,

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