Janet is a social worker at a foster care agency. She has worked with 8-year-old Carrian, her foster mother, Celene, and her biological mother, Wendy, for three years. Carrian was removed from her mother’s care three years ago because Wendy was abusing heroin with her boyfriend and was neglecting Carrian. Since losing Carrian, Wendy has been in rehab and clean for a year and a half. She left her boyfriend and currently lives in her own apartment. She has also had a steady job working at The Shoppers Fair for a year and has even been promoted to Assistant Manager. Wendy has had limited supervised visits with Carrian and has agreed to an open adoption with Celene. This agreement will allow Wendy to have unsupervised visits with Carrian once a month. All parties are satisfied with this arrangement. Last week, during a visit to discuss the adoption with Janet, Wendy admitted to using heroin the previous weekend with her ex-boyfriend. He had moved out of town but showed up at Wendy’s apartment Friday night looking for a place to stay. Wendy reluctantly let him stay, and when he went to shoot up, Wendy couldn’t resist. Wendy spent the weekend drinking and using drugs with her ex, and she missed work on Monday because of the effects of the drugs. Wendy realized her mistake Monday afternoon and demanded that he leave for good. She was upset with herself and told Janet how she felt. She said to Janet, “I’ve been clean for a year and a half, and now this happens right before the adoption goes through.” Wendy said she told Janet about the situation because they have developed a strong relationship and she wants to be honest with Janet. Wendy begs Janet not to tell the judge of this isolated setback and promises it won’t happen again. “I’ve lived the last two years of my life in hopes of being able to see my daughter on a regular basis and be a part of her life again. I’ve gone clean for her. If I lose this opportunity, I’ll have nothing to live for.” Janet firmly believes that this has been Wendy’s only relapse and that Wendy will not let it happen again out of devotion to Carrian. Janet believes that Wendy would never put her daughter at any risk or danger by being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the monthly visits. Janet believes that the influence of Wendy’s ex triggered the relapse. However, Janet fears that Wendy might return to her old ways of drug use if she loses the chance to be a part of Carrian’s life. Wendy’s rebuilt life might collapse around her. Janet is also aware that the NASW Code of Ethics (1999) guides her accurately. She is now conflicted because she knows what is before her and the decisions she needs to make. She knows what can happen if she documents what Wendy has told her—that it will only result in Wendy losing her rights to see Carrian. Janet thinks about the safety of her own job at the agency, which puts her family (husband and three children) in great financial difficulty if she gets fired. Janet wants to help Wendy move forward while also assuring the safety and interests of the child. She ponders her next move. 1) What are the issues presented in this case. 2) Would you consider this an ethical dilemma? Give reasons for your answer. 3) How would you apply the ethical decision-making tools as a guide to assessing the issues? 4) Select ONE of the models taught in the course to analyze Case #PH1902: Janet Ponders. 5) Identify FIVE ethical obligations Janet has in this case. 6) Explain, as a human service professional, how one should address any personal conflict that may result from this case.
Janet is a social worker at a foster care agency. She has worked with 8-year-old Carrian, her foster mother, Celene, and her biological mother, Wendy, for three years. Carrian was removed from her mother’s care three years ago because Wendy was abusing heroin with her boyfriend and was neglecting Carrian. Since losing Carrian, Wendy has been in rehab and clean for a year and a half. She left her boyfriend and currently lives in her own apartment. She has also had a steady job working at The Shoppers Fair for a year and has even been promoted to Assistant Manager. Wendy has had limited supervised visits with Carrian and has agreed to an open adoption with Celene. This agreement will allow Wendy to have unsupervised visits with Carrian once a month. All parties are satisfied with this arrangement. Last week, during a visit to discuss the adoption with Janet, Wendy admitted to using heroin the previous weekend with her ex-boyfriend. He had moved out of town but showed up at Wendy’s apartment Friday night looking for a place to stay. Wendy reluctantly let him stay, and when he went to shoot up, Wendy couldn’t resist. Wendy spent the weekend drinking and using drugs with her ex, and she missed work on Monday because of the effects of the drugs. Wendy realized her mistake Monday afternoon and demanded that he leave for good. She was upset with herself and told Janet how she felt. She said to Janet, “I’ve been clean for a year and a half, and now this happens right before the adoption goes through.” Wendy said she told Janet about the situation because they have developed a strong relationship and she wants to be honest with Janet. Wendy begs Janet not to tell the judge of this isolated setback and promises it won’t happen again. “I’ve lived the last two years of my life in hopes of being able to see my daughter on a regular basis and be a part of her life again. I’ve gone clean for her. If I lose this opportunity, I’ll have nothing to live for.” Janet firmly believes that this has been Wendy’s only relapse and that Wendy will not let it happen again out of devotion to Carrian. Janet believes that Wendy would never put her daughter at any risk or danger by being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the monthly visits. Janet believes that the influence of Wendy’s ex triggered the relapse. However, Janet fears that Wendy might return to her old ways of drug use if she loses the chance to be a part of Carrian’s life. Wendy’s rebuilt life might collapse around her. Janet is also aware that the NASW Code of Ethics (1999) guides her accurately. She is now conflicted because she knows what is before her and the decisions she needs to make. She knows what can happen if she documents what Wendy has told her—that it will only result in Wendy losing her rights to see Carrian. Janet thinks about the safety of her own job at the agency, which puts her family (husband and three children) in great financial difficulty if she gets fired. Janet wants to help Wendy move forward while also assuring the safety and interests of the child. She ponders her next move.
1) What are the issues presented in this case.
2) Would you consider this an ethical dilemma? Give reasons for your answer.
3) How would you apply the ethical decision-making tools as a guide to assessing the issues?
4) Select ONE of the models taught in the course to analyze Case #PH1902: Janet Ponders.
5) Identify FIVE ethical obligations Janet has in this case.
6) Explain, as a human service professional, how one should address any personal conflict that may result from this case.
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