Summary
Working with justice-involved individuals can be challenging. One must always be ready to help them achieve stability and overcome the difficulties they face. This guide is designed to discuss ethical dilemmas and the ways in which using personal boundaries and decision-making models can help resolve them.
Ethical Dilemma
One ethical dilemma concerns the confidentiality of information support service workers receive from clients. Job tasks may require specialists to disclose information to other parties, such as prosecutors or judges, to support a case. However, it is necessary to ensure client confidentiality and maintain trust in their relationships.
Personal Boundaries
Using personal boundaries can help solve ethical dilemmas. One should set clear boundaries in relationships with clients, such as defining what information a worker can disclose and to whom, and what information should remain confidential. One must not disclose information that may harm the client’s interests.
Ethical Codes
In the United States, ethical codes can be applied in this situation. One is the Code of Ethics for social support workers, which contains guiding principles related to confidentiality and non-disclosure of information. This code contains recommendations for ensuring confidentiality and maintaining trustful relationships with clients.
Decision-Making Model
To solve ethical dilemmas, it is possible to use a decision-making model, such as the “Four-Step Model.” This model includes the following steps:
- Identifying the problem and gathering information. Identify all facts and details related to the situation.
- Evaluating alternative solutions. Consider all possible solutions to the problem and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
- Making a decision and taking action. Choose the most appropriate option that best meets the client’s interests and complies with ethical standards.
- Evaluating the results. Assess the results of the decision made and its impact on the client. If the decision does not lead to the desired results, it is necessary to re-evaluate it and find a new solution to the problem.
Model Application
Applying the “Four-Step Model” can help support workers in making ethical decisions when working with clients in human services and criminal justice. It will help them remain objective and make decisions based on facts, not emotions. It is important to remember that specialists’ main task is to help clients and ensure their well-being while complying with all ethical standards and laws.