Responding to Ethical Dilemmas - A Quick Guide

Assignment Task

Respond to the ethical dilemma reflected in the case study by following Kirst-Ashman and Hull’s (2018) decision-making steps for how to tackle ethical dilemmas.

Steps for Responding to an Ethical Dilemma

1. Recognize the problem

Describe the nature of the ethical dilemma.

2. Investigate the variables involved

Describe 3 variables that are important to consider and provide your reasons for selecting the 3 variables.

3. Get feedback from others

Identify 2 people that you could consult with about the case and provide your rationale for choosing them.

4. Appraise what values and ethical standards apply to the dilemma

Identify the main CASW Core Values that apply to the ethical dilemma and provide your rationale for your choice.

5. Evaluate the dilemma on the basis of established ethical principles

Using Dolgoff, Harrington, and Loewenberg, (2012) Ranking of Ethical Principles, rank your choice of CASW Core Values (identified in Step 4).

6. Identify and think about possible alternatives to pursue

Describe 2 possible routes to pursue in addressing the dilemma

7. Weigh the pros and cons of each alternative

Weigh the pros and cons of each of your 2 alternatives (from Step 6).

8. Make your decision

Describe your decision about what approach to take to address the ethical dilemma (i.e., which of the alternatives from Step 6).

9. Evaluation and follow-up

Identify 2 follow-up actions you would take to see how your decision worked out.

Case Study: Mrs. Helen Sloan

You are a social worker with a neighbourhood resource centre that provides a range of services to area residents. One of the residents, Mrs. Helen Sloan, is an 86-year-old woman who lives alone in an apartment. Her husband died about 6 years ago. She has one daughter who lives about 50 km away. Mrs. Sloan has requested a volunteer driver to help her get to medical appointments. In setting up this service, and on subsequent visits, you notice that she leaves perishable food items on her kitchen counters (meat, milk, eggs etc.) for what appears to be days at a time. On one visit you see that a burner on her stove was left on and that she has a large bruise on her forehead, that she said was from a fall. You decide to share your concerns with Mrs. Sloan and ask if she would like additional supports. She responds that she does not want any additional support as she does not want strangers coming into her home. Mrs. Sloan is also adamant that her daughter not be informed of her struggles. You have the daughter’s phone number as Mrs. Sloan listed her as a contact person on her request for service form. As the social worker, you are not sure what to do.

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