Question
Before you begin your Assignment, watch a brief video introduction to Tamika Johnson and one of her clients.
http://extmedia.kaplan.edu/artsSCi/Media/HN450/HN450_1602A/Unit9Case/index.html
In a 3–5-page paper, analyze the implications of this case. Use the Internet and the Kaplan Library to research the legal and ethical issues presented by this situation and respond to the following questions:
1. Discuss the next steps Tamika should take in the case. Explain the reasoning for your choices.
2. Identify the various ethical dilemmas presented in this scenario.
3. Discuss the specific NOHS Standards that would apply in this situation.
4. Explore any legal issues that might be raised by this situation regarding any state or federal laws. How might this information guide Tamika’s actions?
5. Describe and discuss the mandatory reporting laws in your state. If Tamika lived in your state, would she be required to take any particular action?
6. If you were Tamika’s supervisor, what direction might you provide for her? How might her actions impact you?
7. Finally, discuss strategies to minimize the likelihood of these legal and ethical issues arising in your practice.
Please be sure to introduce the specifics of the case study in your paper, which should reflect your understanding and research of these issues.
Your Assignment should:
Be presented in the form of a well-written university level document
Use an essay format, 12-point font, and double spacing
Be 3–5 pages in length, not including the title and reference pages
Include a title page and reference page
Including at least four references in support of your observations and conclusions using proper APA citation and reference formatting
All work should be in your own words with quotes used very sparingly. Please be sure to answer every question within the body of your paper. The Kaplan Library offers you credible articles from which to draw your supportive references.
Answer
In most developed countries, much of the emphasis in the system of child protection focus more on investigations to establish whether child abuse or neglect has occurred. In every state, it is a serious crime for a parent or guardian to intentionally or recklessly inflict pain and injuries on a child, whether those injuries are physical or psychological. If extreme cases of child abuse are reported, the parental rights are ultimately terminated, especially if the abuse is outrageous and the parent lacks the capacity for rehabilitation (McCroskey, 2001). Thus, it is imperative that parents understand what type of behavior and conduct is deemed as abusive and against the law and the corresponding consequences.
In Tamika’s case, she should approach the situation with an open mind and devise a family-centered strategy that will reform this dysfunctional household. There is evidence of dishonesty as is presented in the discussions that Tamika had with Shane’s parent. The father claims that the boy has improved his character and behavior since Tamika’s last visit there yet the mother provides different comments on the same. From her end, she strongly asserts that the son’s behavior has become worse and he is still truant and disruptive. Thus, Tamika should consider conducting a thorough investigation spanning a three-day period to assess the situation and ascertain the validity of the remarks made by both parents concerning their son, Shane. Doing so will give her a sense of perspective and help her determine the cause of the problem in this family. She should also set up face-to-face conversations, particularly with the accused –Shane, to try and establish where his issue is. It is highly likely that he feels neglected and alienated from his parents and that his behavior is just a way to get his parents attention.
The scenario presents two crucial ethical dilemmas for Tamika. To begin with, there is the problem of parental deceit. Shane’s parents are not straightforward when answering the questions asked by Tamika. Their individual assessments reveal that there is some form of treachery and this could imply that they are trying to conceal something, especially the father. It also paints their parental skills and capabilities in a negative light because they are both on different pages of the same situation and have not taken any amicable measures to try and sort out the issue with their son. Secondly, the bruised eye that Shane has could serve as a clear indicator of child abuse given the fact that he confides in Tamika and claims that his father hit him over the weekend. This, in itself, puts Tamika in an awkward position because the family has been recently referred for child abuse. It also raises the question; could the recent reports made about child abuse in the Thomas family be accurate?If this is the case, she is obliged to file an official report with her supervisors.
The NOHS standard that is appropriate for this case is the one that touches on the protection and safety of those individuals considered to be in harm. Human service professional are required to act aptly should they suspect that their client is exposed to danger to ensure their well-being. As such, actions such as supervision and consultations are applied (Wark, 2010).
Federal laws are quite clear on how states should deliver child protection services and programs. This case presents a legal concern whereby the parents are incapable of dealing with their family issues thus should be subjected to review to determine whether they are fit and capable of taking care of their children (Munroe, 2011). Tamika can use this information to launch an official complaint to her bureau to initiate an investigation that will assess the safety levels of these children. If Tamika were in my state, she would be required to report the matter immediately to the child welfare association. My state has a very strict policy regarding child abuse and neglect. The bruise on Shane’s eye is enough evidence to launch a complaint so as to look into the matter thoroughly. No parent has the right to inflict injuries onto his/her child. It is against the law in my state.
If I were Tamika’s supervisor, I would advise her to take up this matter immediately with the department of child protective services. Failing to do so would imply that both of us are unethical and unprofessional because we tried to downplay the situation in a futile attempt to keep this family composed. At the end of the day, it is not entirely about maintaining a family together but protecting the right of the child to have a fair chance at life and the essential of healthy development such as nurturing, protection, access to opportunities and an overall sense of belonging. Balancing all these aspects is paramount to ensuring child welfare (Wark, 2010).
Finally, to avoid the occurrence of these ethical and legal issues, a culture of openness, transparency, and communication is vital. It is important to work in an environment where one feels comfortable and can speak out if something is amiss. Consequently, conforming to the right things and actions is also a great strategy. The actions one portrays should directly reflect positively on the values of the organization (Peled & Leichtentritt, 2002).
References
McCroskey, J. (2001). What is family preservation and why does it matter?. Journal of Family Strengths, 5(2), 4.
Munro, E. (2011). The Munro review of child protection: Final report, a child-centred system (Vol. 8062).New York: The Stationery Office.
Wark, L. (2010). The ethical standards for human service professionals: Past and future. Journal of Human Services, 30(1), 18-22.
Peled, E. &Leichtentritt, R. (2002). The ethics of qualitative social work research. Qualitative Social Work, 1(2), 145-169.
