Obligations within Agencies
What is Billing?
The cost of services.
What is whistleblowing?
Reporting unethical, illegal, or harmful practices within an organization.
The objective of civil disobedience is not to violate a law or policy but to...?
Change it.
You are working at an agency that is facing a budget cut. One of your clients need mental health counselling, but your agency can no longer provide these services due to funding issues. How should you ensure the client's needs are still addressed? Name one point we discussed.
- Consider the client's needs.
- Discuss referral options to other programs that may offer the needed support.
- Ensure the client is fully informed and comfortable with the referral.
What Code of Ethics Value was mentioned within the obligation of Resource Allocation?
Value 2: Promoting Social Justice
Name two key questions to ask before whistleblowing.
Some questions you can ask could be...
"Is this a serious ethical violation?" and "Do I have strong, verifiable evidence?"
What is civil disobedience?
You are working with a client who wants to join civil disobedience protest to advocate for a social issue. However, the client is in a precarious legal situation, and participating could put them at risk of legal consequences. How should you handle this situation? Name at least one point we discussed.
- Ensure the client is fully informed.
- Confirm the client's mental capacity to provide informed consent.
- Ensure the client understands the implications of their actions.
What are the 3 obligations within Client Records?
1. Maintain Confidentiality.
2. Only document relevant information.
3. Remember that clients can have access to their records.
What is the difference between moral distress and moral courage?
Moral distress is the discomfort of knowing the right thing to do but feeling unable to act. Moral courage is the ability to take action despite fear or risk.
In the example of giving out unlawful marriage certificates in San Francisco, how did they admit to breaking the law or policy?
Publicly (invited media/open to public)
Your agency only has enough funding to cover mental health counselling for five out of ten clients who need it. What are two ethical factors you should consider when deciding who receives funding?
1. Urgency of need
2. Fair and equitable access
What could happen if we do not comply with commitments to our employers?
1. Restrictions on practice.
2. Demotion.
3. Denial of promotion.
4. Dismissal.
Why is it important to build credibility and develop allies before whistleblowing?
A strong reputation for integrity makes concerns more likely to be taken seriously, and allies provide support and validation.
How do you consider if an act of civil disobedience is justifiable?
Importance of the cause, willingness to admit breaking the law, willingness to accept the consequences.
As a social worker, you notice a colleague repeatedly violating client confidentiality, but you are unsure if the issue is serious enough to warrant whistleblowing. You're also concerned about potential retaliation from your colleagues. What should you do first according to the steps outlined for approaching whistleblowing?
Assess the situation.
What are the 5 types of obligations that Barsky highlights?
Client records, billing, client transfers, resource allocations, and commitments to employers.
What are two potential consequences of external whistleblowing, and why should it be a last resort?
Possible consequences include job loss and workplace retaliation. It should be a last resort because internal options may resolve the issue with less risk.
What are the two types of charges/convictions committed in civil disobedience?
Misdemeanours and felonies
You suspect through rumours that your coworker is engaging in an inappropriate relationship with their service user. You are aware that the outcome of the investigation could significantly impact your colleague's career, so it's important to proceed carefully. Name at least two ways to gather the evidence to ensure accuracy and avoid bias.
- Collect relevant documentation (emails, reports, financial records).
- Interview witnesses directly involved in the situation.
- Ensure the information is factual, objective, and legally sound.
- Maintain confidentiality throughout the process.