SEE ATTACHMENT
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in our final discussion. I like how you explained
both sides of the scenario. What would you do in this situation? How would you make
your ethical decision? Is there more than one ethical option?
Read the Classmate’s Discussion (BELOW) and ANSWER THE ABOVE QUESTIONS
CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION
As a social worker running a community violence-prevention program and working with
gang members, the principle of “do no harm” must guide your decision-making. The kids
trust you and may disclose some of their less-than-savory activities. At the same time,
the police often ask you for information about the kids. This situation poses a dilemma,
and it is crucial to consider the potential consequences of both disclosing and
withholding information.
The general rule on social worker disclosure of client information without client
consent is that such disclosure is only necessary when it is to prevent significant,
foreseeable, and imminent danger to the client or other identifiable individuals ((Miller &
Mirza, 2009). Therefore, the social worker should only disclose the activities of gang
members when such disclosure would prevent harm to the gang members or any other
identifiable person. However, it is crucial to ensure that the disclosure of information
does not compromise the trust and confidentiality that the young people in the program
have with the social worker. Confidentiality and trust are crucial in establishing a
relationship with these young people and breaking that trust could damage the
effectiveness of the violence-prevention program (Miller & Mirza, 2009).
As social workers strive to do “good,” they are obligated to act in the best
interests of their patients, while also considering the wider community. This can create a
conflict of duties, where a social worker may be torn between their obligations to their
clients and their obligations to the wider society. In such situations, social workers are
expected to prioritize the well-being and rights of their clients, but they must also
consider the potential impact of their actions on the broader community. If there are
issues affecting the community that are unrelated to the social worker’s current
engagement, they may still have an ethical obligation to become involved if they believe
they can make a positive impact. However, they must also consider their primary
responsibility to their current clients and ensure that their involvement does not
compromise the quality of care they are providing (McCarty & Clancy, 2002). When
social workers do not fully understand a situation and their involvement may do as much
harm as good, they should exercise caution and seek guidance from experienced
colleagues or supervisors. They have an ethical obligation to ensure that their actions do
not harm their clients or the wide
