The Case of Vanessa

The Case of Vanessa

Background Information:

Vanessa is a 12 year old female with a developmental disability and cerebral palsy which affects her ability to walk with an even gait. Therefore, she walks much slower in order to prevent injuries due to falling.

Scenario:

In the capacity of an Education Assistant, you witness a coworker take Vanessa by the arm in order to move her along quickly.  The coworker says “You are making us late for class.” As a result of this action, Vanessa falls. The coworker offers no assistance and states, “It was your fault you fell.”

Step 1 Describe the Ethical Dilemma 

Describe (who,what,when,where,how,why) the situation facts. Establishes an “I” perspective.

Step 2 Consider the Ethical Guidelines 

(Use the code of Ethics & Standards of practice for social work)

Step 3 Examine the conflicts 

Describe the internal  conflicts you experienced

Describe at least one external conflict. 

Describe whether you can minimize any of these conflicts.

Step 4 Resolve the conflicts

Consult with colleagues or supervisors

Review relevant literature 

Step 5 Generate Action Alternatives ( four action alternatives in total)

Identify at least two possible action alternatives for each side of ethical dilemma.

Step 6 Examine and evaluate Action Alternatives 

Each action identified in step5 is evaluated. Advantages of each alternatives (how they upload code / standards; universality,publicity, justice test)

Disadvantages of each alternatives (how they do not uphold S.W. Code/standards; “universality, publicity, justice test”)

Step 7 Select and evaluate a preferred action 

State the best course of action 

Evaluate the decision 

Step 8 plan the action 

Who did what/when/where?

What key stakeholders thought about the plan?

Step9 Evaluate the outcome 

Explain what happened and what key people thought about the outcomes.

Identify positive and one negative outcome (consequences)

Step 10 Examine the implications 

Explain at least two advantages of using this ethical decision-making process

Explain at least one disadvantage of using this ethical decision-making process