Reaching Within, Part Two:

What is a dilemma?

Dilemma

• From the Greek:

• Di—two• Limos—horns

• Literally, Two horned

Our dilemma’s become ethical when the good or bad choices have a moral component

Important Distinction

• If something is governed by legal precedent, it is not an ethical dilemma.

• The dilemma might become whether you choose to follow that law or not.

Common APS Dilemmas

• Self determination vs. worker’s perception of client’s best interests

• Freedom vs. safety• Protecting confidentiality vs.

prevention of harm• Respect for a colleague vs. loyalty

to your agency

Dilemma Paradigms

• Truth versus loyalty • Individual versus community • Short term versus long term• Justice versus mercy

Precisely because right versus right is harder than right versus wrong

Having a framework for ethical decision making is important.

Review Applicable Code of Ethics

• Ethical codes are not a legal document, but professionals are bound to the tenets of their code and can be sued for breach

• Codes can be revised or updated as needed

• Know your Code!

What Makes a Good Code of Ethics?

• Mission statement• Value base of the organization• Ethical principles to guide

practices• Ethical standards

The NAPSA Ethical Principles and Best Practice Guidelines

The 12 Step Framework for Ethical Dilemmas

1. What is the issue or difficulty?2. What are my relevant professional obligations?3. What are the boundaries of my role in this situation?

The 12 Step Framework for Ethical Dilemmas

4. What awareness of self and others (cultural, age, ability, conflicts) do I need to be mindful of?

The 12 Step Framework for Ethical Dilemmas

5. Are any legal, personal or institutional rights being violated?

6. Are there laws which might be applicable?

The 12 Step Framework for Ethical Dilemmas

7. What solutions are possible?

BRAINSTORM!

The 12 Step Framework for Ethical Dilemmas

8. Who needs to be involved?9. What are the likely risks and benefits to all affected parties?10. How might relationships be affected?

The 12 Step Framework for Ethical Dilemmas

11. What objections could be raised against this solution?

Checking and reflecting

12. What have we learned from this case?

Final Thought

• Submit your difficult cases to an ethical review board

The 12 Step Ethical Framework 1. What is the issue or difficulty? 2. What are my relevant professional obligations? 3. What are the boundaries of my role in this situation? 4. What awareness of self and others (cultural, age, ability, conflicts)

do I need to be mindful of? 5. Are any legal, personal or institutional rights being violated? 6. Are there any laws which might be applicable? 7. What solutions are possible (brainstorm!)? 8. Who needs to be involved? 9. What are the likely risks and benefits to all affected parties? 10. How might relationships be affected? 11. What objections could be raised against this solution?

Afterward, don’t forget! 12. What have we learned from this case?

Questions?

Ethical Case Studies Activity

• Work in assigned groups• Review assigned case• Apply framework, discussing the

steps• Choose group scribe• Choose group presenter• Debrief with large group