Table of ContentsEthics Application for Decision MakingReducing Our BiasesEthical TheoryEthical Decision ApplicationInviting Your Client into DialogueAccounting for Care Amidst Demands for Social ControlConsider Activism and Resistance ethicsAppealing to the Code of EthicsAppealing to the Standards of PracticeConclusionReferencesWorking with a Gandhian philosophical approach, this writer works through the storyline of Enzo and his family to help resolve the ethical dilemmas presented. This author uses the ethical decision-making model described in the Spencer, Massing, and Gough (2017) textbook. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Tags: Gandhian ethics, ethical dilemma, social control, activism Ethical application for decision making For the purposes of this article, this author will use the example of Enzo, 38, single father of two, Jenna (17 years) and Memory (12 years), consults a family counselor. To understand Enzo's case, this author will start by focusing on the harms caused by the people involved: try to understand what they are, how they affect everyone involved, and compare them to each other. Among the participants are, at least, Enzo and his daughters, Jenna and Memory and their grandmother. Agencies involved in this matter include: the government's income security program, the Housing Authority, Enzo's boss, my agency (if applicable), and indirectly the taxpayers. In considering possible responses to our ethical dilemma, we must be aware that some information may be missing to which we do not have access. The decisions we make are based solely on the information provided and may be different if additional information comes to light. When considering possible responses to this dilemma, we cannot avoid making certain assumptions about Enzo. For example, he might be so concerned with his own interests that he thinks it is better to defraud the government. Or that he might be able to work full time and is exaggerating his disability to avoid having to return to work. However, in working through this or any dilemma, we should assume that the person making the decision is doing so based on what is best. Our presumption may be wrong, but assuming that most people are reasonable and well-intentioned is consistent with respecting the inherent dignity and worth of people (Canadian Association of Social Workers, 2005). Assuming that Enzo makes reasonable, well-intentioned decisions, we are able to look at the situation from his perspective, which will explain his decision-making process. When we look at Enzo's decision-making process, we must also consider what is most important, not just Enzo, would do in a similar situation. Eliminate our biases When we make an ethical decision, we must remove ourselves from the situation. We should not act based on the emotions we have about a particular situation in order to act objectively. This is difficult to do when we relate to people, when we understand their situation, and when we have been in similar situations ourselves. Understanding our self-interests is part of the journey toward making ethical decisions. Acting carefully and in a way that does not harm our own interests is another consideration in ethical decision making. Act in our ownSelf-interest should not be a determining factor in decision-making, but the consequences of a situation can impact us in the long term and should be considered and discussed. We must make ethical judgments objectively; thus, understanding the parts of ourselves (our values ​​and morals) that could create bias is a fundamental element. We need to ask ourselves if other people in a similar situation would make the same judgment. When making a decision regarding Enzo's case, this writer must be open and honest with past events in my personal life. That I have made decisions similar to Enzo's. I have previously received government assistance and lived in a housing agency; in both cases, I have sometimes not been completely honest about my financial situation. I have personally made decisions that may not have been ethical in nature, but my family's basic needs (shelter, food, clothing) had to be met and surviving on a very limited income sometimes proved difficult. Having this understanding, combined with the insider knowledge gained since being in this situation, allows me to provide options to Enzo and his family. Ethical Theory As Vareed states (Spencer, Massing, and Gough, 2017, p. 191) “Gandhian ethics follows a self-reflexive process approach; » which is of the utmost importance for this writer in his practice and his training. Self-reflection is also imperative in social work practice. Using a Gandhian philosophical approach to ethical decision making, this author uses the concepts discussed by Walz and Ritchie, 2000 and Vareed (Spencer et. al., 2017): unity of all things, Ahiṃsā, Sarvodaya, Satyagraha and Swadeshi. this approach presupposes self-reflection to change oneself; then change the world. When faced with an ethical dilemma, we should not make rash decisions; we need to reflect with ourselves, consider the thoughts that are causing us our dilemma, weigh the decision(s) we need to make, have healthy conversations with the client or parties involved, and seek advice from others. Then finally, aligning yourself with Gandhian thoughts, follow our inner truths. Unity of all things. As a society, we have embraced and normalized ideas of equality and opposed utilitarian ideas. Examples of this are universal legislation such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.Ahiṃsā. Cause no harm and do no harm. These acts apply not only to the physical realm of life, but also to the mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. Sarvodaya. Create a base of support for all, especially those who need it most, to uplift society as a whole. Satyagraha. Understand that we cannot solve societal problems through retaliation. We can only resolve these issues with love and support for each other. Swadeshi. We need to advocate for self-sufficiency at a higher level. The word itself means “own country,” but speaks to alignment with social justice and advocacy. Application of Ethical Decision Making To apply a working model of ethical decision making, this author must consider the following: What are my ethical obligations under the Code of Ethics and/or standards of practice? What are my ethical obligations under the law? What are my ethical obligations to my client as an individual? What are my ethical obligations to my organization? Work through the model Define the situation and questions The decisions that need to be made for this scenarioinvolve questions of ethics, law and good practice. This scenario presents ethical dilemmas as defined by Banks and Williams (2005). Legal obligations and responsibilities include fraud against a government entity. Questions of good practice arise, in this author's opinion, with all ethical problems. Good practices are followed by self-reflection, understanding personal ethical philosophical views and resolving the ethical dilemma in this way. In this scenario, the stakeholders involved include: Enzo, Jenna (daughter), Memory (daughter), grandmother, the government entities managing income security and subsidized housing, Enzo's boss, this writer and the organization for which he can work or not. Dilemmas include: Enzo working for cash income and not reporting it to the income security program and Enzo's daughter Jenna residing with her grandmother during the week so she is closer to the school. This writer must make a decision regarding whether or not to report Enzo's actions to the appropriate agencies. This writer has an ethical, legal and moral obligation to each party involved in the dilemma. Decision Benefits and Harms Report- Integrity of income support program- Client may lose income support- Integrity of housing subsidy program- Client may face legal consequences: charged with a criminal offense- Responsibilities legal consequences - Client may be in debt to the government - Client may lose daughters if criminal charges result in incarceration - Daughter may not have adequate means to get to school - Daughter may miss school time - Client may lose housing - Client's mental health may deteriorate further. Do not report - Client has reduced financial stress - Client may have legal consequences even if it is not reported and discovered during audit - Client receives support raising daughters - Counselor may face consequences related to job loss, ethics investigation - Client receives physical relief with additional finances - The client has self-determination - Continuing relationship of trust - Defending the inherent dignity and worth of people - Defending service to humanity - Alignment of personal values ​​linked to individual freedom and an obligation of service to those who are disadvantaged - Maintain confidentiality Invite your client into dialogue This writer would like to have an open and honest conversation with Enzo. Not only regarding this writer's obligations in the face of this dilemma, but also to evaluate other ways to meet his needs without these actions. Having a conversation with Enzo about issues not only continues and supports a trusting relationship, but also allows Enzo to make informed decisions that are consistent with the Standards of Practice (2019). The author believes that Enzo leaked this information for reasons, although he doesn't understand the reasons at the moment. On some unconscious level, he may feel some form of guilt or shame related to this action, which he knows is wrong and has consequences. He may also feel some guilt or shame about his ability to provide for his children. Having these conversations with Enzo will help develop an action plan that Enzo is fully engaged in and had a hand in developing. controlIn this situation, this writer's best ethical self is reflected in my personal understanding and empathy toward the difficulty of being a single parent and, at times, relying onsocial support systems to make ends meet. And sometimes not having enough support to make ends meet and doing things that aren't considered "normal" or "law-abiding." These experiences, in my opinion, also create a bias in me. What I mean by this is that I believe that these structural systems are not sufficient and that most individuals who rely on these systems are most likely hiding information. However, privileged individuals or those who structure these support systems may not understand the life of someone who cannot meet their basic needs. Using the foundational knowledge I have about disadvantaged people with the experiential knowledge I have privileged also allows me to support Enzo and provide him with resources he may not know about. Considering activism and ethical resistance, although the scenario provided does not indicate that this writer works for a specific agency, I assume that is the case. In dealing with this dilemma, this author hopes to be involved with an agency that has similar beliefs and values. Working within organizations without similar beliefs, values ​​and practices adds additional complexity to the decision-making process. While this author recognizes that it is not realistic to work within an agency that aligns exactly with your personal beliefs and values, it is important to this author to align with an agency that is. Using the Code of Ethics Each value of the Code of Ethics (2005) applies to Enzo's case. As a professional working with Enzo and his family, I value and respect his inherent dignity and worth. I believe he is a capable person who has the right to self-determination and that he is the only person who knows what is best for him and his family. I do not believe his actions were malicious or deliberate fraud. I also offer him an informed choice about the decisions I have to make as a service provider and I want him to be involved in this process. I also have a professional and moral obligation to give him access to information or resources that may be external. of his knowledge. The pursuit of social justice can be achieved at both the individual and macro levels. I believe I have an obligation to help her obtain resources, but also to advocate for better resources and supports. For example, this may involve helping Enzo qualify for Disability Assistance, as it appears he is only on Income Support, which is a lower salary level. Other examples include survivor's pension if he is not already receiving it; as well as possible carpooling or community bus transportation programs for her daughter. The work and conversations I have with Enzo translate into my service to humanity and integrity in my professional practice. All of these align with the Gandhian theory in which Walz and Ritchie (2000) assert that one should maintain close, personal, non-exploitative, and non-manipulative relationships with others. Appealing to the Standards of Practice Working through an ethical dilemma in and from within oneself, I align my professional capacity with the Standards of Practice (2019). I ensure I am competent in my role by analyzing my personal beliefs and values, recognizing my biases for this scenario, and maintaining a professional relationship with this client. I also maintain my professional responsibility by discussing this issue with Enzo and allowing him to understand the dilemma. Conclusion The purpose of income support, specific to Alberta, is to “provide programs./45.3.213