Codes of ethics are regulations used to guide behaviors of professionals in an organization, which are written or documented. Counseling profession involves dealing with some crucial information that needs to be confidential. There exist principles and standards of ethics that are applicable in certain situations. Academicians developed a hierarchy of principles that available for counseling. These principles focus on the well-being of clients as counselors consent not to share the information given to them. They are important since practitioners use them to resolve ethical dilemmas, define responsibilities of social workers. These workers can also use the principles and ethics to develop problem-solving strategies and improve decision-making skills.
Social workers can apply principles and standard codes of ethics in this case. This is a situation involves the other party losing. Mellissa's fiance is not aware of what is about to unfold and he becomes a point of reference for the counselor. The therapist is obliged to select the best principles and standards of codes of ethics to help the client (Walsh, 2008). This research paper recommends the use of ethical responsibility to clients, self-determination, and informed consent as the best principles and codes of ethics to decide on this case (Cournoyer, 2010). The social worker should look at the implications of Melissa's decision to her fiance. She gives crucial information about their relationship that the professional must treat carefully. On the other hand, any slight mistake by the counselor may hurt her. She states clearly that the worst that can happen is seeing the fiance walk away from her because of her condition. The paragraphs below explain why these principles best suits the scenario.
[...] Therefore, the social worker has no right to tell his family about the problem. In this case, the client discloses his property worth as a life insurance. It is a secret between the two parties. Confidentiality makes it possible to avoid a breach of contract. Breaches are two types: intentional and unintentional. Intentional occurs when there is loss of life involved. Social workers can provide certain information to save the life of someone who shows suicide signs. Ethical principles from the hierarchy of ethical principles apply to the case study Social workers in this case must choose hierarchy of principles wisely. [...]
[...] Privacy and confidentiality are equally important. The client, Melissa has disclosed her status. The counselor should treat it very confidential and keep it a secret between them. Ethics goes along with people's culture. The counselor should embrace cultural competence and ensure that social diversity exists in the office. While giving advice, matters to deal with religion and culture should never be concentrated on (Kirk-Ashman, 2013). Most important is the client's backgrounds which should not be looked down upon in any way. [...]
[...] New York City: Pearson/Merrill Pretencise Hall. Cournoyer, B. R (2010). The social Work Skills Workbook. Connecticut: Cengage Learning. Dolgoff, R., Loewenberg, F.M & Harrington, D. (2011). Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series: Ethical Decisions for Social Work Practice. Connecticut: Cengage learning. Kirk-Ashman, K.K. (2013). Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series: Human Behavior in the Macro Social Environment. Connecticut: Cengage Learning. Kirst-Ashman, K. K & Hull, G. H. [...]
[...] Hierarchy of principles should be referred to as it provides a guideline of coming up with the problem solving framework. Protection of life should take center stage. The professional must do whatever it takes to protect the victim's life even if it means making compromises in such a scenario. Max must understand that he has a life and will reward his family when God takes away his life. References Chapin, T & Russell-Chapin, L. A. (2010). Clinical supervision: Theory and practice. Connecticut: Cengage. Cottone, R. R & Tarvydas (2006). Counseling Ethics and Decision Making. [...]
[...] He or she must work closely with the community and relevant authorities to save him. Lastly, quality of life is another vital principle. It should become the last resort in life threatening situations. The victim should value life since it is a gift from God and should understand that people need them. In Max's case, the counselor should sit down with him and tell him great life experiences. If the client is outgoing, talk about parties and all those niceties. [...]
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