You are to role play a discussion with one of your co-workers, Elaine. She has come to you for some advice about an ethical dilemma that she has.
You and Elaine work with youth in the community. Elaine has come to you today with a dilemma that she is very worried about.
A young 14-year-old girl has come to her asking for help to get an abortion. Elaine has very strong anti-abortion values and she does not feel comfortable assisting the client in this way.
Elaine wonders if you would be able to take on her client.
Yesterday you saw your friend’s daughter, Sienna, talking with Elaine. You know that Sienna has been having a lot of problems at home. You ask Elaine if it is Sienna that is needing the abortion. Unfortunately it is, so now you also have an ethical dilemma due to your friendship with Sienna’s mother.
There are no other workers in your organisation that can take over Sienna’s case.
Your organisation deals with many youth issues and provides financial assistance and referral to various services including sexual health, drug and alcohol, quit smoking, housing and accommodation.
Your assessor will play the role of Elaine.
As part of this role play, you must discuss the ethical dilemmas that you and Elaine are facing and come up with a solution to meet the needs of the client.
Your assessor will be looking to see that you:
- Identify and discuss the legal and ethical responsibilities of both yourself and your colleague
- Identify and discuss the ethical issues that you both face in this situation
- Discuss the differences in personal values and ways to make sure practice remains non-judgmental
- Use problem solving techniques to work out a solution with your colleague to best align with duty of care requirements for the client.