Throughout this course you studied the intersection and impact between social work ethics and social policy. The Signature Assignment consists
MODULE 8 SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT
Throughout this course you studied the intersection and impact between social work ethics and social policy. The Signature
Assignment consists of a 5-8 pages (excluding cover page and references) analysis paper based on the scenario below.
Two years ago Paul, a middle-aged male, entered a substance abuse treatment clinic because of his abuse of crystal meth. He successfully
completed his in-patient treatment, and continued to be an outpatient client afterwards. He faithfully attended his Drug Addicts Anonymous (DAA) meetings, and his immediate family members supported him throughout his journey. During his stay at the facility, Paul met Pamela, one of the counselors there. They formed a connection, and Paul asked Pamela to support his journey to recovery. Because of Paul's asking, Pamela requested to be one of the group counselors for Paul's outpatient group. Their connection grew stronger, and Pamela was invited to meet Paul's family, and eventually to join them at family events. When a position became available at the Clinic, Paul applied and got the job. Now, Paul and Pamela were co-workers and their friendship became obvious to all. After a particularly difficult week, Paul was tempted in using meth again, and he disclosed to Pamela his "fall" from recovery, asking her that "as my friend, please help me out and don't say anything". Pamela agreed to keep Paul's one time use quiet. Their friendship and shared secret created a new level of intimacy between them, and they had a short affair. After the affair ended, Pamela received a promotion and requested that Paul be transferred to another part of the building.
In the last six months Paul has become an outspoken advocate for substance abuse treatment and policy change. He is using his own
life's example to help others, and he has been outspoken about how Pamela's counsel, friendship and later relationship has helped him
through difficult times. Pamela has been receiving letters from the public that are either in support of her work with Paul or condemning
her for lack of boundaries; she requested that either Paul be transferred to another facility, or that she can move out of state.
1. What is/are the social work specific ethical issue/s found in this case?
2. Discuss the specific standards that are applicable in this case.
Has Pamela or Paul broken any social work ethical values
and/or standards? If so, which ones?
3. Has Pamela acted ethically in her relationship with Paul (personal and professional)? Explain your answer choices.
4. Discuss any moral values that Pamela and Paul might have broken. What are their impact on professional ethical behaviors
in this case?
5. Discuss the values of privilege and confidentiality in the context of this case: how are they applicable or not?
6. How is Pamela and Paul's situation and behavior affecting the clients, co-workers, and the organization as a whole? Discuss
each group in the context of human behavior and the social environment.
7. How is Paul's outspoken story helping and/or hindering advocacy efforts at local, state or national levels?
8. From a systems and social policy perspective, how do you view this case? What are some specific issues that need to be
addressed to improve social policy outcomes in the treatment of substance abuse?
Writing expectations include competency in the following:
Formatting:
5-8 pages (excluding title page and references page)
Must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins and typed in12-point Times New Roman.
Your essay should have a Title Page and References Page.
Essays should be proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes. Other areas to pay attention to include:
Resource on sentence clarity:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanic s/sentence_clarity.html (check out the other links on the left!)
Grammar resource:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/index.html
Punctuation resource:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuatio n/index.html
Thesis statement & conclusion (both: in the paragraph
structure, and in the paper overall)
Resources for thesis statement:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/establishing_arguments/index.html (check
out the other links on the left!)
Focus and organization throughout the paper. The paper should flow in a logical manner.
References and Citations:
You must cite all texts used, including page numbers to avoid plagiarism
You should use a minimum of 2-3 sources from the Touro library in support of your Signature Assignment.
Please note that the minimum 2-3 sources should be from the Library! Which means that you can use other
web-based sources in addition to you the Library
(Although not expected, it is a good practice to begin using the APA style for citations and references. This
will help you grow in your competency in using this style. A good resource for this can be found at:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
(additional information is found in the links on the left of the main page).
social work ethics and social policy