CUNY Lehman College Social Work Essay

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.

Scenario:

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?

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.