Some decisions can be made at leisure. Some have to be made at high speed under considerable stress. Sometimes sorting the issues is easy. Often the right path is unclear - ethical principles conflict; time presses; too many people with too many different needs are involved.
When code statements of ethical principles are in conflict it helps to go back to the basics: first do no harm (non-maleficence); maximise benefits/ minimise harms (beneficence); check for fairness & equity (justice); and ensure respect for the person(s) involved (autonomy).
The framework below is useful to reflect before acting and useful for reflecting on decisions after an event and across time.
What's the problem? Describe it briefly, write it down, get the facts, take the time to clarify the issues in some detail. This helps you clear your head and gives you a way to discuss the problem with a supervisor or peer support person if appropriate.
Whose problem is it? It may be the worker's; it may be the young person's; it may be a shared problem; it may be someone else's altogether. Knowing who owns the problem helps sort out who needs to be involved in the solution.
Consider all available legal and ethical principles and guidelines
The legal guidelines:
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What actions are prohibited by law?
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What actions are required by law?
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What are people involved, including yourself, entitled to by law?
The ethical guidelines:
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Beneficence - what will achieve the greatest good for the young person?
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Non-maleficence - what will cause the least harm to the young person?
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Justice
- what will be fairest?
- how are different interests balanced? -
Respect for autonomy
- what are the young person's preferences?
- what maximises the opportunities for everyone involved to implement their choices?
Identify all possible courses of action
Select best course of action
A quick test for "best course":
1. Universality
- could I recommend it to others?
- would I condone it if others did it?
2. Publicity
- could I explain it to others?
- am I willing for it to be open to scrutiny in a public forum?
3. Justice
- would I do the same for others in similar circumstances?
- would I do the same for a well-known or influential client?
Make a decision - state the reasons for the decision; take responsibility for it; document it.
Evaluate the outcome
