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Illinois Department of Aging 2012 Elder Rights Conference. Reaching Within Session T13. Reaching Within, Part Two:. What is a dilemma?. Dilemma. From the Greek: Di—two Limos—horns Literally, Two horned. Our dilemma’s become ethical when the good or bad choices have a moral component.
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Illinois Department of Aging2012 Elder Rights Conference Reaching Within Session T13
Dilemma • From the Greek: • Di—two • Limos—horns • Literally, Two horned
Our dilemma’s become ethical when the good or bad choices have a moral component
Important Distinction • If something is governed by legal precedent, it is not an ethical dilemma. • The dilemma might become whether you choose to follow that law or not.
Common APS Dilemmas • Self determination vs. worker’s perception of client’s best interests • Freedom vs. safety • Protecting confidentiality vs. prevention of harm • Respect for a colleague vs. loyalty to your agency
Dilemma Paradigms • Truth versus loyalty • Individual versus community • Short term versus long term • Justice versus mercy Precisely because right versus right is harder than right versus wrong
Having a framework for ethical decision making is important.
Review Applicable Code of Ethics • Ethical codes are not a legal document, but professionals are bound to the tenets of their code and can be sued for breach • Codes can be revised or updated as needed • Know your Code!
What Makes a Good Code of Ethics? • Mission statement • Value base of the organization • Ethical principles to guide practices • Ethical standards
Framework for Ethical Decision Making • Describe the problem within its correct context (exactly who is this really a problem for?) • Define the problem in its ethical terms • Identify and rank the key values and principles involved (CRITICAL)
Framework, continued 4. Gather your information (laws, policies, applicable ethical codes, the affected individual’s views and values, your own biases) 5. Determine possible options (identify cost and benefit of each option)
Framework, continued • Consider possible courses of action * discard any you can’t put into action * discard those which violate the value symptoms of those being affected
Framework, continued • Put your plan into action! • Evaluate the outcomes for each person involved • Submit your difficult cases to an ethical review board
Ethical Case Studies Activity • Form Triads • Review assigned case • Apply framework, discussing the steps • Prepare action plan • Debrief with large group