Reference no: EM133571281

You are a social worker in the child welfare unit of the local Department of Social Services. You are working with a client, Jean V., an unemployed single father raising his small daughter, Cosette, whom the Department is investigating on suspicion of child neglect. You believe that despite his struggles with abject poverty, Jean is a loving father. Yet, you have serious concerns about Cosette's well-being. During your most recent appointment, Jean confessed to you that he stole some bread from a neighborhood bakery in order to feed his starving child. He also told you that the baker reported the crime to the police and identified him as the thief. As a result, a righteous and dogged police officer, Inspector J., is pursuing Jean. At the end of the appointment, Jean revealed that he plans to flee the city and asked for your assistance in finding a foster placement for his daughter until he can safely return. The state has recently instituted harsh laws against theft and strict standards regarding parental suitability. It has also prohibited state agencies from serving an individual convicted of a felony or permitting felons to maintain custody of their children. Your supervisor has repeatedly made it clear that the agency would not tolerate a client's legal misconduct. In addition, as a social worker, you are legally obligated to report any condition or behavior that would justify the removal of a child from their family. A felony conviction clearly falls into this category. You are aware of the severe punishment Jean will face if he is arrested, tried, and convicted. You are also aware that if he goes to prison, it is highly unlikely he will see his daughter again, at least not for a very long time. The child is somewhat emotionally fragile, particularly since the death of her mother, and you are concerned about the effects of long-term separation from her father. You are also concerned about the quality of foster care she will receive given the paucity of suitable home placements in the city and recent scandals about child abuse in foster families.

If you would apply a deontological approach to solving this dilemma, what would that look like?