Reference no: EM132314001 , Length: word count : 1500

ASSESSMENT TASK

Case Study

You are a social worker employed in a community mental health service.

Trevor is a 38 year old indigenous man who has had four admissions to hospital since the beginning of this year. The most recent admission to hospital was for compulsory treatment.

Trevor has been formally diagnosed with schizophrenia, though he does often speak to you in relation to his chronic depression. You have been providing case management services to Trevor for approximately 12 months and you provided updated reports to the Mental Health Tribunal six weeks ago, however, you remain concerned about Trevor's mental illness and discuss this frequently with your supervisor in the agency.

Trevor is married with three children, ages 2,5 and 8 years. His wife, Donna, finds it very stressful caring for Trevor, given his increasing use of alcohol. Donna, is also concerned because Trevor presents as "out of it" most of the time due to his reported alcohol use and medication.Trevor is unable to work and the family experiences significant financial stress. Trevor is well supported by his brother John, whom you have met, as he often accompanies Trevor to appointments with you. Trevor has also accessed assistance at the local Aboriginal Health Service.

You see Trevor at least once per week, though he has recently told you about his suicidal ideation and his ongoing intent to self harm. You have referred him to the Psychiatrist (based in your service) on both occasions this happened and his medication was reviewed and updated. You have been working with Trevor for approximately twelve months, but continue discuss your concerns with your supervisor in the agency.

Last Friday afternoon, Trevor made contact with you threatening to harm himself again, saying that he has enough medication "to end it all!".He says that, "if you tell Donna or John, or anyone else, you will never see him again.He said;"if you tell anyone else, they will lock me up again. I'll never see my kids again"

You and you supervisor are concerned that Trevor is under the influence of alcohol and may not be complying with his medication requirements. You are currently working with your team to identify what is in Trevor's best interest.

This task requires you to analyse this case study using the knowledge you have gained from the unit in 1,500 words (+/- 10%). Your analysis should assessment criteria in the rubric. Refer to the core unit texts in addition to citing at least three academic references (journal articles or book chapters only).

1. Describe the ethical problem/issue/dilemma, identifying who is affected by the ethical decision

2. Identity and discuss the issue in relation to human rights, legislation, AASW Code of Ethics, social work values, and ethical theories.

3. Describe your proposed course of action including key stakeholders, advantages and disadvantages and justify this using ethical decision-making principles.