Human Service Assignment due by 2/23/18 6pm!!!

Ethics Project Part 1

Ashlynn Brown

HUS-510

Dr. Harvey

Ethics Project Part 1

DFCS code of ethics is a document established to protect the public and the reputation of professionals. The code of ethics should be applied and all situations and taken seriously by employees. As I look into the DFCS agency’s code of ethic I notice a few ethics that are in relation with the National Organization of Human Services standards.

According to the NOHS, Standard 3 states that Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship (“Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals,” 2015). Comparing Standard 3 with the code of ethics for DFCS (section C) was pleasing. They both state the same but in different terms. For example, DFCS code of ethics state that privileged or confidential information is to be released ONLY by authorized DHS officials. This means that no employees should be releasing client information willingly and voluntarily. To release any information in regards to contract bids, financial, or client/personnel information, the employee must have permission from. If the client’s situation isn’t seriously harmful then no information should be released or shared at all. Integrity would play a key role in both, Standard 3 and section C of the DFCS code of ethics. Employees must respect the client’s welfare and dignity and act with integrity, honesty, and respect of the client’s information. This would all fall under the responsibility to the client in the Human Service field.

One of Saint Leo’s core values, community, states that Saint Leo University develops hospitable Christian learning communities everywhere we serve. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity, and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to change, and to serve (“Saint Leo Code of Conduct,” 2017). In the DFCS code of ethics (section E, number 8) says that employees must be positive and courteous towards clients, customers, and patients at all times. Mistreatment of clients, customers, or patients will not be tolerated and is a matter of concern at all supervisory levels. Saint Leo’s community value and section E of DFCS code of ethics relate because they are both asking that everyone gets treated with respect. Both statements want for students, employees or staff members to show and have respect for the public and themselves. To properly serve any clients or students respect should be given. The client and students should feel welcomed and eventually develop a line of trust with the employee or staff member. If people can trust you than they will tell someone else about you and your professional work and that can be a start to helping an entire community. It’s an honor to have the trust of a community. In human service, clients come to the agencies vulnerable and almost embarrassed to ask for assistance so if we can listen and serve them at our best ability then we are able to change people’s lives through their time of need.

As a final point, DFCS code of ethics and National Organization of Human Services has similar statements to assure that clients and employees are protected in the work place. Not to mention, Saint Leo’s Core values are in relation to various statements in DFCS code of ethics (like section E & C). Integrity and community are all key factors in the DFCS work place especially dealing with the public. There are women with children in need and homeless people who are hungry and need assistance daily. Although not everyone can get a pass for assistance for them to have the courage to come to agencies for help is a lot. The clients trust that you will help them as being a part of the community and deliver integrity while helping them get their lives in order.

References

National Organization of Human Services (2015). Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals. http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals

Saint Leo Code of Conduct, 2017. http://www.saintleo.edu/media/432276/codeofconduct.pdf