Ethical Dilemmas

A social worker employedin a county social services department as an eligibility worker has learned that local welfare reforms direct that she report any new children born to current welfare recipients. She fears that the new reporting requirment could prevent children born into welfare families from recieving income supports later in thier lives. The worker is aware of the requirement that social workers should comply with the law. However, she is convinced that reporting newborns might preclude future essential services. The soical worker also belives that the new regulations will create a new class of citizens (children born to welfare mothers) that might be discriminated against in vvarious ways. She feels caught between complying with the law and ignoring the law to prevent what she views as likely injustice.

A. What is/are the ethical dilemma(s) facing the social worker?

B. Are these legitimate concerns? Why or Why not?

C. As the social worker in this countyagency, how would you respond in this situation? What are your possible courses of action?

(250-375 words needed please)