Ethics of Foster Care

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Personal Ethics in Foster Care PHL323 Personal Ethics in Foster Care Case managers working with children in foster care are held in high standards of ethical behavior because of the influence in the lives children and families. It is clearly noted in any social service professional’s contract that the responsibility and understanding that any role in this profession affects the future of the families served. Moral and values are an expected character trade of this profession and violations of this can and will be punishable by the courts. Severe ethical dilemmas or unethical business practices in this field can and will affect future growth in the field. There have been several cases in the State of Florida due to unethical business practices. For example, the family of a 12 year old Jacksonville girl brought charges against a Department of Children and Families employee, alleging that their child had been sexually assaulted in July, 2000 while in the States custody (lawyersandsettlements.com, 09/2008). The family of this child received a settlement from the Florida Department of Children and families in the amount of $788,000 (lawyersandsettlements.com, 09/2008). The example given is one of many cases or allegations that go unnoticed by the media and ethical dilemmas such as this occur daily. Without a doubt or question children in the foster care system are the most vulnerable amongst the young. It has been said that a good case manager can be the light of the end of a tunnel and instrumental in a time of great need. A case manager must play many roles for example, parent, friend, confidant, and therapist, mentor, and guide. As there are good case managers there are also bad case managers that will not give that personal attention or moral values needed to successfully carry out the goal at hand. It is imperative that the role and
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