Is It Ethical to Use Drug Testing In Child Welfare Cases
This paper will discuss the ethical dilemma involved in social services and the courts using drug testing and abuse as a reason when deciding to remove a child from the parental home. While this subject is complex and involves too many facets to cover completely in a brief summary, main topics will be introduced in order to bring attention to the practice. The actions concerned not only have an effect on the persons directly involved such as the children, parents, attorneys, judges, police and social service agencies, but also the general public as the financial obligation incurred by removing a child from their home grows each year.
Issues
In general child welfare is based on a “best …show more content…
While the code of ethics states that we need to “seek to resolve conflicts between client’s interest and the broader society’s interest.” (NASW) While society deems that drug abuse is a morally adverse action, if those involved do not foster an attitude conducive to the person’s ability to overcome their affliction they may become a self-fulfilling prophecy and continue to spiral downward.
“Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.” (NASW) The understanding of the importance of the relationship of the family is one of the key issues regarding the use of drug testing in child welfare. The question of use not only for removal but for visitation of the children based on testing is one that must be discussed in order to ensure that not only are the children safe but is it in the best interest of the child and their family.
Possible …show more content…
(Young)
By continuing to use drug testing in the fashion that it has been, the courts and social service agencies are determining that a parent who uses drugs is automatically a detriment to their child. This does not take into account the amount of use prior to the test, what type of drug it is or whether or not the parent is attempting rehabilitation. The line is very clear on use is bad and not using is good, without taking into account the problems and processes with
This paper will discuss the ethical dilemma involved in social services and the courts using drug testing and abuse as a reason when deciding to remove a child from the parental home. While this subject is complex and involves too many facets to cover completely in a brief summary, main topics will be introduced in order to bring attention to the practice. The actions concerned not only have an effect on the persons directly involved such as the children, parents, attorneys, judges, police and social service agencies, but also the general public as the financial obligation incurred by removing a child from their home grows each year.
Issues
In general child welfare is based on a “best …show more content…
While the code of ethics states that we need to “seek to resolve conflicts between client’s interest and the broader society’s interest.” (NASW) While society deems that drug abuse is a morally adverse action, if those involved do not foster an attitude conducive to the person’s ability to overcome their affliction they may become a self-fulfilling prophecy and continue to spiral downward.
“Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.” (NASW) The understanding of the importance of the relationship of the family is one of the key issues regarding the use of drug testing in child welfare. The question of use not only for removal but for visitation of the children based on testing is one that must be discussed in order to ensure that not only are the children safe but is it in the best interest of the child and their family.
Possible …show more content…
(Young)
By continuing to use drug testing in the fashion that it has been, the courts and social service agencies are determining that a parent who uses drugs is automatically a detriment to their child. This does not take into account the amount of use prior to the test, what type of drug it is or whether or not the parent is attempting rehabilitation. The line is very clear on use is bad and not using is good, without taking into account the problems and processes with