Assessment 1: ACWA Code of Ethics Scenarios

You have been appointed as a Case Manager at the Dodgy Human Services Agency (DHSA). The Agency's values are "Client-Centred, Compassion, Integrity, Dignity and Inclusivity." The DHSA is facing an audit of their service delivery practice by their funding partner. Your Line Manager, Sally, has asked you to ensure that the DHSA is compliant with the ACWA ethical guidelines. She knows that as a member of the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) who graduated from EQUALS International, you will have learnt how to interpret the ACWA's ethical guidelines. "Check us out," Sally says, "and let me know what we are doing right, what we need to improve on, and anything that needs an urgent fix." The good thing about joining a small agency was that there was going to be plenty of work for you to do. Already, on your first day, you had been handed three ongoing cases that you were to take over.

For each of the following scenarios, identify actions, behaviours, processes and/or procedures that are:

a) Compliant with ACWA's Code of Ethics

b) Potentially problematic or non-compliant with ACWA's Code of Ethics

c) A breach of ACWA's Code of Ethics

For each aspect you identify, link it directly to one or more sections of the Code. Where you note a problem or urgent fix required, suggest an improvement, supported by the Code. You must also describe how the Agency's values are or are not reflected in the scenario.

Scenario-1: You don't use Facebook vary much but Alice sent you a Friend request and, wanting to be a good colleague, you accepted it. Now you keep seeing pictures of Alice's weekend partying! One picture surprised you because Betty is one of the people on the dance floor with Alice. When you ask her about this on Monday, she says she ran into Betty at the club and didn't see any harm in being friendly.

Scenario-2: Alice had bright pink hair, prominent tattoos, and a booming voice. She always seemed to be at the centre of any discussions around the office. Alice had been case managing Betty who needed to find stable accommodation sometime in the next two weeks. She doesn't have time to meet with you so gives you a quick update on her way out of the office when you meet her in the reception area. Betty tells you, "The problem is that Betty is on drugs and has a Magistrate hearing for theft next month. Nobody wants to give her accommodation." You look around, and notice that some clients waiting in the Reception area seem to be watching you. You hope they don't know who Betty is.