While living on the streets, Sonia is introduced to drugs and alcohol by a group of friends she associated with. Sonia's habit of 'collecting' small things turns into collecting larger items that she sells to support her drug and alcohol habit. Eventually Sonia gets caught and is charged for stealing.

Sonia's drug and alcohol problem escalates to the point where she is no longer taking her medications and is no longer returning to spend the night at the boarding home. Sonia's mother and her two siblings are concerned about her drug and alcohol use.

1. Identify the legal and ethical considerations with respect to the above scenario.
2. Put yourself in Sonia's position. How do the various acts and legislations presented affect you?
3. What is the impact of these acts and legislations on the family? Put yourself in the position of a family member and explain to your worker how these acts and legislations impact you.
4. Suppose you were Sonia's mental health worker during the last 15 years of her life how would you:
   1. Communicate the legal and ethical constraints you are under to the family and Sonia?
   2. What would you have done in this situation?