You have been friends with Julia for many years, whom you met at high school. You have worked together for about five years.

Julia gets on well with everyone who comes to the centre and has been a model employee. Lately, she has been going through a breakup with her husband, and she has been very touchy and losing her temper easily with others. Her behaviour has not extended to the people who come to the centre, however.

Today is a busy day due to a variety of school holiday programs. There are lots of children running around, and it is chaotic at start/end program times with everyone milling about for a chat.

A group of pre-schoolers is running around the centre while their parents chat in a corner. Julia asks the parents politely to keep an eye on them, as the children are knocking into others, entering rooms they shouldn't, and upsetting some of the quieter children. The parents call out to their kids but don't do much else as they are intent on hearing some local gossip.

Eventually, one of the children knocks into Julia, and she drops the folder of paperwork she is carrying. You see her grab the child's arm and smack the back of his legs. It isn't a hard smack, but it is enough to shock the child make them cry.

Julia realises what she has done and quickly apologises to the child. She gives him a cuddle to try to stop him from crying.

You see Julia tell him something intently, and the child nods, looking down at their feet. You have a feeling she is asking him not to say anything to anyone.

When Julia stands up, you turn away. You don't want her to know you have been watching.

Task 2.1 Legislative Responsibilities

Given the stress that Julia has been under and her past reputation as a 'model worker', is her behaviour excusable? Discuss this in terms of Julia's legislative responsibilities.

Task 2.2 Ethical Dilemmas

a) You have been a good friend of Julia's for years. What are three (3) possible ethical dilemmas in this case?

b) How would you personally deal with these three ethical dilemmas within the requirements of your role in community services?

c) Where could you obtain support if you were having trouble resolving the ethical dilemmas around this situation? Suggest three sources of support.

Task 2.3 Complying with Policies and Procedures

What action would you take to make sure you comply with organisational policies and procedures?