dilemma case study

Ryan is a white American social worker in a local high school and has been there for several years. One day he was confronted by an irate parent of one of the students, who was very unhappy about the fact that recently the parent was referred to Children’s Services because of the way in which they disciplined their 14 year old son Akai. After several unsuccessful attempts to contact the parents, Ryan had submitted the referral in order to force a meeting to discuss Akai’s bruised back, as reported by Akai’s physical education teacher. Akai said he was punished because he disrespected his parents during an argument with his sister Nyaring about her using his iPad without his permission. Akai said that it was normal for him to be beaten with a belt or shoe. He is doing well at school, as is his sister. Akai's parents, who are Sudanese, were insistent that no one should be able to tell them how to handle their child and were very annoyed with Ryan. They think that their child rearing methods are none of his business. Children’s Services is considering what they should do and are asking Ryan whether they should remove the children from the home.
Social worker is a profession base which is built on values, beliefs and goals which concern the welfare of human beings. Social workers are often faced with situations where their moral judgement is challenged, therefore ethical decision making is inevitable. This is seen as a measure of competence in the profession. In this case Ryan is facing a moral/ethical decision. He has to decide whether Akai should remain in the care of his parents or be taken away by Children Protection Services. Ryan had referred the parent to child services previous. This is a decision which he used his own judgement to do. He believed that Akai was in danger due to the bruises and his discussion with Akai. He tried to contact Akai’s parents but this fail. He was faced in a dilemma and decided that it was best to inform child services. He acted in