Chapter 15. Ethical Practice Issues in Rural Perspective

Abstract

Community context has been viewed for more than two decades as the central organizing frame for rural social work practice. Ethical decision-making is complicated by multiple relationships with colleagues, caregiving family members, and elders that are common in rural areas. In order to address these complex situations, a model for multilevel contextual ethical analysis is proposed. The assumption that moral deliberations are based in social relationships is the foundation for contextual ethical analysis. An expanded unit of analysis that includes considering the influence of multiple persons and institutions at multiple levels is an integral part of contextual ethical analysis that supports social workers' efforts to equalize power. Engagement in consciousness raising concerning ethical dimensions of the links between private troubles and public policies is essential. Ethically responsible practice thus includes identifying the ethical foundation for collective political action that promotes social and economic justice by expanding available options when readily available solutions are unjust.

Interpersonal Violence Against People With Disabilities: Understanding the Problem From a Rural Context

“…Access to sexual assault advocacy, criminal justice, and other services are compounded by the high frequency of dual relationships within rural communities (Davenport & Davenport, 1995;Healy, 2003). Logan, Evans, et al (2005) found that the degree of responsiveness of criminal justice and other systems was heavily politicized in rural communities.…”

“…Distrust of outside help and a preference for informal support means that even when formal services are available, older adults might decline to use them. Affordability appears to be a factor in lack of services as well (Griffin, 1994;Healy, 2003), supported by evidence of a higher rate of poverty among older adults in rural areas (DeNavas-Walt et al, 2009). Services designed for the majority white, heterosexual population might not be appropriate or acceptable to rural African American elders (Griffin, 1994); elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons (Healy, 2003); or other diverse groups.…”

“…When APS becomes involved, workers must balance the best interest of the older adult with the elder's right to autonomy (Harbison et al, 2004(Harbison et al, , 2005Healy, 2003). A determination of incompetency means that others make decisions for older adults based on what they think is in their best interest.…”

“…A determination of incompetency means that others make decisions for older adults based on what they think is in their best interest. A bias toward ensuring safety, grounded in ageism (Blundo & Bullington, 2007;Harbison et al, 2004;Healy, 2003;Perrin, 1993) and ableism (Healy, 2003) might exist in rural communities. The nature of dual relationships in rural areas could complicate decision making as the desire to please the others involved might take precedence over the wishes of the older adult.…”

Untitled

“…Although boundary violations (where the worker is manipulative, exploitive, coercive, or deceptive to the client) may occur in rural areas, boundary crossings may emerge more frequently. Boundary crossings refer to the mix of professional and personal relationships in which the anonymity of clients and workers can be unavoidably compromised (Healy, 2003). Rural areas include strong community ties with ample opportunity for chance encounters and boundary crossings with clients (Healy, 2003).…”