Frequently, a crisis could have been a risk factor that eventually led to the juvenile entering the justice system. Especially when crisis intervention is needed, it is very important to be able to identify ethical situations and ethical strategies associated with juvenile offenders.
Continuing in your role as a juvenile court probation officer and using the same client, Jennifer Scott, from the Week 2 assignment, examine ethical challenges that can impact supervision strategies by writing a 700 word advocacy letter that will be presented to the judge during a hearing on your client’s risk and needs. You may want to review her background again.
Specifically, your letter should do the following:
Summarize your client’s situation and major risk factors.
Identify 1 ethical challenge that affects your client.
Apply 3 ethical strategies that will address the challenge.
Examine the role you will have as an advocate.
Discuss how advocacy can be used for this situation.
Recommend actions that would lead to the desired change.
Full Answer Section
Client Background and Risk Factors
Jennifer is a 16-year-old female who was recently placed on probation for shoplifting. As previously reported, she comes from a low-income single-parent household. Her father is absent, and her mother struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse. This has created an unstable and neglectful home environment.
During our interactions, Jennifer has expressed feelings of loneliness, anger towards her mother, and a desire to escape her current situation. These factors, combined with a lack of positive role models and limited access to mental health resources, contribute to her significant risk factors:
- Family dysfunction: The unstable home environment creates emotional distress and increases the likelihood of risky behavior.
- Lack of positive support system: The absence of positive role models and a supportive network leaves Jennifer vulnerable to negative influences.
- Mental health concerns: Her emotional state and possible exposure to her mother's mental health issues suggest Jennifer might benefit from professional evaluation and support.
- Economic hardship: Financial difficulties in the household add stress and limit access to resources and opportunities.
Ethical Challenge: Confidentiality vs. Reporting
One of the ethical challenges I face involves the potential for self-harm. During a recent home visit, Jennifer expressed feelings of hopelessness and made vague comments about wanting to "end it all." While she didn't provide a specific plan, I am ethically obligated to consider the possibility of self-harm. This creates a tension between:
- Confidentiality: Building trust with Jennifer requires respecting her confidentiality regarding personal struggles.
- Duty to Protect: Ensuring her safety is paramount, and I have a legal and ethical responsibility to report any concerns of potential harm.
Ethical Strategies for Addressing the Challenge
To navigate this challenge ethically and effectively, I propose the following strategies:
- Non-judgmental Exploration: I will continue to create a safe space where Jennifer feels comfortable expressing her emotions without fear of judgment. This will encourage further disclosure and allow me to assess the severity of the self-harm risk.
- Collaborative Safety Planning: I will work with Jennifer to develop a safety plan in collaboration with mental health professionals. This plan can include identifying trusted adults she can reach out to during moments of crisis and establishing resources for immediate help.
- Mandatory Reporting if Necessary: While prioritizing Jennifer's autonomy, if the risk of self-harm becomes imminent or a specific plan is revealed, I will follow mandatory reporting guidelines to ensure her safety.
My Role as an Advocate
As Jennifer's probation officer, my role extends beyond simply monitoring her behavior and enforcing court-ordered conditions. I am also an advocate for her well-being and future success. This means:
- Understanding her needs: Going beyond the offense to identify the underlying reasons behind her actions.
- Connecting her with resources: Connecting her to mental health services, educational opportunities, and support groups that can address her challenges and help her develop coping mechanisms.
- Building trust and rapport: Creating a safe and supportive relationship where open communication is encouraged.
- Promoting positive change: Working collaboratively with Jennifer, her family (if possible), and the court system to find solutions that foster positive development and reduce the risk of recidivism.
Advocacy in Action
In Jennifer's case, advocating for her means promoting a holistic approach to her rehabilitation. Here are some specific actions that could lead to desired change:
- Mental Health Evaluation: I recommend a court-ordered mental health evaluation to assess Jennifer's needs and ensure she receives appropriate treatment.
- Family Therapy: If feasible, encouraging family therapy sessions could foster better communication and understanding between Jennifer and her mother.
- Mentorship Program: Matching Jennifer with a positive role model or mentor can provide her with emotional support and guidance.
- Educational Opportunities: Exploring alternative educational pathways or programs that cater to her individual needs and interests could increase her engagement and future prospects.
Conclusion
Jennifer's situation highlights the complex needs of many juvenile offenders. By identifying risk factors, addressing ethical challenges, and advocating for their well-being, we can create a more comprehensive and effective response to juvenile delinquency
Sample Answer
Advocacy Letter for Jennifer Scott
To: The Honorable Judge [Judge's name]
From: [Your Name], Juvenile Court Probation Officer
Date: June 14, 2024
Subject: Advocacy for Jennifer Scott - Risk and Needs Assessment
Introduction
This letter serves as an advocacy statement on behalf of Jennifer Scott, a juvenile under my supervision. The purpose is to highlight her situation, risk factors, and a specific ethical challenge that impacts my supervision strategies. I will also propose ethical strategies to address this challenge, discuss my role as an advocate, and recommend actions that could lead to positive change for Jennifer.