Cindy's Ethical Theory

The key ethical issue that can be identified in this case scenario is Cindy’s failure to report Ben’s sexual relationship with a 30-year-old man. The other incidents which form a basis for the ethical issues that have risen include Ben’s mental well-being (attempted suicide 3 months prior) and mandatory requirements raising concerns about privacy, trust, harm, duty of care etc. Mandatory reporting requires understanding the laws and rules in question (Carnahan & Hosom, 2016). If one ethical concern is overlooked, it can become easier to overlook a second. Cindy does not report Ben’s relationship because she believes that she will be able to help Ben arrive at a decision to terminate the relationship, which is a big assumption on her part. By

Two theories that support the action of reporting an illegal sexual relationship such as Ben’s are deontology and utilitarianism. Theories like these focus on providing moral rules that work to benefit society as a whole.

Deontology is an ethical approach that focuses on the rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, as opposed to the rightness or wrongness of the consequences of those actions or to the character and habits of the actor (Mastin, 2008). Deontology is also defined as "duty-based" or "obligation-based" ethics, as Deontologists believe that ethical rules bind people to their duty (Mastin, 2008). In this case, Cindy’s lack of action can be perceived as wrong through the theory of deontology as her decision to not mention ben’s relationship goes against her duty of care as a

(Justice, 2010). However, there is no single principle of justice in the four principles approach. This principle is linked to fairness, entitlement and equality. An individual is treated justly if they are being treated according to what is fair, due or owed. In allied health professions, justice can be easier defined when it is divided into three subcategories. These subcategories; fair distribution, respect for people’s rights, and respect for morally acceptable laws, work to ensure the equal treatment of every member in society (Justice, 2010). Cindy should be influenced by justice and respect her clients’ human rights and the regulations surrounding his possibly harmful situation. Payne (2012) mentions that “Assessing and reporting on social issues and relationships makes sure that social care bureaucracies take these matters into account when they make decisions.” Payne essentially says that through reporting problems the standard of care from those who investigate them increases, therefore justice should increase as