Social Work Case Summary

The case study of unethical documentation is presented from both the side of the defense attorney and the prosecuting attorney. This case study presents an example of a social worker who has been assigned to work with a young boy by the name of Harry, who has been having behavioral issues. While on a visit with the family Dot the social worker notices that Harry’s mother is degrading him by calling him inappropriate names and the house appears to be unkempt. Dot felt that his mother’s actions were not appropriate and she felt that Harry should be removed from the home. After the visit was over Dot documented the encounter and said in her documentation that “Harry’s mother was incompetent and that she was not fit to care for Harry because

Rothman (2013) states that this model “care is envisioned as a sincere concern for the well-being of another: a concern which then creates a context for action on the part of the person who cares toward to person who is the object of care” (p.22). This theory can be applied to this case study because Dot cared about the well-being of Harry and did not like the way that he was being treated by his mother. Her approach to documenting the encounter was inappropriate, but she wanted Harry to be in an environment where he did not have to experience his mother degrading him in such a way. Due to Harry’s behavioral problems and his living conditions Dot was focused on the environment that he was living in which in turn may have contributed to his behavioral problems along with his living conditions that he was experiencing. Because Dot cared about Harry’s well-being she let her values and opinions get involved which led to her speaking negatively about Harry’s mother. Before documenting the encounter at Harry’s house Dot should have reflected on how she felt and then documented. Once Dot’s head was clear and free from any negativity she could have made a more professional note that stated her concern for Harry’s well-being and the next steps that she would take to assist Harry and his family with getting the help they needed. As a social worker we not only have to understand our client