Problem
CASE STUDY- Joel works in a program for young people with disabilities to help them develop their social, educational and independent living skills. Connor, a 15-year-old participant, engages in behaviour of concern. Joel loses his temper and just stops himself in time from slapping Connor to make him stop.
Joel feels very remorseful about his behaviour and realises he needs help to control his anger and Connor's behaviour.
Later the same week, Joel observes a co-worker, Michael, giving chocolate to Connor to encourage him to modify his behaviour. Joel is surprised, as this goes against everything he has been told about managing behaviours of concern, and also because Connor's parents have asked that he not be given any food containing sugar.
Michael laughs when Joel asks about this and says he does lots of things he is not supposed to do to 'make Connor behave', including giving him presents and small amounts of money.
Joel thinks that Michael is not helping Connor manage his behaviour and he is making it more difficult for other workers who do not offer bribes to manage Connor's behaviour. Joel is not sure whether he should intervene in Michael's irresponsible behaviour or just ignore the observations he has made.
A. What should Joel do to obtain the help he needs (self-care) to manage his own behavior?
B. Why could Joel's situation be described as an ethical dilemma?
C. What common principles outlined in the ACWA Code of Ethics could Joel use to guide his actions in this situation?
D. Joel feels isolated and has started to experience anxiety when he is working with Connor and Michael. Describe two possible consequences for Joel, Connor and his employer if he does not practise self-care?
E. What effect does Joel think that Michael's values, beliefs and behaviour are having on Connor?
F. Michael receives a written warning from his employer about his conduct, as he is later observed by a supervisor allowing Connor to wander unsupervised next to a busy road while on a community activity. How has Michael failed to meet his responsibilities? Does he have a responsibility to change his behaviour and, if so, what changes should he make?
G. Joel decides to talk about the situation with Connor's behaviour support needs in a team meeting and to seek feedback from his colleagues about how he has managed the situation. Imagine you are Joel's work colleague. What guidance or advice would you offer him?