Reference no: EM133009964

SPS304 Mental Health and the Community

This assessment builds on your theoretical knowledge and aims to put that theoretical learning into application.

You will be required to choose from one of several case studies involving vulnerable groups, which will be provided during the trimester. You must identify and analyse the relevant ethical considerations and impact of mental health issues on the vulnerable group in your case study.

Where applicable, your case study of choice must address the following:

· Define mandated, permitted and authorized breaches of confidentiality

· Discuss situations in which mental health providers have a duty to report

· Explain a mental health professional's duty to report child/elder abuse

· Analyse the mental health issues that are impacting on the client in your chosen case study

You are required to prepare a report analysing a case study (choose one case study from the two case studies provided).

Formulate comprehensive ethical principles applying to a simulated case study. Where applicable, your case study of choice would be addressing the following ethical issues:
• Define mandated, permitted and authorized breaches of confidentiality
• Discuss situations in which mental health providers have a duty to report
• Explain a mental health professional's duty to report child and elder abuse
• Analyse the mental health issues that are impacting on the client in your case study

Case study 1
• Charlie is a 65 year old Aboriginal man that has experienced long-term mental illness. Charlie was part of the Stolen Generation and was forcibly removed from his family when he was only 5 years old and never saw his family again.
• Charlie was put into an orphanage for 1 year and was then adopted by a non-indigenous family and lost contact with his Aboriginal culture as well as family.
• When he was first diagnosed with mental health isMelanies he was hospitalised for two years.
• John is Charlie's mental health support worker and John also identifies as Indigenous.
• Charlie reported at their first meeting that he has been very happy for the past 1 year as he is living in supported accommodation because he was homeless for a very long time. Now he lives in supported accommodation for Indigenous people with complex mental health needs so is gaining the support he needs, and also getting back in touch with his Aboriginal culture.
• Charlie smokes about 30 cigarettes a day, is malnourished and is in poor physical health.
• When Charlie metJohn for their third appointment, Charlie disclosed that he was touched inappropriately by one of the workers at the supported accommodation residence, but he asked John not to report it because he is terrified that he will be homeless again.
• John tells Charlie that although there are no legal requirements mandating him to report, he is still bound by a Duty of Care to all clients, therefore he will have to report this abuse to his supervisor. John advises that he will support Charlie through all steps of the process in order to help him feel safe.

Case study 2
• Melanie is a support worker with the Salvation Army in the area of Alcohol and Other Drugs (ADD).
• Jane is attending her first counselling session with Melanie.
• Jane has a long history of using cocaine. She is already receiving support and treatment to reduce her dependence on the drug and was referred to see Melanie to receive counseling for extra support.
• At the beginning of the appointment, Jane asks Melanie to promise that she will not disclose everything that she is going to discuss as there are some things that she wishes to keep private.
• Melanie explains the Salvation Army's confidentiality guidelines and their limits, advising Jane that she will work with her on any issues that can remain within those guidelines.
• Jane tells Melanie that she thinks her partner may be sexually abusing her young son who is only 7 years old.
• State laws require that Melanie reports this information to her supervisor, who will report to the appropriate authorities, and she explains this legal obligation to lane.
• Jane becomes very upset, but listens as Melanie outlines the steps she will take to help her work through the problem and how she will support her throughout the process.