Intelligence tests for a teenager with mental retardation

Full Answer Section In balancing these competing duties, I would prioritize my duty to the client. I would explain to my supervisor that I am not comfortable asking the psychologist to report a lower score, and that I believe it is in the client's best interests to continue receiving services. I would also suggest that we explore other options for the client, such as finding a different agency that could provide services to him and his family. Here are some specific actions I would take: I would meet with my supervisor to discuss the situation. I would explain that I am uncomfortable asking the psychologist to report a lower score, and that I believe it is in the client's best interests to continue receiving services. I would ask my supervisor if there are any other options for the client, such as finding a different agency that could provide services to him and his family. I would document the conversation with my supervisor. I would write a letter to the psychologist explaining that the agency will continue to provide services to the client, even though his test score was just above the required threshold. I would follow up with the client and his family to ensure that they are continuing to receive the services they need. If my supervisor continues to pressure me to ask the psychologist to report a lower score, I would escalate the issue to my supervisor's manager. I would also consult with an ethics consultant or another social worker to get their advice.

Sample Answer

In the situation you described, the ethical considerations I would examine include:

• Duty to the client: My primary duty is to the client, and this includes protecting their confidentiality and advocating for their best interests. In this case, the client's best interests would be to continue receiving services from the agency.
• Duty to the profession: I also have a duty to the profession of social work, and this includes upholding the profession's ethical standards. One of the ethical standards of social work is honesty. If I were to follow my supervisor's instructions and ask the psychologist to report a slightly lower score, I would be engaging in unethical behavior.
• Duty to the agency: I also have a duty to the agency where I work. This includes following the agency's policies and procedures. In this case, the agency's policy may be to discontinue services for clients who score above a certain threshold on intelligence tests.