As a probation or parole officer, you will need to understand how complex and nuanced social issues may be inextricably connected to the criminal justice system, and how they may affect your ethical decision-making strategies. In this assessment, you will explain how a social issue can impact professional duties and ethics.
Select and research one of the following social issues:
Gender identity/pronoun preferences
Legalization of cannabis (THIS IS THE TOPIC I CHOSE)
Substance/drug addiction
Undocumented immigrants/refugees
Socioeconomic status/socioeconomic disparity
Mental health
The impact of social media and cameras in the courtroom
The impact of news media and investigative journalism
Child support and incarceration
Homelessness/poverty
Unemployment/reentry to society after incarceration
Note: Use the University Library to locate resources related to the issue you selected. Consult with your faculty member if you would like to research an alternate topic of your choice.
Write a 1000 -1300 word status report from the perspective of a probation officer describing the relevance of a social issue in providing probation services ethically. Explain how the social issue affects your professional and ethical responsibilities.
Audience: The report will be submitted to an ethics review committee that is considering altering agency policies to address some of the ethical challenges probation officers are facing.
In your paper:
Summarize the social issue and how it intersects with probation services. Consider incorporating relevant data or statistics to support your summary.
Describe how your morality, ethical standards, and professional responsibilities will work together to make ethical decisions related to your clients.
Create an example or scenario illustrating how you will apply your morals, ethics, and professional conduct to address the selected social issue when working with clients.
Explain the intended outcome of applying professional and ethical responsibilities to the example or scenario you created.
How will you ensure probationers’ rights are protected?
How will you guarantee the probationer is treated with dignity and respect?
How will you ensure your ethical standards and legal responsibilities won’t be compromised?
Provide specific details or examples to support your thinking.