Case’1. A social worker employed in a county social services department as an eligibility
workerhas learned that localwelfare reforms direct that shereport any new childrenbornto
current welfarerecipients.Shefearsthat thenewreportingrequirement could prevent
childrenborninto welfare families from receiving income supports laterin their lives.The
workerisawareof the requirementthatsocialworkers shouldcomply with the law.However,
sheis convinced that reporting newborns might preclude future essential services.The social
worker also believes that the newregulations will create a new class of citizens (children born
to welfaremothers)that mightbe discriminated against in variousways.She feels caught
between complying withthelawandignoringthe lawto preventwhat she viewsaslikely
injustice.
A. What is/arethe ethical dilemma(s)facing the social worker?
B.Are these legitimate concerns? Why or why not?
C.As the socialworkerin this county agency, how would you respond in this situation?
What are your possiblecourses of action?
