The Four Key Principles of Ethical Practice in Case Management

Posted: April 4th, 2019

HCCSSD101_Assessment_2_ Due Week 7 Page 1 of 1
ASSESSMENT 2 BRIEF
Subject Code and Title HCCSSD101 Case Management and Understanding Community
Services
Assessment Essay – The four key principles of ethical practice
Individual/Group Individual
Length 1,500 words (+/- 10%)
Learning Outcomes The Subject Learning Outcomes demonstrated by successful
completion of the task below include:
a) Reflect on appropriate ethical and professional standards in case
management.
b) Write My Essay | Papers Writing Service Online by Essay Hub Experts- Describe the theory and practice of program planning,
development and evaluation.
Submission Due by 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Sunday end of Module 7 (Week 7).
Weighting 35%
Total Marks 100 marks
Assessment Task
Reflect on and discuss the importance of the four key principles underlying the code of ethics of case
management (Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand’s National Code of Ethics for
Case Management (2013) or ACWA Code of Ethics and Practice (2017) to the development and
delivery of community services. Under what circumstances may it be necessary to limit the
application of the principle of autonomy and how might you compensate for this? Use examples to
illustrate your analysis.
Please refer to the Instructions for details on how to complete this task.
Context
In the first weeks of this subject, you have explored the social and economic circumstances many
people in Australia experience as well as the community service responses to their needs. You have
explored the underlying values of different community service organisations as well as current and
emerging models of service delivery.
You have also examined the fundamental principles and values that inform a community service
professional’s practice and how they are expressed in the code of ethics for case management. You
were challenged to reflect on your own personal values and how they may align with the values of
professional practice.
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After becoming familiar with the steps involved in case management and the role of the case
manager, you then reviewed the application of case management in different settings and with
different population groups.
This assessment will provide you with the opportunity to apply your learnings and insights to date by
describing the importance of the values and ethics of case management and how they inform your
practice. It will provide you with a further opportunity to demonstrate a higher level of
understanding or the application of these values when they are applied in varied circumstances with
diverse populations. Your analysis will need to reflect on the degree to which the principle of
autonomy can be maintained in circumstances where a client may have reduced cognitive or
decision-making capacity.
Instructions
1. To complete this assessment task, address the following questions in your 1,500-word
(+/- 10%) essay and provide examples as required:
• What are the four key principles underpinning professional community service
practice?
• How are these articulated in codes of ethics?
• Why are they important to informing practice?
2. Choose an example where, in working in the role of a case manager, you are attempting
to develop a case management plan with a person who has limited understanding of the
process (i.e., this may be due to reduced cognitive and decision-making capacity,
confusion brought about due to a mental illness or impairment, or due to language and
cultural issues which may result in the person finding the experience of this engagement
intimidating and alienating):
• Use your example to explore the challenges this situation contains.
• How may you continue to operate in ways which respect client autonomy.
What strategies or adjustments to your practice will you need to engage in to
achieve this?
• One way of reflecting on their importance may be to reflect on and analyse
the implications of their absence in the relationship between a client and a
service.
The structure of your essay should include:
• A separate cover page with the subject name and code, your name, the assessment number
and title, and your Learning Facilitator’s name.
• Introduction (approximately 250 words) which contains a clear statement of the purpose of
the essay and what you will cover, together with any relevant background information.
• The Main Body (approximately 1,000 words) which should contain identification of issues
and their disassembly into parts and critical perspective to be applied in analysing the
constituent parts.
• Conclusion (approximately 250 words) which summarises the key points of your essay.
HCCSSD101_Assessment_2_ Due Week 7 Page 1 of 1
Remember to use references and other material and resources provided in Weeks 1 to 7. In
particular, Case Management: Inclusive Community Practice (Moore, 2016).
Please refer to the Assessment Rubric – Buy ‎Custom College Essays Online: Pay for essay online for the assessment criteria.
APA Reference:
Moore, E. (Ed.). (2016). Case management: Inclusive community practice (2nd ed.). Oxford University
Press.
Referencing
It is essential that you use appropriate APA style (7th edition) for citing and referencing research.
Please see more information on referencing in the Academic Skills webpage.
Submission Instructions
Submit this task via the Assessment link in the main navigation menu in HCCSSD101 Case
Management and Understanding Community Services. Your Learning Facilitator will provide
feedback via the Grade Centre in the LMS portal. Feedback can be viewed in My Grades.
Academic Integrity
All students are responsible for ensuring that all work submitted is their own and is appropriately
referenced and academically written according to the Academic Writing Write My Essay Today: No1 Essay Writing Service AU for Your Academic Papers – Guide. Students also need
to have read and be aware of the Torrens University Australia Academic Integrity Policy and
Procedure and subsequent penalties for academic misconduct. These are viewable online.
Students also must keep a copy of all submitted material and any assessment drafts.
Special Consideration
To apply for special consideration for a modification to an assessment or exam due to unexpected or
extenuating circumstances, please consult the Assessment Policy for Higher Education Coursework
and ELICOS and, if applicable to your circumstance, submit a completed Application for Assessment
Special Consideration Form to your Learning Facilitator.
HCCSSD101_Assessment_2_ Due end week 7 Page 5 of 5
Assessment Rubric – Buy ‎Custom College Essays Online: Pay for essay online
Assessment
Attributes
Fail

Applies APA citation and
referencing techniques
with minor errors.
The following Subject Learning Outcomes are addressed in this assessment
SLO a) Reflect on appropriate ethical and professional standards in case management.
SLO b) Write My Essay | Papers Writing Service Online by Essay Hub Experts- Describe the theory and practice of program planning, development and evaluation.

The Four Key Principles of Ethical Practice in Case Management

Introduction

Case management plays a vital role in understanding community services and meeting the needs of individuals in various social and economic circumstances. It involves a deep understanding of ethical and professional standards that guide the practice. This essay aims to reflect on and discuss the importance of the four key principles underlying the code of ethics of case management in the context of developing and delivering community services. Furthermore, we will explore situations where the principle of autonomy may need to be limited and the compensatory strategies that can be employed. This analysis will draw upon scholarly sources, including the Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand’s National Code of Ethics for Case Management (2013) and ACWA Code of Ethics and Practice (2017).

The Four Key Principles of Ethical Practice in Case Management

The four key principles that underpin professional community service practice are beneficence, non-malfeasance, justice, and autonomy. Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation of case managers to act in ways that promote the well-being and best interests of their clients. Non-malfeasance, on the other hand, involves the duty to avoid causing harm or injury to clients. Justice highlights the importance of fairness and equitable treatment in service delivery. Lastly, autonomy emphasizes respecting the right of clients to make their own decisions and have control over their lives.

Articulation in Codes of Ethics

These principles are prominently articulated in the codes of ethics for case management. For instance, the Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand’s National Code of Ethics for Case Management (2013) emphasizes the responsibility of case managers to act in the best interest of their clients (beneficence) while avoiding harm (non-malfeasance). It also underscores the importance of treating clients fairly and without discrimination (justice) and upholding their right to self-determination (autonomy).

The Importance of the Four Key Principles

These principles are of utmost importance in informing case management practice. They serve as ethical guidelines, shaping the conduct of case managers in their interactions with clients, service providers, and the community at large. By upholding the principle of beneficence, case managers can ensure that their actions result in positive outcomes for their clients, fostering trust and confidence in the services provided. Additionally, adherence to non-malfeasance ensures that clients are protected from harm, promoting a safe and secure environment for their well-being.

Furthermore, the principle of justice plays a crucial role in mitigating disparities and inequities that exist in society, as case managers strive to allocate resources and services fairly. This helps create an inclusive and supportive community service system. Lastly, the principle of autonomy recognizes the agency and dignity of clients, empowering them to participate actively in decision-making processes regarding their care and support. By respecting clients’ autonomy, case managers foster a sense of ownership and empowerment in the service recipients.

Challenges in Maintaining Autonomy

In certain situations, it may be necessary to limit the application of the principle of autonomy. One such scenario arises when working with clients who have reduced cognitive or decision-making capacity, experience mental illness or impairment, or face language and cultural barriers that hinder their engagement with the case management process. In such instances, clients may struggle to comprehend the options available to them or articulate their preferences effectively.

Compensatory Strategies for Respectful Practice

To respect client autonomy in challenging circumstances, case managers can employ various compensatory strategies. For example, they can collaborate with family members or designated decision-makers to ensure the client’s best interests are represented. Additionally, case managers can prioritize effective communication by using interpreters, translators, or cultural liaisons to facilitate understanding between themselves and the clients. Moreover, employing a person-centered approach and involving clients in decision-making to the extent possible allows them to have a say in the service planning and delivery process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four key principles of ethical practice in case management—beneficence, non-malfeasance, justice, and autonomy—are foundational in guiding community service professionals. By adhering to these principles, case managers can provide ethical, compassionate, and effective support to their clients. While autonomy is of great significance, there are situations where it may need to be limited due to various challenges faced by clients. Nevertheless, compensatory strategies, such as engaging with clients’ support systems and promoting effective communication, allow case managers to respect clients’ autonomy even in difficult circumstances.

References:

Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand. (2013). National Code of Ethics for Case Management.

ACWA Code of Ethics and Practice (2017).

Moore, E. (Ed.). (2016). Case management: Inclusive community practice (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.