Question

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.
Assessment Deliverable
Select and research one of the following social issues:
Gender identity/pronoun preferences
. Legalization of cannabis
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 525- to 700-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.


***CHOSEN TOPIC: Homelessness/poverty***

Answer 1

Homelessness and poverty can impact professional duties and ethics for probation officers. Probation officers must consider these social issues when making ethical decisions and providing probation services. They must ensure probationers' rights are protected, treat them with dignity and respect, and avoid compromising their ethical standards and legal responsibilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

A social issue that can impact professional duties and ethics for probation officers is homelessness and poverty. Homelessness and poverty can intersect with probation services in a variety of ways. Probation officers may encounter individuals who are homeless or living in poverty, which can affect their ability to complete probation requirements. Additionally, homelessness and poverty can contribute to the likelihood of individuals engaging in criminal behavior or violating probation terms. Therefore, probation officers must consider the social issue of homelessness and poverty when making ethical decisions related to their clients.

For example, a probation officer may come across a client who is homeless and struggling to find stable housing. In this scenario, the probation officer must balance their professional and ethical responsibilities. They may need to connect the client with resources for housing assistance or advocate for their needs within the criminal justice system. The intended outcome of applying professional and ethical responsibilities in this situation would be to help the client secure stable housing, which can be crucial for their successful rehabilitation and compliance with probation terms.

To ensure probationers' rights are protected, probation officers must adhere to the principles of due process and ensure fair and unbiased treatment. They must provide equal opportunities and access to resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, and not discriminate based on their housing or socioeconomic status. Additionally, probation officers must treat their clients with dignity and respect by acknowledging their circumstances and working collaboratively to address their needs. They should exercise empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in their interactions.

Finally, probation officers should ensure that their ethical standards and legal responsibilities are not compromised by engaging in unethical behavior or violating professional codes of conduct. They must maintain confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and act in the best interests of their clients. This may require seeking guidance from supervisors or legal professionals when facing complex ethical dilemmas.