Assignment task:
Robert, A SSW student, was excited about his placement in a local probation and parole office. He had the opportunity to work with and observe staff members and was then given a small caseload of his own to monitor and work with.
Hi field practicum liaison noticed in reading Robert's journal that there was a great deal of variation in his communication with his clients. Some clients he spoke with often and conducted professional helping interviews involving important exploration, decision making, and goal setting. Other clients he spoke with rarely and did little more than lecture and give commands.
The faculty member spoke with Robert about this during a site visit, and Robert responded with the following comment, "You see, one thing I've learned in this field placement is that for some of these people, it's not even worth trying. They don't care about their life. They're not making any effort, so why should the probation officer make an effort? You can just tell which ones are worth the trouble and which one's aren't. I've talked with several officers about it, and they all agree. You're just wasting your time trying to help a lot of these people."
Robert does not seem to be aware of the professional issues involved in this situation. What ethical, legal or values issues are present in Robert's situation?
If you had the opportunity to respond to Robert, what might you say?
Assuming that Robert has acquired his attitudes and behaviours from professional role models within the agency, how might he address these issues day to day in his work as an ethically sensitive helper?