Case 3 – Golden City Psychiatric Services –
Regional Victoria Golden City Psychiatric Services is the key provider of acute psychiatric services in regional Victoria. The adult acute unit provides a short term admission and assessment unit for adults experiencing their first episode of psychosis or mental illness requiring inpatient assessment and treatment. Daniel is a 20 year old single man who was made redundant some 18 months ago from a position he loved. He received no notice of this termination and had previously held this position as a skilled electrician and fitter for some 4 years. He resides with his elderly retired parents on the outskirts of town. Daniel has lost contact with his circle of friends with the advance of his depression. Daniel was brought into hospital by Police having been found in his room in a very depressed state in an uncommunicative state. He was assessed by the regional Psychiatric Assessment Team recommended for an inpatient assessment. His parent’s report difficulties managing his increasing care needs but feel obligated to have him return home. It would appear Daniel has been threatening his parents according to his siblings but his parents deny these reports. Daniel appears competent but lacks insight into his context and needs. The inpatient psychiatric assessment team believes he requires an independent guardian to make decisions about accommodation, medication and lifestyle decisions and take the worry away from his elderly parents.
Case Study 3 – Analysis
Relevant laws:
• Mental Health Act 2014
• Vic Charter
• Guardianship and Administration Act (GAA)
• Instruments Act
• Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) Flow Chart
Critical Reflections:
• Autonomy
• Competing Interest
• (Conflicting interests of different parties – Client versus frail parents)
• Competence versus Incompetence – Involves two separate and distinct avenues of action VCAT and non-VCAT -Threshold Issues for VCAT – (Disability / Incapacity / Need)
Human Rights:
• Vic Charter No. 10, 8, 22
Ethical Principles:
• AASW- 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
Ethical Reflection:
• Best Practice – Assertive Practice & CTO & Recovery Models
• Model
Reamer Model (1999)
1. Identify the ethical issue (including the social work values and duties that conflict)
2. Identify the individuals, groups or organizations likely to be affected by the decision
3. Identify all viable courses of action and the participants involved in each action
4. Examine the reasons in favor of and opposed to each course of action considering:-
a. Ethical theories, principles & guidelines
b. Codes of Ethics and legal principles
c. Social work practice theory and Principles
d. Personal Values
5. Consult with colleagues and appropriate experts
6. Make the decision and document the decision making process
7. Monitor evaluate and document the outcomes of the decision (1)
(1) Reamer, F.G. (1999) Social Work Values and Ethics (2 ed) Columbia UniPress )
