The Pomers Case Analysis
The social worker should give so much weight to the wishes and preferences of Pomer and Eleanor because Eleanor is excited to go back home. The social worker should consider autonomy and self-determination as key social work values that should drive their decision to give Eleanor’s desires and preferences much weight (NASW, n.d.). It is also important to consider the Pomers’ perspective—the concern they have regarding the impact on their other children should not be overlooked, and the social worker should help them get the necessary support: The Pomers Case Analysis.
Eleanor’s emotional and development needs reveal that returning home is best for her welfare, and so the principle of best interest should apply in her case. At the same time, it is the work of the social worker to ensure that the home environment is also good for her (Reisch, 2020). Besides, the NASW (n.d.) emphasizes the importance of promoting the well-being of the client but also considering environmental and systemic factors. What is best for Eleanor, therefore, is the case where her needs are met, necessary resources are available, and where the family has the capacity to provide care.
The social worker’s role is to advocate for the welfare of Eleanor; however, the final decision must only be made by the Pomers since parents have the right to decide what is best for their children. The social worker can only prevent that if the child faces harm or neglect from the family (Reisch, 2020). Additionally, the welfare of the other children in the household must be taken into account. In case bringing Eleanor home might strain the family in some way, then the social worker should consider other external support systems like in-home care, respite care, and educational accommodations.
Trying to manipulate the Pomers into accepting the staff’s recommendation would be an unethical move by the social worker. Trying to increase tuition fees and giving misleading information would be considered unethical. Standard 1.2 of the NASW Code of Ethics states that social workers should respect clients’ dignity and right to make informed decisions (NASW, n.d.). The social worker’s main role now is to continue supporting and educating this family so that they make a decision that captures Eleanor’s needs and the realities of the family.
The following are some of the ethical standards that can guide the decision herein.
- Standard 1.01 on commitment to clients would be used to prioritize Eleanor’s welfare and respect the family’s role in the decision-making.
- Standard 1.02 on self-determination would be used to ensure Eleanor and her family make an informed decision.
- Standard 1.07 on privacy and confidentiality would guide the social worker to have an open, honest conversation with the family without coercing them and keeping every piece of information confidential.
- Standard 3.02 on education and training would guide the social worker to give this family clear information on the available support.
References
NASW. (n.d.). Code of ethics: English. National Association of Social Workers (NASW). https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Reisch, M. (2020). Social work ethics in a changing society. Cognella.
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question
Ethics Blog 3

The Pomers Case Analysis
They are satisfied with the present arrangement because they feel that it would be too much of a strain on their other children if Eleanor again lived at home. The social worker is convinced that is would be best for Eleanor to leave the school and resume a more normal home life. She is aware that Eleanor is excited about the possibility of living with her parents and brothers and sisters.
- How much weight must the social worker give to the Pomers’ and to Eleanor’s wishes?
- Should the most important criterion in reaching a decision be what is best for Eleanor?
- Who decides what is best for Eleanor? What about the welfare of the other Pomer children? Does the social worker have an ethical right to manipulate the environment (e.g., by raising the tuition fee) in order to “help” the Pomers reach the decision that staff thinks is best for Eleanor?
- Are their standards in the Code that will help her decide what the correct decision is?
Resource:
