Ethics and Reflection in Habilitation

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Acting as a habilitation professional conjures particular situations that call into question one's ethical and personal values. On a recent occasion, we had a visit to the office by a young woman who had injured her leg. Upon asking what had happened, our client replied she had hurt herself while out with a guy friend. After more discussion, she divulged she was doing drugs with a friend. While my first reaction would be to wrap her in bubble wrap and never allow her to leave the home, the NASW Code of Ethics has other standards that must be followed. For example, self-determination. While it may not be our choice to engage in such activities, we must consider that this young woman, who is fairly high functioning, is her own guardian. She has the legal right to make choices regarding what she does, with whom, and where she chooses to do it. Yes, it is our responsibility to stress the consequences of such behavior, ultimately we cannot restrict her activities. Upon conversation with the director of habilitation, it was shared that she has participated in classes particularly for people with disabilities about the dangers of unprotected and without consent. Again, while others may balk at the idea of individuals with disabilities participating in sex, it is ultimately not our choice to make in many cases. We cannot have her followed 24/7 with a habilitation worker, nor should we. Ultimately we want our clients to experience independence. We cannot dictate what the boundaries of their independence are in many cases. We have an obligation, as we would with any young adult, to inform them of what could happen, but again, the choice is ultimately theirs. 

This post reflects competencies 1.1 and 1.2: make ethical decisions by applying NASW Code and use reflection to manage personal values and maintain professionalism. 

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