Potential Ethical Dilemma?
Hello everyone. I’m looking for professional perspectives on a situation I recently encountered as a care coordinator and licensed social worker. I received secondhand information from another agency regarding concerns involving possible substance use and suicidal ideation within a member’s family. I consulted with my supervisor, who involved another supervisor, and I was advised to hold off on making a CYFD report until additional information could be gathered. I’m feeling conflicted because I understand my responsibilities as a mandated reporter and licensed social worker. Part of me feels the agency that initially received the information should have made the report, but I also question whether I still have an obligation to report based on the information shared with me. I documented the information received, my consultation with supervisors, and the guidance provided in our documentation system. I’m trying to consider the ethical aspects of the situation while ensuring I’m acting appropriately. For those who have encountered similar situations, how would you approach this?