Code Of Ethics

Protecting Society and Federally Sentenced Women with Mental Health Concerns: An Analysis The Canadian Association of Social Workers' (CASW) Code of Ethics guides social work practice. In accordance with the Code of Ethics, social workers share a set of values that include respecting the inherent dignity and worth of all persons and valuing the pursuit of social justice (Canadian Association of Social Workers [CASW], 2005a). In practice, social workers strive for the best interests of clients, encourage self-determination, and advocate for social change (CASW, 2005b). However, certain situations and policies can challenge these values. Existing policies, procedures, and a correctional culture that do not align with professional values

For those people who require extra support in a system designed for the needs of society, the resources do not always exist (John Howard Society of Ontario [JHS], 2015). In these instances, the protection of the individual may be more important than the protection of society. For professionals within the criminal justice system, including social workers, prioritizing the needs of individuals in custody over the needs of society can create a dilemma. The needs of federally sentenced women with mental health concerns is only one example of how the dilemma between the protection of society and the protection of the individual exists. Social workers confronted with this dilemma must make efforts to understand the history of mental health in Canada, the criminal justice system, and CSC policy. Then, they need to examine applicable principles from the CASW Code of Ethics to assist in the ethical decision making process. Finally, ethical decision making requires critical consciousness or personal reflection to explore any bias or assumptions and to understand how the social worker perceives differences in

Before the 1600s, people with mental health concerns were viewed as moral or spiritual deviants in Western countries, like Canada. A Christian worldview dominated this period, and many law abiding citizens were punished, excluded, or eliminated by religious leaders (Statistics Canada, 2009). The treatment of these individuals shifted in the 1700s when Western countries adopted a medical model of mental health and institutionalization emerged. The number of institutions and asylums in Canada increased rapidly during this time (Statistics Canada, 2009). Additionally, in this period Canada began to distinguish offenders with mental health concerns from other offenders at Kingston penitentiary when the Criminal Lunatic Asylum opened in 1856 (Statistics Canada, 2009). In some way, the development of a separate asylum system demonstrates that Canada acknowledged as early as the 1800s that offenders with mental health concerns have unique needs. However, the use of the word 'lunatic' suggests that these dehumanizing separate institutions were intended to protect society rather than to protect the lives of the individuals