Ethics and Values

Each and every one of us has ethics and values that we adhere by. Even though this topic
may sound self-explanatory, it is not. The CSHSE Standards in the Human Service Program
places a great deal of emphasis on the importance of ethics and values. Throughout the program I
have had the opportunity to learn and demonstrate these values.
As I have progressed through my education in the Human Services Program I have
experienced a shift in my ethics and values. I began seeing a change in my ethics and values after
taking HSP 440 Internship and Seminar where I conducted my field experience at Echo Glen
Children's Center. Here I began working with juveniles who come from all walks of life. Initially
I thought many of these youth deserved the punishment they were receiving. Many of these
individuals have committed horrendous crimes where they have truly caused harm to others and
our society. As I progressed through my field experience I began peeling the onion away. I
quickly learned that many of these youth are victims of crime and hardships as well. Many of
these youth come from households who did not provide the love, nurturing, and structured
environment that children need to develop and grow. As a result, many of the crimes I see are
merely a symptom of a greater problem. Instead of looking at the residents as criminals I began
looking at them as people; people who are in the midst of chaos.
I wrote a reflection paper called Echo Glen Sex Offense where I discuss many barriers
young sex offenders face upon release. Before I began my field experience at Echo Glen
Childrens Center I thought sex offenders were the worst of the worst. Sex offense crimes are
horrible, revolting, vile crimes where the victims are permanently damaged for life. I thought
that working with sex offenders would be violating my ethics and values because of the nature of
the crimes they committed. After working with these individuals I quickly learned that they are
just normal everyday people. As time progressed I felt a shift in my ethics and values. I learned
that most of these children and youth were actually victims of sex offense crimes. I learned that
many of these children were products of their environment. This understanding gave me
perspective and allowed me to effectively work with sex offenders.
During my time at Echo Glen Children's Center I have been able to meet Standard 19 of
the CSHSE National Standards. This standard emphasizes the importance of learning the
uniqueness of individuals including culture, ethnicity, race, class, gender, religion, ability, sexual
orientation, and other expressions of diversity. My time at Echo Glen has exposed me to a
diverse set of individuals who have different thoughts and experiences as my own.
My time at Echo Glen Childrens Center has given me a better understanding of values
and ethics. One topic that is frequently discussed at Echo Glen Childrens Center is the future of
the children and youth. Often times we ask so what are your plans when you leave and are
you going to go to college? In HSP 440 Internship and Seminar I wrote a reflection paper
called Echo Graduation where I discuss my thoughts and feelings on graduating high school. I
have come to learn that even though education has been a major part of my life it isnt an
important part of the lives of many of the children and youth. I feel so passionate about education
that it was difficult to accept and understand why many of the children and youth didnt share
my ethics and values. I have completed CSHSE Standard 20 by exploring and reflecting on this
idea. I have learned that everyone has different ethics, values, personalities, reaction patterns,
interpersonal styles, and limitations. I have struggled with the idea, but have come to realize
many people have different values than my own.
Another experience I had at Echo Glen Childrens Center that challenged my thoughts
and values involved another staff member and me. My reflection paper Echo Glen
Reinforcement describes in detail the situation I was involved with. In a brief summary; I found
myself working with a suicidal client who was threatening to hurt himself. In the moment and in
my professional opinion I wanted to have security move the client to an isolated room where
they would be unable to continue to harm themselves. Another staff member felt very differently
about the situation. They felt that this would be providing positive reinforcement to the client
because they believe they were seeking attention. This situation taught me that it is very
important to take into consideration the thoughts and values of others. I followed the permanent
staff members request and ignored my gut feeling. This later caused me to feel uncomfortable
and regret. Each and every one of us has ethics and values and it is important we do not violate
these values. In the moment I felt I violated my own values and from this experience I learned it
is important to stay true to your values.
I have successfully completed and followed CSHSE Standards 19-21 by completing and
participating in my field experience. Here I was challenged and exposed to many different
individuals ethics and values. I have come to understand that everyone has different thoughts
and ideas on how they perceive the world. As a human services practitioner it is my duty to be
conscious of this idea and be non-judgmental to those who do not share similar values and ethics
as my own.