Ethical Dilemmas & Ethical Problem Solving: Involuntary Commitment
Abstract
The Tarvydas Integrated Decision-Making Model will be used to make a decision to involuntary commit a client. This particular model was selected because of Ms.Tarvydas' distinguished reputation in the field of ethics. Her model incorporates the most prominent principle and virtue aspects of several decision making approaches and introduces contextual deliberations into the process (Cottone, R.R. & Tarvydas, V.M., 2007). Tarvydas' model is comprised of four stages: I. Interpreting the situation, II. Formulating an Ethical Decision, III. Selecting an Action by Weighing Competing Nonmoral Values, and IV. Planning and Executing the Selected Course of Action Maki & Tarvydas, 2012). Alternative considerations will also be discussed in forming other hypothetical courses of action. For brevity’s sake the components of each stage will be condensed.
Introduction
Civil Commitment (involuntary) is a legal process to determine whether a person with a mental illness who meets other established criteria should be ordered to receive mental health evaluation or treatment against his/her will (azdhs.gov). In Arizona, the criteria for involuntary evaluation and/or treatment are that the person is: unwilling or unable to accept voluntary evaluation/treatment; and as a result of a mental illness is: a danger to self; a danger to others; gravely disabled (unable to take care of one’s basic physical needs); or persistently or acutely disabled (likely to suffer severe mental or physical harm because of impaired judgment caused by a mental health condition) (azdhs.gov).
Stage I. Interpreting the Situation
The client, henceforth referred to as Alex, does not have parents in Tucson, Arizona and is an only child. His closest relative, an aunt, lives in New York City and they are not in contact. The major stakeholders appear to be only the client, as he lives alone and is not employed. Alex has...