Social work major. Ethical dilemma

Sun Yi is a 33-year-old woman who has been transferred to the palliative care unit at Midwest Health Services with an aggressive and
rare type of cancer. She has previously been an in-patient at the acute hospital which is part of Midwest, but her condition has
deteriorated. She has some brain metastases and is in a lot of pain. She has been transferred for pain management and end-of-life
care. She is now unable to communicate clearly and tires very easily.
Sun Yi is originally from Hong Kong but has permanent resident status in Australia. She is the mother of a 2-year-old boy, David, who
was born in Australia. She has cared for David on her own since her relationship with David’s father broke down 18 months ago. Sun Yi
has told the social worker that David’s father was abusive towards her, and he has not seen David since their separation. Sun Yi does
not want to tell her ex-partner about her deteriorating health and she does not intend to involve him in discussions about David’s future.
Sun Yi has family who still live in Hong Kong. Her sister is in Australia and has been supporting her.
A referral is made to social work to support Sun Yi and her family. Sun Yi’s sister is difficult to contact and has not been at the hospital
during the social worker’s work hours. Nursing staff tell the social worker that Sun Yi’s sister plans to take David back to Hong Kong to
live with her mother – David’s grandmother.

Description of the ethical problem or issue or dilemma and the context: (approx. 550 words)

1.Clearly and concisely state the ethical problem or issue or dilemma that this case presents.

2.What questions related to ethical issues and conflicts, legal issues, and human rights issues does this situation raise for you as a
social worker involved in this case?

3.Identify all of the individuals, groups and organisations likely to be affected by the ethical decisions.