Building an Ethical Organization Part 1
Ethical Issues in Human Services Organization

Today, there are many who suffer from domestic violence, sexual assault those results in child abuse. This is an issue not widely discussed therefore there must be advocate for those who survive the abuse. According to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, “Each year approximately 207,754 sexual assaults occur in the United States.” That astounding number says a lot; there must be a voice for those suffering abuse so that the cycle of abuse ends. There must be resources available that provide education, prevention, programs, and shelter for those within the community in need. As the director of the non-profit organization, Peace at Last Foundation, the first task is to prepare a mission statement and value statement explaining how the organization will practice ethics to be successful while delivering services to the community. Peace at Last Foundation will provide quality care with compassion and respect to all clients seeking services. Peace at Last Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides counseling, programs, education, shelter and prevention to those that suffer from domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The organization is based on the community in need and provides services regardless of age, sex, gender or severity of violence. The prevention strategy is how the organization will be effective on each individual. Victims of sexual assault are more prone to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, trouble sleeping, and anxiety disorders. (The National Domestic Violence Hotline, 2012.) Peace at Last Foundation will begin by evaluating each client to have better understanding of the situation to provide services needed first to ensure there will be peace at last. There is counseling providing to each individual so that they might understand the signs of violence and escape violent relationships. The counseling provided will be available in a group setting or one-on-one depending on the client and what is most comfortable for them. Education will lead to prevention is how the organization will approach each case. The relationship of the leaders to the people and processes of the organization is primary; the leader cannot create or shape the necessary values of an ethical culture alone. (Manning, 2003,.p.196). This is a clear understanding within the organization so that the participation of everyone is what makes Peace at Last Foundation an ethical and value-based professional organization. The victims, clients, will be educated abusers in a sense that is along the lines of the prevention strategy. Providing them with well researched information about what may trigger the abuser, who abusers are, and how to escape the situation when in danger. A 24 hour hotline will be available through the organization when one may be in danger and need immediate help. The shelter provided will be for all individuals in a dangerous environment regardless of age, sex, or race. The clientele that will be serviced will be all individuals, children and families dealing with domestic violence or abuse. Peace at Last is supported through funding, and grants; a non-profit organization that does not discriminate any individual. The mission statement of the Peace at Last Foundation is to comfort, educate and assist survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and show there is peace at last. The mission statement supports NASW Code of Ethics primary mission, “enhance human well- being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable.” (NASW Code of Ethics, 1999. Preamble.) Peace at Last Foundation provides values, principles and standards within the mission statement to support the ethical system. The agency will follow the core values which the mission statement is based upon. The message the mission statement sends to the community is that the organization is committed to providing services to a diverse population. The organization does not discriminate against any individual, this message provides the community with comfort that all individuals are welcome and will be respected and strengthened to the utmost. The organization incorporates the value statement in the services provided to the community in need, encouraging all staff to work with honesty, integrity and ethical conduct. “The heart of any organization, and particularly human service organizations, is values.” (Zednek, 2002). The organization values respect; employees are to respect the clients and the diversity of the community in order for the organization to be successful. Conduct that the organization delivers is mindfulness, kindness and communication in a clear respectful manner. The community will rely on the organization based on values and behaviors reflected upon the values. Peace at Last Foundation values performance and determination; every challenge will be approached with determination and succeed with excellence. The performance of all staff will be in good ethical behavior, respectful, based on values of the organization and law and regulation followed. All staff will be provided with training focusing on the importance of the mission and value statement, the training will inspire good action and influence behavior. By staff working with integrity the organization will have respect of the diverse community and the quality of life will be improved. “The elements of an ethical culture that build integrity are also the responsibility of all stakeholders, not just the leaders.” (Manning, 2003. P.228) The balance of the organization revolves around integrity, which is the focus at Peace at Last Foundation. The culture of the organization is proof that all staff follow the value statement, the success of changing one victim at a time is proof the respect of the community has been gained. The value statement provides motivation for the staff so that behaviors and actions will reflect values during the decision-making process. The value statement relates to the mission statement because the concern and focus is the community. The organization has a goal; to prevent abuse, educate danger, support change and empower survivors of abuse. “They are no longer victims, survivors at the moment, and forever escaped all violence.” This is the motto that will be taught to all clients. The motto will be act as motivation and support change. “Social workers respect and promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals.” (NASW Code of Ethics, 1999. 1.01).

References:
Idealist. Retrieved from www.idealist.org/info/nonprofits
Manning, S.S. (2003). Ethical Leadership in Human Services. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon
NASW Code of Ethics. 1999. Preamble, 1.01
The National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2012). Retrieved from www.thehotline.org