Click here for suggestions about how to respond to these kinds of dilemmas.

Everyone must make their own decisions about how to respond to ethical challenges related to a family’s money choices. But here are some points to consider:

• What is your role?
  
  As a family support worker your primary role is to promote better outcomes for children, through assistance to their whole family. Think carefully about the impact your response will have on your capacity to maintain a working relationship with the family.
  
  
• What should you document?
  
  Remember that your files could be subpoenaed as part of court processes. If you are not sure what to document about your knowledge of the family’s finances, check with your supervisor.
  
  
• Should you discuss possible consequences with the family?
  
  Family members may not necessarily be aware of the possible consequences of their choices. They may not be aware that they could be prosecuted or even gaoled for defrauding government agencies. They may have not thought about the implications for their child of avoiding child support obligations. Depending on how much family members trust you, you may be able to discuss with them the possible implications of their choices, while making clear that the decision about what to do is up to them.