Challenges of a Mediator and Advocate

Challenges of a Mediator and Advocate

February 7, 2013

Challenges of a Mediator and Advocate

Human Service professionals sometimes face ethical, moral, and legal challenges when playing the role of mediator or advocate. Of these challenges, dual relationships are particularly concerning. This paper addresses this challenge, along with my opinion about integration of a mediator or advocate within the human services field. I will be sharing my personal philosophy and individual approach to advocating and mediating at Planned Parenthood.

Dual relationships within the human service field can be explosive. Mediators and advocates enter into the client-helper relationship with the best interest of the client above everything else. Should a dual relationship evolve, one that involves interaction on both personal and professional levels, risk potential harm to the client-helper relationship and could cause a negative outcome for his or her client. Ethical standards are set forth to prevent such relationship from developing. Human service professionals must be careful when interacting with their clients. Dual relationships sets the stage of many ethical, legal, and moral challenges, therefore; it is imperative the professional is always aware of the direction the relationship is heading keeping the best interest of the client above anything else, including themselves.

Although dual relationships happen within the human service field, I believe the integration of advocacy and mediation is necessary. Many individuals seeking help are unaware of their rights or simply unable to speak for themselves for one reason or another, so an advocate can step in and protect these individuals by using their own voice to protect the rights of the client. Mediators are equally important as they pave the way for resolution should conflicts arise. Mediators are not the decision makers in conflict but they help the parties involved, reach an agreement by presenting both parties another way of looking at the issue at hand. They remain neutral at all times, never swaying to one side or the other.

Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. They work toward improving women's health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible choices ("Planned Parenthood Care", 2013). For many teenagers, young adults, and women in general has sought their services in one particular area that has raised controversial issues within society. The issue of abortion continues even today among societies around the world. As an individual I see both sides to the issues involved with this procedure, however; as