CHCCS400C - Educator Accepting Gift From Family

[Nikki26]

Scenario
You see a mother giving an envelope to one of your carers. When you ask what it is, you find it contains what looks like an expensive bracelet. You ask her why she accepted it and she replies the mother asks her to look after her child in the evenings and at weekends sometimes. She says she does it as a favour, as she speaks the same languages the mother, who speaks very little english. You recognise that offering 'gifts' is part of the culture of that country.

1. In your opinion, is there a conflict of interest here?
There could be a conflict of issue as it may cause problems within the workplace.
2. Is this an ethical problem or a cultural issue?
Ethical problem....
3. How will you handle this situation?
Monitor and observe the situation only action when i see it becoming an issue

Please help I need some guidance!

[cattsia]

Hi Nikki,
This seems like a personal opinion based question.
However, I will answer this truthfully for you as a fellow educator with experience.

1. In my opinion, no, there is no "conflict" of interest raised above this scenario. The possible concern would be 'favoritism' towards the child and family.
I am a firm believer in relationships with families and staff. If a parent decides to give you a gift out of their heart, it is an offence to shove it back in their face. The world needs more generosity and relationships like this.
2. If favoritism is detected and continues to increase, therefore it is an ethical problem.
3. Only monitor the situation with an open mind and care. If child is a higher priority due to favoritism to the educator, then a discussion with the educator, room leader and director concerning the best interest of his/her other focus children is being met. If you suspect any constant trades or suspicious trades, then take further action.


Families who have language barriers most of the time find it hard to connect with educators who are unable to speak their language.
When families of a certain culture find an educator with that culture get excited and have an instant relationship (take it from somebody with a European and speaking background). The parents show appreciation and feel secure at this point. Gift giving in cultures is how we show appreciation as routine. However, if it is a weekly issue, and is causing worry and threats to the children and educators, then obviously higher action must be taken.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any more help regarding this topic or others...

Catherine:)

[Lorina]

It's a tough one... The gift could be given instead of "money" and since it's part of the culture then it seems like it's appropriate for them. The only issue I could think of regarding this is that the family giving the educator the bracelet would probably be more intended to go to her to talk about any concerns or issues or to do favours for them since they paid her with the bracelet (so to speak)... So, I think that it may cause conflict of interest as the family would prefer this educator over the others, it is a cultural issue and you just need to speak to the educator about accepting gifts and that she can't do special favours for the family or give them any special treatment etc.

Hope this makes sense,

,
Lorina

[Nikki26]

Omg thank you so much Catherine and Lorina I appreciate the time you've taken to help me through this ! I am algood with the law side of child services however the ethical side is a bit Technical when it comes to scenarios I haven't experienced as yet.

[Lorina]

Yeah, no problem!

Sometimes the ethical side of things can be a little daunting trying to figure out what's wrong and what's right.... It's good to be prepared on how to deal with the ethical side of things in case... Hopefully you won't be faced in a situation where you need to use this judgement...

Good Luck for your assignment,

,
Lorina