Case example 3 Keisha, a human services student, was performing her human services practicum at a child development center in a relatively affluent part of town. The center served mostly middle-class, professional, or two-career couples but also served a small group of children whose care was paid for by the Department of Social Services (DSS) as part of the workfare program. As Keisha started her fieldwork, the center was embroiled in a child abuse and neglect allegation involving one of the DSS children. Staff members had repeatedly noticed marks on the child that resembled a belt buckle. The decision was made to report their observations to DSS. The staff explained to Keisha the laws that required them to report suspected child abuse or neglect. They emphasized that reporting was mandatory and that they had no choice, legally, ethically, or morally, about making the report. Within a few weeks, Keisha noticed similar marks on another child while supervising a bathroom break. She reported her observation to the teacher in her classroom. The teacher said that she had noticed similar marks on the child before but felt sure that this was not an abusive situation because this child came from such a "wonderful family." She explained that the parents were well known in the community. The father was a successful, well-liked attorney, and the mother was enrolled in a local college finishing her degree. They lived in a beautiful neighborhood, and both were pleasant, responsible people. The subject was then dropped. EXERCISE 3.5 Analysis What ethical, legal, or values issues were involved in this situation? As a student in the agency, did Keisha's options for dealing with this situation differ from those of a staff member? Why or why not? What is your evaluation of Keisha's handling of the situation? What are the positive aspects? What are the negative aspects?