Ethical Issues



Ethical Issues in the (Integration of public health and public safety in criminal justice with specific emphasis on behavioral health service)

Introduction

Alcohol, drug problems and other behavior issues are concerns of the public health and justice systems, encompassing the civil, criminal, and juvenile branches. An integrated public health and public safety approach is required for effectively addressing problems. Drug problems, crime, and recidivism decrease through treatment while health conditions also improve. Money is also saved through treatment, and in environment of increasing fiscal limitations, re-evaluation of spending priorities is imperative. A huge burden on our economy is placed by alcohol and other drug problems ensuing in high health care costs, losses of productivity, and other expenditures connected with accidents and crime (Belenko et al., 2005). State justice systems bear a large share of this financial burden (Join together, 2006).

In comparison of any other mental issue, more disability is accounted by mental infirmity and alcohol and other drug disorderliness. In the United States, the criminal justice system is one of the systems that is most affected by these disorders. To resolve the issues in the justice system, of behavioral health disorders, innovative programs are initiated that contribute in correctional and community settings through a more humanitarian and, possibly, cost-efficient system of care. (Bitar, G. W., Gee, R., 2010) However, it is very crucial to analyze the ethical issues while evaluating these programs. This paper is aimed to analyze the ethical issues of conducting a program evaluation on the integration public health and public safety in criminal justice with specific emphasis on behavioral health service and the relationship between ethical practices, methods of data collection and analysis, and reporting on program evaluation.

Discussion & Analysis

Program Evaluation

A systematic way to improve and account for public health actions is effective program evaluation that involves procedures that are helpful, practicable, ethical, and precise. Public health professionals are guided by the framework in their utilization of program evaluation. It is a pragmatic, non prescriptive means, planned to recapitulate and systematize vital constituents of program evaluation. Several steps are standards are comprised by the framework in practice of program evaluation and for efficient program evaluation. Sticking to the evaluation framework's steps and standards will allow recognition of context of each program and will enhance the way, the program evaluations are visualized and carried out. Comprehension and application of the elements of this framework can be a motivating force for development of effective public health strategies, enhancing existing programs, and manifesting the outcome of investment of resources.

Ethical Issues

Consideration and addressing of ethical issues and professional standards are important before initiating evaluation project. For the protection of the rights and dignity of evaluation, one of the strategies is incorporation of participants into the way of designing and carrying out of project. Consideration of safeguards is also very essential that may be desirable when the participants of evaluation program are children or other susceptible populations, involving a number of crime victims. Ethical guidelines are also provided by many professional organizations ...