Castration program might be expanded

2.1(b) Castration program might be expanded

(I truely had a difficult time finding an article that wasn't war related. So hopefully this one works. If not let me know and I'll try again)

According to the article I found on the Statesman Journel website, the Oregon Department of Corrections financial plan for 07-09 includes a $150,000 plan to start a 3 county program to give Depo-Provera injections to high-risk male sex offenders who are on parole. At this time a total of 105 male sex offenders are mandated to take Depo-Provera as a condition of their release. This creates a wide discrepancy since only 20 offenders are actually taking the drug. From what I read in the article many obstacles have created challenges. The challenges include the cost of treatment but more so include some very ethical related issues.

According to www.nationalhumanservices.org , professionals hold certain responsibilities. For starters, they are responsible for respecting the integrity and welfare of their clients. (NOSHE, Statement 2) plan due to the physical risks that the male offenders face. Obviously, subjecting an individual to possible castration is severe enough but when you add in such things as body alterations (breast development/ weight gain), pain (leg cramps/head aches), illness (fatigue/nausea) or more serious issues like blood clots you unleash a whole new meaning to the term treatment. The term would be “cruelty!”

I suppose this is why the counties are having trouble finding professionals to assist in their programs. I mean ethically if a expert upheld their responsibilities to their profession, then they would be obligated to not only offer services within their area of expertise but also “promote cooperation among related disciplines (e.g., psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, family and consumer sciences, medicine, and education) to foster professional growth and interests within the various fields.” (NOSHE, Statement 29) Thus in this case meaning stick together for the cause, in a sort of medical/psychological boycott of said program. Basically by standing together they could very well place an end to the violations that are occurring.


Resources

Gustafson, Alan. (2007). Castration program might be expanded.
Retrieved on May, 29 2007 From Statesman Journal Website: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/NEWS/705270306

NOSHE. (1996). Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.
Retrieved on May 26, 2007 From The National Human Service Website:
http://www.nationalhumanservices.org