Sarah and Maria are junior psychology majors enrolled in a Praxis course called “Mental Health Issues in the Community.” For their community placement, they spend several hours each week at a shelter for the homeless. Their duties include helping clients learn about available health services.
Sarah is particularly moved by a client named Bob. Bob is a single father who lost his job and his health insurance when his employer learned that he suffers from bipolar disorder (manic-depression).
One day, Sarah sees Bob in the hallway of the shelter and asks whether he would like help finding a new job. He says “OK.” She posts Bob’s story to several internet discussion boards. She posts her own cell phone number because Bob does not have a telephone or an e-mail account.
Sarah explains to Maria how she has been trying to help Bob. Maria understands Sarah’s good intentions, but wants to explain to Sarah that her actions raise serious ethical issues.
What should Maria say to Sarah?
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