As a probation or parole officer, you will need to understand how complex and nuanced social issues may be inextricably connected to the criminal justice system, and how they may affect your ethical decision-making strategies. In this assessment, you will explain how a social issue can impact professional duties and ethics.

Select and research one of the following social issues: 

• Gender identity/pronoun preferences
• Legalization of cannabis
• Substance/drug addiction
• Undocumented immigrants/refugees
• Socioeconomic status/socioeconomic disparity
• Mental health
• The impact of social media and cameras in the courtroom
• The impact of news media and investigative journalism
• Child support and incarceration
• Homelessness/poverty
• Unemployment/reentry to society after incarceration

Write a 1000 -1300 word status report from the perspective of a probation officer describing the relevance of a social issue in providing probation services ethically. Explain how the social issue affects your professional and ethical responsibilities.