The foster care system is in desperate need of an ethical decision-making model. Decisions are being made, just not the right ones. I propose the creation and use of a new ethical model for case workers, the judicial system, the legislative system, and anyone involved in the decision of a child in the foster care system. These decisions include: the decision to remove a child, where to place a child, and what to do after placement (where a permanent solution is determined). After placement could be reintegration, adoption, or remaining in foster care.
So, what is this model? I call it liberi ad iustitiam. This is Latin for the Right Decisions for Children. Let’s take a look at how I came up with this and how to use it.
Jus ad bellum
As a United States Army Soldier, I have a personal interest in understanding the paradoxical nature of war. Jus bellum iustum is the Latin translation for Just War Theory, which proposes that the we must only go to war when it is morally justifiable though a series of criteria. The criteria are split into two groups: right to go to war (jus ad bellum) and right conduct in war (jus in bello). For a deeper look into the criteria, I encourage you to visit the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Similarly, the Powell Doctrine (a journalist-created term based on the Weinberger Doctrine) provides us a list of questions to be answered before military action is taken. For a deeper look at the American statesman and retired four-star general and the Powell Doctrine, visit the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.
Let’s take a quick look at a side-by-side comparison of jus ad bellum and the Powell Doctrine.
Liberi ad iustitiam: Right Decisions for Children
So, what is this new ethical decision-making model I propose? Liberi ad iustitiam or Right Decisions for Children. I propose a criterion of sorts by combining elements of the Just War Theory and the Powell Doctrine through 5 key questions (along with examples of each). Let’s take a look.
It is hard to argue with these questions, regardless of what you think of the foster care system. We seem to make decisions regarding the well-being and safety of others with no rational model. It is vitally important we develop one when making decisions for foster children.
I will leave you with a statement. Really think about the meaning of this statement as you read it.
