Bethany’s Confidentiality Dilemma

Lost and Found

Bethany’s decision to help Ransom tests her professional ethics as his personal need gradually becomes clear.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Agency Rule The Agency Rule from "Lost and Found". The Agency Rule A professional boundary Bethany’s job gives her responsibility for sensitive adoption information, and she knows that files must not be opened…

The Agency Rule from "Lost and Found". The Agency Rule A professional boundary Bethany’s job gives her responsibility for sensitive adoption information, and she knows that files must not be opened…

The Agency Rule A professional boundary Bethany’s job gives her responsibility for sensitive adoption information, and she knows that files must not be opened to unauthorized people. Her position makes even an apparently harmless favor potentially serious. A conflict takes shape The access that makes her useful to Ransom is the same access she is obligated to protect. The coming bargain therefore places private ambition against professional duty.

The Stranger’s Promise The Stranger’s Promise from "Lost and Found". The Stranger’s Promise Assurance without explanation Ransom promises not to use the information to hurt people but will not say what he hopes to find.

The Stranger’s Promise from "Lost and Found". The Stranger’s Promise Assurance without explanation Ransom promises not to use the information to hurt people but will not say what he hopes to find.

The Stranger’s Promise Assurance without explanation Ransom promises not to use the information to hurt people but will not say what he hopes to find. Bethany asks whether he is seeking a way to threaten or exploit someone. Consent remains uncertain His answers lessen some fears but do not remove the basic ethical problem. Bethany accepts because she believes the bargain can benefit both of them and because Ransom seems more sincere than dangerous.

Access Limited Access Limited from "Lost and Found". Access Limited One database opened Bethany provides access to adoptive-parent records but not to every system in the organization.

Access Limited from "Lost and Found". Access Limited One database opened Bethany provides access to adoptive-parent records but not to every system in the organization.

Access Limited One database opened Bethany provides access to adoptive-parent records but not to every system in the organization. Ransom receives enough information to test his search without being given unrestricted access. A line still at risk Even the limited concession could be traced to Bethany. She chooses to trust Ransom’s restraint while hoping that the information will have a legitimate and personal use.

A Second Database A Second Database from "Lost and Found". A Second Database More access granted Bethany shares restricted credentials for records about both adopted children and birth parents.

A Second Database from "Lost and Found". A Second Database More access granted Bethany shares restricted credentials for records about both adopted children and birth parents.

A Second Database More access granted Bethany shares restricted credentials for records about both adopted children and birth parents. She gives Ransom a direct warning about using the login only for the specified databases. Relationship affects judgment Her decision follows their growing intimacy and his help in addressing her sexual uncertainty. The personal bond does not eliminate the ethical conflict; it may make Bethany more willing to accept risk.

The Motive Disclosed The Motive Disclosed from "Lost and Found". The Motive Disclosed A personal purpose Ransom explains that he used the files to find his own birth parents.

The Motive Disclosed from "Lost and Found". The Motive Disclosed A personal purpose Ransom explains that he used the files to find his own birth parents.

The Motive Disclosed A personal purpose Ransom explains that he used the files to find his own birth parents. The disclosure transforms his unexplained request into a search for identity and family history. Accountability remains Bethany can empathize with his need while recognizing that her professional decision still carried consequences. The pair must approach any further help with more honesty and respect for the agency’s obligations.

Before the diner meeting

Late night at Greenleaf Diner

The first night at the hotel

The morning after the second intimate encounter

After the reunion dance