One of the things that I'm currently learning while studying to become a youth worker, is that the young person's safety and welfare comes first. In this particular dilemma we find out that Kim is bruised and battered. She is in a place of emotional distress, we find out the reason for this later on. But the point being that cigarettes do have a calming affect. I understand that it is illegal to supply young people under 18 cigarettes, however I am also very conscious of the fact that being so distressed, she needed something that would allow her to focus, and let her story be heard, so that she could be further helped.
Yes it is a legal issue, however ethically, if Kim smoked, and chances are she did that is why she is asking for one. Then does it really matter? And I don't think it does.
http://youthworkethics.blogspot.com/2007/04/may-07-dilemma-of-month-give-me-bloody.html
