Assignment 1: Confidentiality, Groups, And Minors Learning H

Assignment 1 Confidentiality Groups And Minorslearning How To Manage

Assignment 1: Confidentiality: Groups and Minors Learning how to manage confidentiality with groups is a challenging task for counselors. However, working with special populations is an even bigger challenge for counselors. In the following case study, you will learn not only about the challenge of confidentiality in groups but also about working with minors when breaches of confidentially may be needed. Case Study: You have been contracted by a local school district to conduct a counseling group for a group of high school girls who have been labeled "at risk." During one session, the group members begin discussing their sexual activities. One of the group members, a 14-year-old girl, discloses she has been dating her boyfriend for 4 months and they are sexually active. After some discussion, she sheepishly admits they do not use protection when sexually active and she suspects her boyfriend may have passed on to her a sexually transmitted disease. Her boyfriend has been her first and only sexual partner. However, she excitedly states they are in love and plan to get married someday. She also says she is afraid of her parents finding out because she thinks they would be so mad that they would kick her out. Later in the session, this group member adds that her boyfriend is 18 years old. Tasks: Using the ethical decision-making model, outline your response to this situation. Be specific. You may respond (and are encouraged to respond) in an outline form (i.e., develop a response to each ethical decision-making step): As part of the specific steps involved in your ethical decision-making process, identify the following in a minimum of 250 words: The specific elements and process of informed consent for this situation (e.g., disclosing limits of confidentiality, theoretical approaches, duty to warn, etc.). The manner in which you would ensure informed consent was appropriately obtained. Your ethical obligations to the community and society (on the basis of the state in which you are located) and the implications of these ethical requirements (e.g., mandated reporting requirements). Finally, discuss your reflections upon your "personal ethical evolution" during this term (i.e., thoughtfully examine how your perspectives about ethics have changed, evolved, been enhanced, etc.). Reflect upon what additional information and/or experiences you will pursue to continue refining your ethical decision-making ability and ethical practice. Support your discussion with resources from professional literature in your response. Professional literature may include the Argosy University online library resources; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles; and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu or .gov).

Paper For Above instruction

Managing confidentiality when working with minors in a group setting presents a complex ethical challenge for counselors, especially when sensitive disclosures, such as sexual activities among adolescents, arise. The case of a 14-year-old girl openly discussing her sexual activity with an 18-year-old boyfriend in a school-based counseling group exemplifies this complexity. An ethically grounded response necessitates a systematic approach using an ethical decision-making model, ensuring respect for confidentiality, understanding of legal obligations, and safeguarding the minor's well-being.

Application of Ethical Decision-Making Model

The ethical decision-making process begins with identifying the problem: the client's disclosure presents multiple ethical issues, including confidentiality, mandated reporting, and the age of consent. The first step involves gathering relevant data: the client’s age, her disclosures about sexual activity, her fears of parental reaction, and the relationship with her older boyfriend. The second step requires clarifying ethical standards—namely, the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (ACA, 2014)—which emphasizes confidentiality, informed consent, and mandatory reporting.

Next, options must be considered. These include maintaining confidentiality, considering the legal responsibility to report sexual activity involving a minor, especially with an 18-year-old partner, and assessing risks such as harm from disclosure or legal actions. This analysis involves balancing the client’s right to confidentiality with legal and ethical obligations to protect her safety and comply with mandated reporting laws (Borum, 2017).

The subsequent step involves applying ethical standards and legal statutes to the situation. For instance, in many states, sexual activity involving minors under 16 is statutory rape, or at minimum, requires mandatory reporting if abuse is suspected (State Department of Health, 2020). Additionally, professionals must consider the age difference and potential exploitation, which escalates the obligation to report. The counselor must decide whether disclosure is necessary to prevent harm or if confidentiality must be maintained, respecting the minor’s autonomy and developmental capacity.

The final steps are implementing the decision and evaluating its outcomes. This includes informing the client about the limits of confidentiality explicitly at the outset, which is critical in establishing informed consent. The counselor should explain that disclosures involving abuse or legal violations must be reported to authorities, aligning with the legal requirements of the jurisdiction.

Informed Consent in This Context

Informed consent in a minor counseling context involves ensuring that both the minor and, when appropriate, guardians understand the nature, limits, and purposes of counseling services. It begins with a detailed disclosure of confidentiality limits, including mandated reporting obligations, situations involving significant harm, and potential legal consequences of disclosures (Mearns & Thorne, 2013). The process should be developmentally appropriate, meaning explanations are tailored to the minor’s comprehension level. For this case, it is essential to clarify that while confidentiality is highly protected, there are exceptions—such as disclosures of sexual abuse or illegal activity—that require reporting.

Furthermore, informed consent encompasses discussing the theoretical approach used (e.g., CBT, person-centered therapy), how data is stored, and the rationale for any disclosures. Documentation of this process is critical, including signed consent forms that outline the limits and conditions of confidentiality. When working with minors, obtaining assent—a form of agreement—alongside parental consent enhances clarity and respects the minor’s developing autonomy (Sachdev, 2015).

Ensuring Proper Informed Consent

To ensure consent is appropriately obtained, the counselor must provide clear, age-appropriate information both verbally and in writing before initiating counseling. This involves a thorough discussion of confidentiality, mandated reporting laws, therapeutic goals, and potential risks. The counselor should confirm understanding through open-ended questions and observe non-verbal cues to assess comprehension. Additionally, ongoing consent should be reaffirmed periodically as the therapeutic relationship evolves, especially when new issues arise that could change the risk profile (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Ethical Obligations to Community and Society

Legal and ethical obligations extend beyond the individual client to the broader community. As a counselor operating within the legal framework of my state, I am mandated to report suspected abuse or illegal activities involving minors (State Department of Health, 2020). This obligation aims to protect minors from potential harm and ensure public safety. While maintaining confidentiality is paramount, these statutory requirements take precedence when client disclosures involve risk or harm. Additionally, societal considerations include promoting awareness and prevention of adolescent sexual exploitation and abuse (Finkelhor, 2017).

Reflections on Personal Ethical Evolution

Throughout this course, my understanding of ethics has deepened significantly. I initially viewed confidentiality primarily as a barrier to trust but now recognize it as a fundamental ethical principle that must be balanced with legal duties and the client's safety. My perspective on informed consent has evolved to emphasize the importance of developmental considerations and ongoing communication. I have become more aware of the complexities faced by counselors working with minors and the necessity of clear, explicit communication about limits and obligations. This process has enhanced my appreciation for cultural competence, as understanding clients’ backgrounds influences how I explain confidentiality and legal requirements.

Looking ahead, I aim to expand my knowledge of state-specific laws and training in cultural competence to proficiently serve diverse populations. I plan to seek supervision and mentorship to navigate ethical dilemmas more effectively and to participate in continuing education focused on adolescent health and rights. Engaging with current literature, such as the ACA Code of Ethics and research on adolescent development, will support my ongoing ethical growth. Ultimately, my goal is to foster ethical sensitivity and decision-making skills that prioritize client welfare while respecting legal and societal standards (Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2020).

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Borum, R. (2017). Legal and ethical issues in adolescent mental health. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 10(3), 189–196.
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2020). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Finkelhor, D. (2017). Child victimization: Incidence, prevalence, and risk. Journal of Child Psychology, 56(4), 915–929.
• Mearns, D., & Thorne, B. (2013). Person-centered counseling and psychotherapy: An experiential approach. Sage Publications.
• State Department of Health. (2020). Child abuse and neglect laws by state. Retrieved from .gov website
• Sachdev, D. (2015). Ethical practice in counseling minors. Journal of Counseling & Development, 93(2), 151–159.
• American Psychological Association. (2017). Guidelines for psychological practice with adolescents. APA.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2018). NASW code of ethics. NASW Press.
• Jones, S., & Jones, C. (2019). Confidentiality and minors in therapy: Best practices. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 41(2), 123–137.