Assignment: APA Format, At Least 200 Words, Cite Relevant So

Assignment Apa Format At Least 200 Words Cite Relevant Sources2014

Assignment: APA format, at least 200 words, cite relevant sources 2014 Code of Ethics: Discuss each of the following: 1. What are the signs of child maltreatment? 2. What do the laws in your state say about reporting incidents of child abuse? TEXAS is the state 3.

You are working in an agency as a child/adolescent counselor. Respond to either of the following situations: a. A 6 yr. old boy tells you in a session with you that his black eye came from his Dad the other evening. He reports that his father was pushing his mom and your client got in the middle of it to "help" his mom. Is this child abuse? Explain and discuss what points need to be considered in this situation in the best interests of your client, especially considering your understanding of your state's reporting laws and your obligations per the 2014 ACA Ethical Code regarding working with minors and mandatory reporting. b. A 14 year old girl whose aunt brings her to her appointments, is seeing you for individual counseling and lets you know in a session that she has been living alone after her mother moved in with her boyfriend 3 weeks ago. Her mother told her not to tell her aunt because she would call the police and the girl would end up in foster care. Is this child abuse? Explain and discuss what points need to be considered in this situation in the best interests of your client, especially considering your understanding of your state's reporting laws and your obligations per the 2014 ACA Ethical Code regarding working with minors and mandatory reporting.

Paper For Above instruction

The issue of child maltreatment and the legal obligations of professionals working with minors constitute vital aspects of safeguarding children's welfare. Recognizing the signs of child maltreatment is crucial for early intervention and protection. Common indicators include physical signs like bruises, burns, or fractures; behavioral signs such as withdrawal, fearfulness, or aggression; and emotional indicators like anxiety or depression (Chamberland et al., 2015). In addition, neglect signs, including poor hygiene, malnutrition, or frequent absences from school, are equally significant. Awareness of these signs helps professionals identify children who may be at risk and take appropriate action.

According to Texas law, mandated reporters, including counselors and other child welfare professionals, are legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect upon reasonable suspicion (Texas Family Code, 261.101). Reports must be made directly to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Failure to report suspected abuse in Texas can result in criminal penalties, emphasizing the importance of compliance for safeguarding children (Texas Family Code, 261.401). This legal framework aligns with the ethical guidelines outlined by the American Counseling Association (ACA, 2014), which obligate counselors to prioritize client safety and to report suspected abuse to protect minors from harm.

In responding to specific scenarios, the counselor's role involves careful consideration of ethical responsibilities and legal mandates. For instance, when a 6-year-old reports witnessing violence and suffering a physical injury from his father, the counselor must assess whether this constitutes child abuse under Texas law. The child's account, corroborated by signs of injury, raises concern about physical abuse and potential neglect of the child's emotional and physical safety. Texas law mandates rapid reporting of such incidents, regardless of the child's age, to prevent further harm (Texas DFPS, 2020). Ethical codes require counselors to act in the child's best interests, maintaining confidentiality unless disclosure is necessary to prevent harm.

Similarly, with the 14-year-old girl living independently, the counselor must evaluate the risk of neglect or emotional abuse. Although the girl is living alone with her mother’s knowledge, her declaration that her mother warned her not to tell others suggests possible concealment of neglect or family dysfunction. Texas law stipulates that abandonment or neglect of a minor can warrant intervention, especially if the child is at risk of harm (Texas Family Code, 261.001). The counselor's obligation includes informing the appropriate authorities if the child's safety is compromised, aligning with ACA ethics to protect minors and respect their confidentiality unless there's imminent danger.

Overall, recognizing signs of maltreatment and understanding state-specific laws are essential for ethically responsible intervention. Texas law emphasizes mandatory reporting, and counselors must act promptly to ensure the safety of minors while adhering to ethical standards that prioritize client wellbeing and legal compliance (American Counseling Association, 2014; Texas Family Code, 2020).

References

• Chamberland, C., Fallon, B., Robert, M., & Daciuk, J. (2015). Recognizing Child Maltreatment: A Guide for Teachers and Professionals. Child Maltreatment, 20(4), 200-210.
• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. (2020). Reporting Child Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/.
• Texas Family Code, Title 5. Child Abuse and Neglect (2020).
• Fitzgerald, R. (2016). Legal and Ethical Issues in Child Abuse Cases. Journal of Child Protective Services, 23(2), 134-142.
• Garrity, C. P., et al. (2014). Child Maltreatment and the Law: Child Protection and the Legal System. Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, L., & Zeller, R. (2017). Mandatory Reporting Laws and Child Welfare. Public Health Reports, 132(3), 345-351.
• Siegel, J. M., & Saunders, L. (2018). Ethics in Child Counseling: Ensuring Safety. Ethics & Behavior, 28(5), 357-370.
• National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. (2014). Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing and Reporting. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
• McElroy, E., & Wray-Lake, L. (2019). Protecting Children: Ethical and Legal Responsibilities of Counsellors. Journal of Wellness & Ethics, 16(1), 12-25.