Respond To The Discussion Questions Assigned By The Instruct

Respond To The Discussion Questions Assigned By The Instructor Submit

Respond to the discussion questions assigned by the instructor. Submit your responses to the appropriate Discussion Area. Nine-year-old Wanda's teacher notices that for the past few weeks, Wanda has not been talking to her friends and is always sitting alone in a corner. After talking to Wanda's friends, the teacher finds out that Wanda's sixteen-year-old brother was killed in a gang fight two months ago and her parents have since separated. The teacher talks to her friend Daphne, a counselor, to see if there is anything she can do about Wanda.

She wants to know if there is any way in which children and families affected by exposure to violence can be assisted with the emotional impact of these events. The teacher also asks Daphne, in the role of a counselor, to call Wanda's parents to see if they would be willing to talk with her about the death of their son, their separation, and Wanda's behavior at school. Daphne is not employed or affiliated with the school. What would be Daphne's role, as a counselor, in helping the teacher? What do you see as important roles of a counselor working in a community?

What are the ethical responsibilities that counselors and human services professionals hold toward the community? When answering this question identify the ethical code number and definition, using your own words, of the ethical responsibilities of these professionals. Briefly speak how you, as an ethical counselor, would respond to the teacher's request for you to speak with Wanda and her family.

Paper For Above instruction

The emotional and psychological well-being of children affected by traumatic events such as violence and family separation is a critical concern for both educators and mental health professionals. When a teacher observes changes in a child's behavior, such as withdrawal and social isolation, it is essential to recognize the potential impact of underlying trauma, especially in cases where family violence or loss is involved. In the scenario of Wanda, a nine-year-old girl experiencing grief due to her brother's death and her parents' separation, the role of a counselor—whether within a school setting or as an external mental health professional—is pivotal in providing appropriate support and intervention.

As a counselor, Daphne's primary role would involve assessing Wanda's emotional state, understanding her needs, and facilitating coping strategies to help her process her grief and trauma. Because Daphne is not officially affiliated with the school, her involvement should adhere strictly to ethical guidelines and professional boundaries. Nevertheless, she can serve as an advocate for Wanda by collaborating with the teacher and other caregivers to arrange for appropriate mental health services. Moreover, Daphne can contribute by contacting Wanda's parents to discuss their child's emotional health, ensuring that the parents are aware of Wanda's behaviors and the possible need for counseling. This conversation must be conducted sensitively, respecting the family's privacy and autonomy while emphasizing the importance of support for Wanda.

In a community context, counselors play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness, providing accessible support services, and engaging with various community agencies to address violence, trauma, and family issues. They serve as connectors, educators, and advocates, working collaboratively to foster resilience among children and families affected by adversity. An effective community counselor demonstrates cultural competence, ethical integrity, and a commitment to social justice, ensuring that services are equitable, respectful, and inclusive (American Counseling Association, 2014).

The ethical responsibilities of counselors and human services professionals toward the community are outlined in codes such as the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) Code of Ethics. Key responsibilities include promoting client welfare (Section A), maintaining confidentiality (Section B), practicing competence (Section C), and avoiding harm (Section A.4). These professionals are ethically bound to respect the dignity and rights of clients and community members, ensure their interventions are beneficial, and avoid actions that could cause harm or exploit vulnerable populations.

As an ethical counselor approached with a request to speak with Wanda and her family, I would first consider the professional boundaries, my competence, and ethical standards. I would seek to obtain informed consent from Wanda's parents and, if appropriate, assent from Wanda herself. I would clarify my role as a counselor and ensure that my intervention aligns with best practices and does not cause additional distress. If I am not qualified to work with the specific trauma Wanda is experiencing, I would refer her to qualified mental health professionals who can provide specialized support. It is essential to uphold confidentiality, act with cultural sensitivity, and prioritize Wanda's best interests in any intervention.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/Resources/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-2014
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