Words Write A Story: Case Study About A Fictional Scenario

500 Wordswrite Astoryie Case Study About a Fictitious Scenario Whe

Write a story (i.e., case study) about a fictitious scenario where an ethical issue arises. Fully explore the details with information about who, what, where, when, why, and how. The main character should be the human services professional who is faced with this situation. Use the 8-Step Ethical Decision-making Model to analyze the situation: identify the problem or dilemma, potential issues involved, relevant ethical codes (ACA, NASW, AAMFT), applicable laws or regulations, guidance from supervisors or consultants, possible decisions/actions, outcomes of each, and select the most ethical course of action with an explanation.

Paper For Above instruction

In a small urban community, Jane Thompson, a licensed social worker employed at a community mental health center, encounters an ethical dilemma that tests her professional judgment and adherence to ethical standards. The case unfolds over the course of a few weeks when Jane discovers that one of her clients, Mark, a 17-year-old adolescent, is secretly engaging in risky behaviors that could potentially harm him, including unprotected sexual activity and drug use. Mark confides in Jane about his activities during a session, revealing feelings of confusion and a desire to keep his behaviors private. Jane faces a complex situation involving confidentiality, the client’s autonomy, and her duty to protect his well-being.

The primary dilemma revolves around whether Jane should maintain strict confidentiality, as per her ethical obligation, or breach confidentiality to intervene and protect Mark from potential harm. The situation becomes more complicated because Mark is underage; thus, legal and ethical considerations about mandated reporting and privacy laws come into play. Jane must evaluate if her obligation to safeguard her client’s health outweighs the boundaries of confidentiality. The principles involved include beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice, all of which are emphasized within the codes of ethics established by ACA, NASW, and AAMFT. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers should respect clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality but also have a duty to prevent harm, which might necessitate disclosure in certain circumstances (NASW, 2021).

Legal considerations include mandatory reporting laws for minors engaging in illegal activities or self-harm behavior. While Jane understands that her state law mandates reporting if a client is engaging in activities that pose a risk to their safety, she also considers the client’s rights to privacy and autonomy. She consults her supervisor, who advises her to weigh the potential harm against the importance of maintaining client trust. The supervisor recommends considering whether Mark’s behaviors present an imminent danger that warrants breaching confidentiality temporarily to ensure his safety.

Jane identifies several possible actions: (1) maintain confidentiality and continue counseling without warning Mark of a potential breach, (2) gently confront Mark about her concerns and encourage him to seek help voluntarily, (3) breach confidentiality and report the behaviors to protect Mark, or (4) refer Mark to a medical professional for further assessment. Each option carries different outcomes. Maintaining confidentiality might preserve trust but fail to protect Mark from harm. Confronting Mark directly could lead to increased openness or alienation. Reporting could protect him but damage the therapeutic relationship. Referring him for medical evaluation might offer an outside perspective but could be perceived as abandonment.

After analyzing the potential outcomes, Jane determines that the most ethically sound decision is to gently confront Mark, express her concerns about his safety, and encourage him to seek additional help voluntarily, emphasizing her support. This approach aligns with the principles of beneficence and respect for autonomy, fostering trust and allowing Mark to participate in safeguarding his health. If Mark refuses, Jane considers consulting her supervisor about the possibility of limited disclosure in accordance with legal requirements, prioritizing his safety without unduly violating his trust. This decision balances her ethical duties to promote well-being, respect her client’s rights, and adhere to legal standards while maintaining a trusting therapeutic relationship.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. American Counseling Association.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW code of ethics. NASW Press.
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2015). AAMFT code of ethics. AAMFT.
• Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), 42 U.S.C. § 5106g (1974).
• State Mandatory Reporting Laws. (2023). [State-specific statutes and regulations].
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2014). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole.
• Remley, T. P., & Herlihy, B. (2016). Ethical, legal, and professional issues in counseling (5th ed.). Pearson.
• Reamer, F. (2013). The ethics of social work. Routledge.
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Ethical challenges in mental health practice. American Psychological Association.
• Hansen, E. (2019). Confidentiality and minors in therapy: Navigating legal and ethical issues. Journal of Ethics in Counseling, 10(2), 45-59.