You Are A Middle School Counselor In A Public School

You Are A Middle School Counselor In A Public School Setting Susan Is

You are a middle school counselor in a public school setting. Susan is a 15-year-old at your school, and she has come to you describing her plan to commit suicide. She tells you but explains that you cannot tell anybody because, if her parents find out, she will be abused. She says she wants to commit suicide because she is being bullied by other girls at the school because for being a lesbian. What ethical, legal, and professional issues are involved in Susan’s case?

Compare and contrast the ACA, ASCA, and AACA ethical codes, identifying the differences and similarities. Then, identify those that you are applying to Susan’s case. identify the legal issues involved in Susan’s case. identify other professional, spiritual, and cultural issues that need to be addressed in Susan’s case. Specifically describe the actions that you would take to address all the issues that need to be addressed in order to help Susan, describe how you might integrate biblical principles related to this case and in this secular setting, and describe the impact of your own religious beliefs and values.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Susan, a 15-year-old student contemplating suicide amidst severe bullying and threatened abuse, presents a complex interplay of ethical, legal, and professional issues that require careful navigation by school counselors. Understanding these issues involves examining relevant ethical codes, legal obligations, and cultural considerations, as well as personal beliefs and spiritual principles that may influence intervention strategies.

Ethical Issues in Susan’s Case

The primary ethical concern centers around confidentiality and duty to protect. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Code of Ethics (2022), counselors must respect confidentiality but have an obligation to protect students from harm (ASCA, 2022). Similarly, the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (2014) emphasizes the importance of safeguarding clients' well-being, even when confidentiality conflicts with safety issues (ACA, 2014). The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) ethics, grounded in biblical principles, underscore the importance of caring for individuals’ safety and spiritual well-being (AACC, 2018). In Susan’s case, her disclosure of suicidal intent and imminent harm necessitates breaking confidentiality to ensure her safety, especially given her mention of potential abuse if her parents find out.

Another ethical issue involves cultural sensitivity and respect for Susan’s identity. Counselors must avoid prejudicing or discriminating based on sexual orientation and must advocate for her safety and acceptance within the school environment. Addressing her sexual identity as a lesbian involves respecting her dignity while providing nonjudgmental support.

Legal Issues in Susan’s Case

Legally, the counselor has a duty to protect Susan’s life under mandatory reporting laws, which require reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, especially if her parents threaten to harm her (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, 2010). The counselor must assess the risk of imminent harm and act accordingly, which might involve informing child protective services or law enforcement if there is credible evidence of abuse or neglect. Laws also protect students from discrimination based on sexual orientation under federal laws such as Title IX, emphasizing the need for supportive interventions.

However, legal obligations may conflict with the ethical imperative to maintain confidentiality, creating a dilemma for the counselor. The counselor must navigate these issues carefully, prioritizing Susan’s safety while adhering to legal mandates.

Professional, Spiritual, and Cultural Considerations

Professionally, the counselor must consider Susan's mental health needs, including immediate safety and ongoing support for her well-being. Culturally, recognizing her identity as a lesbian is vital, as cultural competence involves understanding her experiences without bias. Spiritually, integrating biblical principles requires caution; while some Christian teachings may view homosexuality negatively, many denominations advocate for compassion and unconditional love, emphasizing that every individual is created in the image of God and deserving of care and respect (Romans 13:10). Addressing her spiritual needs involves providing support that aligns with her values while respecting her cultural and spiritual background.

Actions to Address the Issues

To help Susan, I would first assess her immediate safety, ensuring she is not at imminent risk of suicide or harm. I would encourage her to develop a safety plan, including coping strategies and trusted individuals she can contact. Given the legal requirement to report suspected abuse, I would inform appropriate authorities if warranted, all while explaining the necessity of these actions to Susan to maintain trust.

Simultaneously, I would engage Susan in individual counseling, focusing on building resilience, addressing feelings of shame or guilt related to her sexual identity, and developing strategies to cope with bullying and discrimination. School-based interventions would include collaborating with teachers and administrators to enforce anti-bullying policies and foster an inclusive environment.

In terms of spiritual integration, I would approach biblical principles of love, compassion, and acceptance, emphasizing that her worth is inherent and not determined by others’ judgments. I might share scriptures that highlight God's love for all people, such as Romans 8:38-39, to reinforce her dignity and value.

My own religious beliefs influence how I view this case; I strive to embody compassion and non-judgment, recognizing the importance of respecting each individual’s spiritual journey. I remain aware that my personal beliefs must not interfere with providing unbiased, evidence-based support, affirming her worth regardless of her sexual orientation or circumstances.

Conclusion

Supporting Susan requires balancing ethical responsibilities, legal mandates, cultural sensitivity, and spiritual care. A comprehensive approach involves ensuring her safety, respecting her identity, promoting mental health, and incorporating values of compassion rooted in biblical principles. Such an integrated strategy fosters an environment where Susan feels supported, valued, and empowered to overcome her challenges.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. American Counseling Association.
• American School Counselor Association. (2022). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. ASCA.
• Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. (2010). Public law 111–320.
• American Association of Christian Counselors. (2018). Code of Ethics.
• Romans 13:10. New International Version.
• Standards for Psychological Practice with Girls and Women. (2010). American Psychological Association.
• Sexual Orientation and the Law. (2021). Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
• National Association of School Psychologists. (2020). Mental health services in schools.
• Lambda Legal. (2018). Legal protections for LGBTQ students.
• Reamer, F. G. (2013). Ethical standards for school counselors: A review. Journal of School Counseling, 11.