Ethics in Action
Running Head: Ethics in Action
Ethics in Action Section 1
Michael Slate
Liberty University
Teen Pregnancy If this was your client, what would you say and do? Be specific. Why would you respond this way?
If I were the counselor that was handling this young ladies case I would first and foremost try and gain trust with her. Without trust I will never have the opportunity to assist her. I would not tell the client’s parents without notifying her first. The ACA code of ethics states “When counseling minor clients or adult clients who lack the capacity to give voluntary, informed consent, counselors protect the confidentiality of information received in the counseling relationship as specified by federal and state laws, written policies, and applicable ethical standards” (ACA, 2005, p.8). I do not see how I would be violating any state or federal law due to the fact that the client or anyone else is not in any foreseeable danger. If I were fearful that the young lady was capable of doing something extreme like suicide or trying to abort the fetus herself, I must contact her parents and child welfare services because I am fearful for the young ladies safety. Otherwise I would feel that it is my duty to keep what goes on in the counseling session confidential and then work with the client to where she feels safe and able to inform her parents on her own.
What is an Informed Consent Form and why is it important? What would you include on your own Informed Consent Form regarding confidentiality? Why?
The ACA code of ethics defines informed consent as “clients have the freedom to choose whether to enter into or remain in a counseling relationship and need adequate information about the counseling process and the counselor. Counselors have an obligation to review in writing and verbally with clients the rights and responsibilities of both the counselor and the client. (ACA, 2005, p.3). The counselor should
Ethics in Action Section 1
Michael Slate
Liberty University
Teen Pregnancy If this was your client, what would you say and do? Be specific. Why would you respond this way?
If I were the counselor that was handling this young ladies case I would first and foremost try and gain trust with her. Without trust I will never have the opportunity to assist her. I would not tell the client’s parents without notifying her first. The ACA code of ethics states “When counseling minor clients or adult clients who lack the capacity to give voluntary, informed consent, counselors protect the confidentiality of information received in the counseling relationship as specified by federal and state laws, written policies, and applicable ethical standards” (ACA, 2005, p.8). I do not see how I would be violating any state or federal law due to the fact that the client or anyone else is not in any foreseeable danger. If I were fearful that the young lady was capable of doing something extreme like suicide or trying to abort the fetus herself, I must contact her parents and child welfare services because I am fearful for the young ladies safety. Otherwise I would feel that it is my duty to keep what goes on in the counseling session confidential and then work with the client to where she feels safe and able to inform her parents on her own.
What is an Informed Consent Form and why is it important? What would you include on your own Informed Consent Form regarding confidentiality? Why?
The ACA code of ethics defines informed consent as “clients have the freedom to choose whether to enter into or remain in a counseling relationship and need adequate information about the counseling process and the counselor. Counselors have an obligation to review in writing and verbally with clients the rights and responsibilities of both the counselor and the client. (ACA, 2005, p.3). The counselor should
References: AACC Code of Ethics (2004) American Association of Christian Counselors. Retrieved April 4, 2012, from http://www.aacc.net/about-us/code of-ethics Ethics (2005) ACA. Retrieved April 4, 2012, from http://www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx. North Carolina General Assembly (2012) duTIES AND RESPONSIBILITITES Retrieved April 4, 2012 from http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/statutes/Statutes.asp