Duty to report, warn and protect

 

Duty to report, warn and protect

 

Duty to report, warn and protect

Josh’s case presents a situation where the counselor is faced by an ethical dilemma that is intricate to resolve. The state regulations and ethic codes oblige the counselor with the duties of reporting, warning and protecting individuals especially in situations where the client’s actions may cause threats to others (Simone & Fulero, 2005). However, the counselor should also value the guidelines of the informed consent and the consequences of his or her actions on the client’s welfare (Counseling Today, 2008). According to ACA code of ethics, counselors should adopt attentive ethical decision-making process when challenged by severe ethical dilemmas (ACS, 2005). This means that the counselor must find a polite approach of protecting the victim while valuing ethical considerations to ensure that he or she does not frighten the client. Josh’s approach of disciplining his son that include locking him in the house for a number of hours has potential of causing harm to the victim. According to states regulations, when a therapist identifies that the patient case highlights severe violence to another, the counselor has a “duty to protect” (Simone & Fulero, 2005). Consequently, the counselor in this case has a prime role of protecting Josh’s son who is a victim of serious violence. Werth & Rogers (2005) affirm that a counselor may protect victims by informing them or reporting the case to relevant authorities. However, considering that the victim in question is a juvenile, the appropriate option in this case is reporting the matter to relevant state authorities.

If I faced such a case while in my duty, I would consult my seniors and the organization’s manuals to establish if the firm has a precise protocol of reporting cases of child abuse. However, I would be cautious of the concept of “Do not harm” while reporting the case. ACA codes guide that counselors should act to avoid harming their clients and research participants (ACS, 2005). Consequently, I would ensure that my actions do not harm the feelings of the client by respecting the provision of informed consent (Werth & Rogers, 2005). Initially, I would discuss the subject with my client to make him understand the need of adopting my actions. This would include explaining to the client the essential regulations that control the case under discussion. I would let the client know that as a counselor, I am obliged with the responsibility of reporting all abuse cases. Particularly, I would ensure that the client get a clear highlight of all my choices or obligations as a counselor. With the knowledge of the matter, I would encourage the client to think through the consequences of the case. Subsequently, I would adopt an action that would include using an appropriate protocol to report the case to the agencies that deal with the child’s abuse cases. According to Werth & Rogers (2005), counselors should prioritize the client-based interventions because they are healthier and more productive. Consequently, I would encourage my client to contact the agencies by himself while in my presence. I would apply calculative strategies in convincing the client to report the case. This would include assuring him that the action has no ill motive, but is essential in helping him out of his problem (Counseling Today, 2008). I would let the client know that reporting the case to the relevant children’s agencies would provide him with the ultimate approach of finding a solution to his child’s aggressive behavior. This is because such organizations have effective tools for managing problems presented by juveniles. Furthermore, I would inform the client that his case is ordinary so he should not worry because I have handled such cases previously. However, if the client remains reluctant, I would personally contact the relevant agencies and report the case.

 

 

 

 

References

American Counseling Association (ACS) (2005). ACA Code of Ethics: As approved by the ACA Governing Council. Retrieved from www.counseling.org/ethics/feedback/aca2005code.pdf+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgjq2IxvKnfKT3aXft8y_Rx6IWDVkjX6Jep4_y-nCedrPcKc79IM-6fTxXST-1789MUrTQh_gpVCSYqk9LCXr8dkEbM4dp9xYc6nQ3nKKY-4FQH43pBvADfIWL77VZoaBCLNxfp&sig=AHIEtbSkxFYOHnjicbtLcPE93OQWuPLIqQ

Counseling Today (2008). Protective protection pointers. American Counseling Association Publication. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2008/03/proactive-protection-pointers/

Simone, S. & Fulero, S. (2005). “Tarasoff and the duty to protect.” Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 11(1), 145-168. Doi: 10.1300/J146v11n01_12

Werth Jr., J. L., & Rogers, J. R. (2005). Assessing for impaired judgment as a means of meeting the “duty to protect” when a client is a potential harm-to-self: Implications for clients making end-of-life decisions. Mortality, 10(1), 7-21. Doi: 10.1080/13576270500030966

 

 

 

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