Case+11+-+ACA+Ethical+Decision+Making+Model

Case 11 - ACA Ethical Decision Making Model media type="youtube" key="ONbw0zYlT_w" width="448" height="251" align="center"

=Identify and Define the Problem = The primary problem is that the client, a minor, has stated intentions of having sex with her boyfriend, and 18 year old adult. She states that she does not want her mother to know this information, even though if she were to have sex with a legal adult and tell her counselor, that counselor would be required to inform the mother.

=Consider the Principle and Virtues = The two most salient virtues for this case are beneficence and non-maleficence. They are quite polar, but also interrelated in this instance. The counselor in the case is very concerned about the well-being of her client, this is why she considers telling the mother. She wants to protect her client from the potential dangers of being involved in a sexual relationship with an adult. At the same time the counselor is concerned with her capacity to do harm to her relationship with her client. If she were to tell the mother what the client has planned with her boyfriend, it is likely that their relationship would be damaged beyond repair.

=Tune in to your Feelings = The counselor most likely has many feelings surrounding this situation. Many of them are explained above, but they all center around wanting to do what is ultimately best for her client. Unfortunately for her, it is not as simple as that in this case.

=Consult with Colleagues or Experts = There is none of this mentioned in the details of the case. I believe that the counselor would be greatly aided by some advice from a supervisor or colleague.

=Involve your Client in the Decision Making Process = If the counselor decides to disclose the information to the mother this would be mandatory. Even if not though, this is perhaps the beginning of the most reasonable path for the counselor. By not jumping to any hasty decisions, it could be that the counselor could work to involve the client to the point where the client may consider telling her mother herself, thereby absolving the counselor from any ethical dilemmas.

=Identify Desired Outcomes = Ultimately the counselor wants to do what is best for her client. Alongside this, she also wants to save herself from breaking any laws or ethical guidelines.

=Consider Possible Actions = There are three clear courses of actions. The counselor can either tell the mother about the daughter’s intentions of having sex with her boyfriend and harm her relationship with the client, not tell the mother and risk facing legal repercussions from the mother, or work with the client to explore her relationship with her mother in the hopes that eventually she can grow to want to share this information with her mother herself. Though it may not be the easiest option, I would advise a counselor in this scenario to go with the third option and try and work with the client in hopes that she could tell her mother her intentions.

=Choose and Act on your Choice = Though simply telling the mother may be easier, I believe, with all things considered, this is the most ethically appropriate course of action.

References <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Remley, T. & Herlihy, B. (2010). Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling. Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education River, NJ: Pearson Education