Ethical+Dilemma+-+Group+B

Nicole Humphrey Courtney Lilliston Christy Mendoza Amanda Shenk


 * Naming the Ethical Dilemma:** Confidentiality; Consultation; Collaboration
 * 1) 13 Ethical Dilemma: A high school counselor seeing a student who has had repeated interventions, finds out student is also seeing an LPC- requests collaboration with signed release of information forms by parent and student.

//A.2.f.//** "Protects the confidentiality of information received in the counseling relationship as specified by federal and state laws, written policies and applicable ethical standards. Such information is only to be revealed to others with the informed consent of the student, consistent with the counselor’s ethical obligation". (Taken from: Bowers & Hatch, 2005) rationale: A.2.f informed our decision as a professional school counselor to create and utilize a release of of information that will be signed by the student and parent, and also utilize an informed consent procedure where the student is included in the nature of the shared information between LPC and professional school counselor.
 * Apply ethical code utilized:

//**C.2.c.**// "If a student is receiving services from another counselor or other mental health professional, the counselor, with student and/or parent/guardian consent, will inform the other professional and develop clear agreements to avoid confusion and conflict for the student". (taken from: Bowers & Hatch, 2005). rationale: C.2.c informed our decision to encourage and foster the collaborative and consultative relationship between the LPC and professional school counselor. This also affected our decision to align ourselves with the goals of treatment created by LPC and student.

rationale: D.1.g informed our decision to access the systematic evaluation process for comprehensive, developmental, standards-based school counseling programs, services and personnel to build a better academic plan for the student by using the information gathered from the LPC with regards to testing results. The school counselor will then be better equipped to effectively meet the academic, career, social/personal domains.
 * D.1.g.** "Assists in developing: (1) curricular and environmental conditions appropriate for the school and community, (2) educational procedures and programs to meet students’ developmental needs and (3) a systematic evaluation process for comprehensive, developmental, standards-based school counseling programs, services and personnel. The counselor is guided by the findings of the evaluation data in planning programs and services" (taken from: Bowers & Hatch, 2005)

Instead of having the child take the paperwork home, we would call in the parent and have the parent sign it in person. And coordinate with the parent about the appropriateness of collaboration and encourage the family that a systems approach may lead to improved services. We would fax over this release of information before we call the LPC. Coordinate about goals and act as a consultee to the LPC regarding the student.
 * Other steps taken:**

As far as the direct situation, we agree with how the counselor handled the situation and feel it was ethical. We felt it was professional in nature. We felt it was wise to seek out the LPC for the best interest of the child. We felt the collaboration of goals in the school setting was beneficial to the student. We disagree that the parent was not included by the professional school counselor, as we are concerned about the possibility that the document could have been forged. We also want to coordinate with the parent rather than leaving them out of the course of the collaborative relationship.
 * Agree or disagree:**