Assignment Prompt & Instructions
Defend the application of the mandated reporting laws in a scenario.
– ## RequiredResources2.docx
– ## Lesson2instructions.docx
**## RequiredResources2.docx**
**Required Resources**
·
[**Applying Ethical Theories to Ethics Codes and Ethical Decision Making**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=psyh&AN=2024-04177-004&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Knapp, S. J., & Fingerhut, R. (2024). Applying ethical theories to ethics codes and ethical decision making. In
_Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach., 4th ed._ (pp. 43–57). American Psychological Association.
**This resource is essential because it provides a foundational understanding of how to apply ethical theories to real-world decision-making. Given the complexity of the scenario involving Joseph, where ethical decision-making is at the core, it is important to understand how to navigate the APA Ethics Code and apply it to situations where ethical dilemmas arise.**
·
[**The Use and Misuse of Informed Consent in Reporting Sexual Intimacy Violations**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=pdh&AN=2023-63355-001&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Behnke, S. H., Thomas, J. T., Walker, L. E., & DeMatteo, D. (2023). The use and misuse of informed consent in reporting sexual intimacy violations.
_Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 54_(2), 135–146.
**This article directly addresses the nuances of informed consent, a critical issue in the assignment. Joseph's scenario involves a disclosure that was not part of the original consent agreement, making it vital for understanding the ethical implications of such disclosures. This reading will equip learners with insights into when and how informed.**
·
[**A Child Abuse Reporting Framework for Early Career School Counselors**](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1232217.pdf)
Tuttle, M., Ricks, L., & Taylor, M. (2019). A child abuse reporting framework for early career school counselors.
_Professional Counselor, 9_(3), 238–251.
**This article provides a practical framework for reporting suspected child abuse, tailored specifically for school counselors. Since the scenario involves school personnel making a mandated report, understanding this framework will be crucial for applying the reading to justify the actions taken by the school staff. This resource will help ground arguments in established reporting practices.**
·
[**Ethical Dilemmas of Confidentiality With Adolescent Clients: Case Studies From Psychologists**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=a9h&AN=102076178&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Duncan, R. E., Hall, A. C., & Knowles, A. (2015). Ethical dilemmas of confidentiality with adolescent clients: Case studies from psychologists.
_Ethics & Behavior, 25_(3), 197–221.
**This resource is still useful in understanding the complexities and ethical dilemmas involved in maintaining confidentiality with adolescent clients. The case studies can offer practical examples that can be referenced in the weekly assignment.**
·
[**Clinical Work With Non-Accepting Parents of Sexual Minority Children: Addressing Causal and Controllability Attributions**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=edsovi&AN=edsovi.10.1037.a0031824&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Shpigel, M. S., Belsky, Y., & Diamond, G. M. (2015). Clinical work with non-accepting parents of sexual minority children: Addressing causal and controllability attributions.
_Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 46_(1), 46–54.
**This article is important for understanding the dynamics between non-accepting parents and sexual minority children, which is relevant to Joseph's situation.**
**Week 2 Optional Resources**
·
[**Communicating With the Adolescent: Consent and Confidentiality Issues**](https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fpii%2FS1522840115000208%3Fvia%253Dihub)
Goyal, M. K. (2015). Communicating with the adolescent: Consent and confidentiality issues.
_Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 16_(2), 96–101.
**This article discusses the nuances of consent and confidentiality when working with adolescents, which will be helpful in explaining why the assessment team had to act on the information disclosed by Joseph, even though it wasn't part of the planned assessment.**
·
[**A Q Methodology Investigation of School Counselors’ Beliefs and Feelings in Reporting Suspected Child Sexual Abuse**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=ccm&AN=160623089&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Waalkes, P. L., DeCino, D. A., Stickl Haugen, J., & Woodruff, E. (2022). A Q methodology investigation of school counselors’ beliefs and feelings in reporting suspected child sexual abuse.
_Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 31_(8), 911–929.
**This study examines the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by school counselors when reporting child sexual abuse. Given that the assignment requires a defense of the school's actions, understanding the varied beliefs and feelings of counselors can help further appreciation of the complexity of mandated reporting decisions, making arguments more nuanced and empathetic.**
**## Lesson2instructions.docx**
**Mandated Reporting**
For your protection and that of youth with whom you are involved with in your role as parent, teacher, or anyone working in the helping professions, it is important for you to know and understand mandated reporting requirements. If you are involved with children, then you have a moral and/or legal obligation to protect them. If you are a mandated reporter, then, depending on your state, failure to report can result in your incarceration.
In their article, Lawrence, Levin, Jhai, Brady, and Lyon (2015) review the impact of child maltreatment within this society. They found that by the age of 18, one in eight children is a victim. They emphasize the tremendous social consequences, including long-lasting physical and mental harm to the victims. In addition, there is the financial cost of maltreatment, which costs $124 billion annually just in the United States. To reduce the impact of abuse, there are mandating reporting regulations in all states affecting almost everyone who works with children.
Why would a child report abuse or the fear of abuse? The authors concluded that a child’s main purpose in disclosing maltreatment is to protect themselves and other victims from further harm. They believe that since children are most often mistreated by their caretakers, they do not want their disclosures to lead to criminal action against a parent. Lawrence et al. (2015) assume that mandatory reporters act with the primary purpose of protecting children.
Another issue is the effect to the therapeutic process. Brown and Strozier, (2004) found no empirical evidence demonstrating that mandated reporting was an effective intervention for child abuse. They claimed that little research has been completed on the effects of mandated reporting on therapy with the family. Possibly as a result, Krase and DeLong-Hamilton (2015) found that the failure to report suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities is a worldwide problem. They also report research demonstrating that professionals in the U.S. fail to report more than half of their suspicions of child abuse and neglect as required. According to the authors, one of the main factors behind the failure to report was the professionals’ perception of inadequate training and/or preparation. To facilitate the decision whether to report, reporters are required only to report suspected abuse and do not have to investigate. Regulations are not as clear with regards to fear of potential abuse.
Further complicating the reporting requirements is the fact that psychologists or anyone working in the helping profession are constantly dealing with the unknown. Balmforth and Elliott (2012) describe participation in therapy as an opportunity for a client to express thoughts and feelings that have not previously been expressed since only within the therapeutic relationship was there a guarantee of confidentiality. A psychologist must weigh all factors to determine whether this belief should be abrogated.
Be sure to review the resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignment.
**References**
Balmforth, J., & Elliott, R. (2012). ‘I never talked about, ever’: A comprehensive process analysis of a significant client disclosure event in therapy. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 12(1), 2-12.
Brown, R., & Strozier, M. (2004). Resisting abuse at what cost? The impact of mandated reporting laws on the process and content of therapy. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 26(1), 45-60.
Krase, K. S., & DeLong-Hamilton, T. A. (2015). Preparing social workers as reporters of suspected child maltreatment. Social Work Education, 34(8), 967-985.
Lawrence, J. A., Levin, D. B., Brady, K. L., Jhai, M., & Lyon, T. D. (2015). Ohio v. Clark: Brief of amicus curiae American Professional Society on the abuse of children in support of petitioner. Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 21(4), 365-373.
**Background**
In this assignment, you will defend the application of the mandated reporting laws in the following scenario. Be sure to carefully review the following scenario before responding.
**Scenario**
Joseph, a 14-year-old student, has recently been referred for a psychoeducational evaluation by his high school. His parents, concerned about his academic performance and the potential of him failing some classes, requested the evaluation to determine if learning problems might be a factor. The school provided Joseph’s parents with an informed consent form, detailing the assessments to be administered, including measures of general ability, memory functions, abstract reasoning, neuropsychological functioning, and academic achievement. After reviewing and understanding the scope of the evaluation, Joseph’s parents signed the informed consent form, and the evaluation was conducted, resulting in a written report of the results.
Shortly after receiving the report, Joseph’s parents were visited by protective services. During the evaluation, Joseph had introduced the topic of sexual orientation and confided to school personnel that his father would probably “kill him” if he found out about Joseph’s sexual orientation. Upon learning of the involvement of protective services, Joseph’s parents become furious and threaten to sue the school district.
**Assignment Task**
As the principal of Joseph’s school, your task is to write a letter to Joseph’s parents defending the actions of the assessment team. Your letter should address the following points:
State Mandatory Reporting Laws:
Explain the mandatory reporting laws of your state that apply to this situation.
Clarify why the assessment team’s decision to report the disclosure to protective services was not optional, but a legal requirement.
Justification of the Assessment Team’s Actions:
Provide a rationale for the assessment team’s decision to report Joseph’s disclosure, emphasizing their concern for his health and safety.
Discuss the implications of Joseph’s statement about his father, and why it necessitated immediate action.
Informed Consent Considerations:
Address the issue that Joseph’s disclosure occurred outside the scope of the informed consent form.
Justify that, despite this, the school had a legal and ethical obligation to act on the information once it was disclosed.
Ethical Framework:
Cite relevant sections of the APA Code of Ethics regarding informed consent and disclosures to support the assessment team’s actions.
Mitigating the Risk of a Lawsuit:
Craft your letter to reduce the likelihood of the parents pursuing legal action. Be empathetic and informative, emphasizing the protection and well-being of their child, while also being clear, respectful, and firm in defending the school’s actions.
References: Support your assignment with citations from the APA Code of Ethics and your state’s specific reporting laws. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included.
Length: 2-3 pages, written in letter format. Ensure your letter includes a summary of the relevant state laws and the APA ethics code for the parents. A separate reference page is required, but it does not count towards the 2–3-page length of the letter.
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA 7th edition standards.
**## Lesson2instructions.docx**
**Mandated Reporting**
For your protection and that of youth with whom you are involved with in your role as parent, teacher, or anyone working in the helping professions, it is important for you to know and understand mandated reporting requirements. If you are involved with children, then you have a moral and/or legal obligation to protect them. If you are a mandated reporter, then, depending on your state, failure to report can result in your incarceration.
In their article, Lawrence, Levin, Jhai, Brady, and Lyon (2015) review the impact of child maltreatment within this society. They found that by the age of 18, one in eight children is a victim. They emphasize the tremendous social consequences, including long-lasting physical and mental harm to the victims. In addition, there is the financial cost of maltreatment, which costs $124 billion annually just in the United States. To reduce the impact of abuse, there are mandating reporting regulations in all states affecting almost everyone who works with children.
Why would a child report abuse or the fear of abuse? The authors concluded that a child’s main purpose in disclosing maltreatment is to protect themselves and other victims from further harm. They believe that since children are most often mistreated by their caretakers, they do not want their disclosures to lead to criminal action against a parent. Lawrence et al. (2015) assume that mandatory reporters act with the primary purpose of protecting children.
Another issue is the effect to the therapeutic process. Brown and Strozier, (2004) found no empirical evidence demonstrating that mandated reporting was an effective intervention for child abuse. They claimed that little research has been completed on the effects of mandated reporting on therapy with the family. Possibly as a result, Krase and DeLong-Hamilton (2015) found that the failure to report suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities is a worldwide problem. They also report research demonstrating that professionals in the U.S. fail to report more than half of their suspicions of child abuse and neglect as required. According to the authors, one of the main factors behind the failure to report was the professionals’ perception of inadequate training and/or preparation. To facilitate the decision whether to report, reporters are required only to report suspected abuse and do not have to investigate. Regulations are not as clear with regards to fear of potential abuse.
Further complicating the reporting requirements is the fact that psychologists or anyone working in the helping profession are constantly dealing with the unknown. Balmforth and Elliott (2012) describe participation in therapy as an opportunity for a client to express thoughts and feelings that have not previously been expressed since only within the therapeutic relationship was there a guarantee of confidentiality. A psychologist must weigh all factors to determine whether this belief should be abrogated.
Be sure to review the resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignment.
**References**
Balmforth, J., & Elliott, R. (2012). ‘I never talked about, ever’: A comprehensive process analysis of a significant client disclosure event in therapy. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 12(1), 2-12.
Brown, R., & Strozier, M. (2004). Resisting abuse at what cost? The impact of mandated reporting laws on the process and content of therapy. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 26(1), 45-60.
Krase, K. S., & DeLong-Hamilton, T. A. (2015). Preparing social workers as reporters of suspected child maltreatment. Social Work Education, 34(8), 967-985.
Lawrence, J. A., Levin, D. B., Brady, K. L., Jhai, M., & Lyon, T. D. (2015). Ohio v. Clark: Brief of amicus curiae American Professional Society on the abuse of children in support of petitioner. Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 21(4), 365-373.
**Background**
In this assignment, you will defend the application of the mandated reporting laws in the following scenario. Be sure to carefully review the following scenario before responding.
**Scenario**
Joseph, a 14-year-old student, has recently been referred for a psychoeducational evaluation by his high school. His parents, concerned about his academic performance and the potential of him failing some classes, requested the evaluation to determine if learning problems might be a factor. The school provided Joseph’s parents with an informed consent form, detailing the assessments to be administered, including measures of general ability, memory functions, abstract reasoning, neuropsychological functioning, and academic achievement. After reviewing and understanding the scope of the evaluation, Joseph’s parents signed the informed consent form, and the evaluation was conducted, resulting in a written report of the results.
Shortly after receiving the report, Joseph’s parents were visited by protective services. During the evaluation, Joseph had introduced the topic of sexual orientation and confided to school personnel that his father would probably “kill him” if he found out about Joseph’s sexual orientation. Upon learning of the involvement of protective services, Joseph’s parents become furious and threaten to sue the school district.
**Assignment Task**
As the principal of Joseph’s school, your task is to write a letter to Joseph’s parents defending the actions of the assessment team. Your letter should address the following points:
State Mandatory Reporting Laws:
Explain the mandatory reporting laws of your state that apply to this situation.
Clarify why the assessment team’s decision to report the disclosure to protective services was not optional, but a legal requirement.
Justification of the Assessment Team’s Actions:
Provide a rationale for the assessment team’s decision to report Joseph’s disclosure, emphasizing their concern for his health and safety.
Discuss the implications of Joseph’s statement about his father, and why it necessitated immediate action.
Informed Consent Considerations:
Address the issue that Joseph’s disclosure occurred outside the scope of the informed consent form.
Justify that, despite this, the school had a legal and ethical obligation to act on the information once it was disclosed.
Ethical Framework:
Cite relevant sections of the APA Code of Ethics regarding informed consent and disclosures to support the assessment team’s actions.
Mitigating the Risk of a Lawsuit:
Craft your letter to reduce the likelihood of the parents pursuing legal action. Be empathetic and informative, emphasizing the protection and well-being of their child, while also being clear, respectful, and firm in defending the school’s actions.
References: Support your assignment with citations from the APA Code of Ethics and your state’s specific reporting laws. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included.
Length: 2-3 pages, written in letter format. Ensure your letter includes a summary of the relevant state laws and the APA ethics code for the parents. A separate reference page is required, but it does not count towards the 2–3-page length of the letter.
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA 7th edition standards.
**## RequiredResources2.docx**
**Required Resources**
·
[**Applying Ethical Theories to Ethics Codes and Ethical Decision Making**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=psyh&AN=2024-04177-004&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Knapp, S. J., & Fingerhut, R. (2024). Applying ethical theories to ethics codes and ethical decision making. In
_Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach., 4th ed._ (pp. 43–57). American Psychological Association.
**This resource is essential because it provides a foundational understanding of how to apply ethical theories to real-world decision-making. Given the complexity of the scenario involving Joseph, where ethical decision-making is at the core, it is important to understand how to navigate the APA Ethics Code and apply it to situations where ethical dilemmas arise.**
·
[**The Use and Misuse of Informed Consent in Reporting Sexual Intimacy Violations**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=pdh&AN=2023-63355-001&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Behnke, S. H., Thomas, J. T., Walker, L. E., & DeMatteo, D. (2023). The use and misuse of informed consent in reporting sexual intimacy violations.
_Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 54_(2), 135–146.
**This article directly addresses the nuances of informed consent, a critical issue in the assignment. Joseph's scenario involves a disclosure that was not part of the original consent agreement, making it vital for understanding the ethical implications of such disclosures. This reading will equip learners with insights into when and how informed.**
·
[**A Child Abuse Reporting Framework for Early Career School Counselors**](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1232217.pdf)
Tuttle, M., Ricks, L., & Taylor, M. (2019). A child abuse reporting framework for early career school counselors.
_Professional Counselor, 9_(3), 238–251.
**This article provides a practical framework for reporting suspected child abuse, tailored specifically for school counselors. Since the scenario involves school personnel making a mandated report, understanding this framework will be crucial for applying the reading to justify the actions taken by the school staff. This resource will help ground arguments in established reporting practices.**
·
[**Ethical Dilemmas of Confidentiality With Adolescent Clients: Case Studies From Psychologists**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=a9h&AN=102076178&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Duncan, R. E., Hall, A. C., & Knowles, A. (2015). Ethical dilemmas of confidentiality with adolescent clients: Case studies from psychologists.
_Ethics & Behavior, 25_(3), 197–221.
**This resource is still useful in understanding the complexities and ethical dilemmas involved in maintaining confidentiality with adolescent clients. The case studies can offer practical examples that can be referenced in the weekly assignment.**
·
[**Clinical Work With Non-Accepting Parents of Sexual Minority Children: Addressing Causal and Controllability Attributions**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=edsovi&AN=edsovi.10.1037.a0031824&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Shpigel, M. S., Belsky, Y., & Diamond, G. M. (2015). Clinical work with non-accepting parents of sexual minority children: Addressing causal and controllability attributions.
_Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 46_(1), 46–54.
**This article is important for understanding the dynamics between non-accepting parents and sexual minority children, which is relevant to Joseph's situation.**
**Week 2 Optional Resources**
·
[**Communicating With the Adolescent: Consent and Confidentiality Issues**](https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fpii%2FS1522840115000208%3Fvia%253Dihub)
Goyal, M. K. (2015). Communicating with the adolescent: Consent and confidentiality issues.
_Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 16_(2), 96–101.
**This article discusses the nuances of consent and confidentiality when working with adolescents, which will be helpful in explaining why the assessment team had to act on the information disclosed by Joseph, even though it wasn't part of the planned assessment.**
·
[**A Q Methodology Investigation of School Counselors’ Beliefs and Feelings in Reporting Suspected Child Sexual Abuse**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=ccm&AN=160623089&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Waalkes, P. L., DeCino, D. A., Stickl Haugen, J., & Woodruff, E. (2022). A Q methodology investigation of school counselors’ beliefs and feelings in reporting suspected child sexual abuse.
_Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 31_(8), 911–929.
**This study examines the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by school counselors when reporting child sexual abuse. Given that the assignment requires a defense of the school's actions, understanding the varied beliefs and feelings of counselors can help further appreciation of the complexity of mandated reporting decisions, making arguments more nuanced and empathetic.**
**## Lesson2instructions.docx**
**Mandated Reporting**
For your protection and that of youth with whom you are involved with in your role as parent, teacher, or anyone working in the helping professions, it is important for you to know and understand mandated reporting requirements. If you are involved with children, then you have a moral and/or legal obligation to protect them. If you are a mandated reporter, then, depending on your state, failure to report can result in your incarceration.
In their article, Lawrence, Levin, Jhai, Brady, and Lyon (2015) review the impact of child maltreatment within this society. They found that by the age of 18, one in eight children is a victim. They emphasize the tremendous social consequences, including long-lasting physical and mental harm to the victims. In addition, there is the financial cost of maltreatment, which costs $124 billion annually just in the United States. To reduce the impact of abuse, there are mandating reporting regulations in all states affecting almost everyone who works with children.
Why would a child report abuse or the fear of abuse? The authors concluded that a child’s main purpose in disclosing maltreatment is to protect themselves and other victims from further harm. They believe that since children are most often mistreated by their caretakers, they do not want their disclosures to lead to criminal action against a parent. Lawrence et al. (2015) assume that mandatory reporters act with the primary purpose of protecting children.
Another issue is the effect to the therapeutic process. Brown and Strozier, (2004) found no empirical evidence demonstrating that mandated reporting was an effective intervention for child abuse. They claimed that little research has been completed on the effects of mandated reporting on therapy with the family. Possibly as a result, Krase and DeLong-Hamilton (2015) found that the failure to report suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities is a worldwide problem. They also report research demonstrating that professionals in the U.S. fail to report more than half of their suspicions of child abuse and neglect as required. According to the authors, one of the main factors behind the failure to report was the professionals’ perception of inadequate training and/or preparation. To facilitate the decision whether to report, reporters are required only to report suspected abuse and do not have to investigate. Regulations are not as clear with regards to fear of potential abuse.
Further complicating the reporting requirements is the fact that psychologists or anyone working in the helping profession are constantly dealing with the unknown. Balmforth and Elliott (2012) describe participation in therapy as an opportunity for a client to express thoughts and feelings that have not previously been expressed since only within the therapeutic relationship was there a guarantee of confidentiality. A psychologist must weigh all factors to determine whether this belief should be abrogated.
Be sure to review the resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignment.
**References**
Balmforth, J., & Elliott, R. (2012). ‘I never talked about, ever’: A comprehensive process analysis of a significant client disclosure event in therapy. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 12(1), 2-12.
Brown, R., & Strozier, M. (2004). Resisting abuse at what cost? The impact of mandated reporting laws on the process and content of therapy. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 26(1), 45-60.
Krase, K. S., & DeLong-Hamilton, T. A. (2015). Preparing social workers as reporters of suspected child maltreatment. Social Work Education, 34(8), 967-985.
Lawrence, J. A., Levin, D. B., Brady, K. L., Jhai, M., & Lyon, T. D. (2015). Ohio v. Clark: Brief of amicus curiae American Professional Society on the abuse of children in support of petitioner. Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 21(4), 365-373.
**Background**
In this assignment, you will defend the application of the mandated reporting laws in the following scenario. Be sure to carefully review the following scenario before responding.
**Scenario**
Joseph, a 14-year-old student, has recently been referred for a psychoeducational evaluation by his high school. His parents, concerned about his academic performance and the potential of him failing some classes, requested the evaluation to determine if learning problems might be a factor. The school provided Joseph’s parents with an informed consent form, detailing the assessments to be administered, including measures of general ability, memory functions, abstract reasoning, neuropsychological functioning, and academic achievement. After reviewing and understanding the scope of the evaluation, Joseph’s parents signed the informed consent form, and the evaluation was conducted, resulting in a written report of the results.
Shortly after receiving the report, Joseph’s parents were visited by protective services. During the evaluation, Joseph had introduced the topic of sexual orientation and confided to school personnel that his father would probably “kill him” if he found out about Joseph’s sexual orientation. Upon learning of the involvement of protective services, Joseph’s parents become furious and threaten to sue the school district.
**Assignment Task**
As the principal of Joseph’s school, your task is to write a letter to Joseph’s parents defending the actions of the assessment team. Your letter should address the following points:
State Mandatory Reporting Laws:
Explain the mandatory reporting laws of your state that apply to this situation.
Clarify why the assessment team’s decision to report the disclosure to protective services was not optional, but a legal requirement.
Justification of the Assessment Team’s Actions:
Provide a rationale for the assessment team’s decision to report Joseph’s disclosure, emphasizing their concern for his health and safety.
Discuss the implications of Joseph’s statement about his father, and why it necessitated immediate action.
Informed Consent Considerations:
Address the issue that Joseph’s disclosure occurred outside the scope of the informed consent form.
Justify that, despite this, the school had a legal and ethical obligation to act on the information once it was disclosed.
Ethical Framework:
Cite relevant sections of the APA Code of Ethics regarding informed consent and disclosures to support the assessment team’s actions.
Mitigating the Risk of a Lawsuit:
Craft your letter to reduce the likelihood of the parents pursuing legal action. Be empathetic and informative, emphasizing the protection and well-being of their child, while also being clear, respectful, and firm in defending the school’s actions.
References: Support your assignment with citations from the APA Code of Ethics and your state’s specific reporting laws. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included.
Length: 2-3 pages, written in letter format. Ensure your letter includes a summary of the relevant state laws and the APA ethics code for the parents. A separate reference page is required, but it does not count towards the 2–3-page length of the letter.
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA 7th edition standards.
**## RequiredResources2.docx**
**Required Resources**
·
[**Applying Ethical Theories to Ethics Codes and Ethical Decision Making**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=psyh&AN=2024-04177-004&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Knapp, S. J., & Fingerhut, R. (2024). Applying ethical theories to ethics codes and ethical decision making. In
_Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach., 4th ed._ (pp. 43–57). American Psychological Association.
**This resource is essential because it provides a foundational understanding of how to apply ethical theories to real-world decision-making. Given the complexity of the scenario involving Joseph, where ethical decision-making is at the core, it is important to understand how to navigate the APA Ethics Code and apply it to situations where ethical dilemmas arise.**
·
[**The Use and Misuse of Informed Consent in Reporting Sexual Intimacy Violations**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=pdh&AN=2023-63355-001&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Behnke, S. H., Thomas, J. T., Walker, L. E., & DeMatteo, D. (2023). The use and misuse of informed consent in reporting sexual intimacy violations.
_Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 54_(2), 135–146.
**This article directly addresses the nuances of informed consent, a critical issue in the assignment. Joseph's scenario involves a disclosure that was not part of the original consent agreement, making it vital for understanding the ethical implications of such disclosures. This reading will equip learners with insights into when and how informed.**
·
[**A Child Abuse Reporting Framework for Early Career School Counselors**](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1232217.pdf)
Tuttle, M., Ricks, L., & Taylor, M. (2019). A child abuse reporting framework for early career school counselors.
_Professional Counselor, 9_(3), 238–251.
**This article provides a practical framework for reporting suspected child abuse, tailored specifically for school counselors. Since the scenario involves school personnel making a mandated report, understanding this framework will be crucial for applying the reading to justify the actions taken by the school staff. This resource will help ground arguments in established reporting practices.**
·
[**Ethical Dilemmas of Confidentiality With Adolescent Clients: Case Studies From Psychologists**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=a9h&AN=102076178&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Duncan, R. E., Hall, A. C., & Knowles, A. (2015). Ethical dilemmas of confidentiality with adolescent clients: Case studies from psychologists.
_Ethics & Behavior, 25_(3), 197–221.
**This resource is still useful in understanding the complexities and ethical dilemmas involved in maintaining confidentiality with adolescent clients. The case studies can offer practical examples that can be referenced in the weekly assignment.**
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[**Clinical Work With Non-Accepting Parents of Sexual Minority Children: Addressing Causal and Controllability Attributions**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=edsovi&AN=edsovi.10.1037.a0031824&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Shpigel, M. S., Belsky, Y., & Diamond, G. M. (2015). Clinical work with non-accepting parents of sexual minority children: Addressing causal and controllability attributions.
_Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 46_(1), 46–54.
**This article is important for understanding the dynamics between non-accepting parents and sexual minority children, which is relevant to Joseph's situation.**
**Week 2 Optional Resources**
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[**Communicating With the Adolescent: Consent and Confidentiality Issues**](https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fpii%2FS1522840115000208%3Fvia%253Dihub)
Goyal, M. K. (2015). Communicating with the adolescent: Consent and confidentiality issues.
_Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 16_(2), 96–101.
**This article discusses the nuances of consent and confidentiality when working with adolescents, which will be helpful in explaining why the assessment team had to act on the information disclosed by Joseph, even though it wasn't part of the planned assessment.**
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[**A Q Methodology Investigation of School Counselors’ Beliefs and Feelings in Reporting Suspected Child Sexual Abuse**](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=ccm&AN=160623089&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv)
Waalkes, P. L., DeCino, D. A., Stickl Haugen, J., & Woodruff, E. (2022). A Q methodology investigation of school counselors’ beliefs and feelings in reporting suspected child sexual abuse.
_Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 31_(8), 911–929.
**This study examines the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by school counselors when reporting child sexual abuse. Given that the assignment requires a defense of the school's actions, understanding the varied beliefs and feelings of counselors can help further appreciation of the complexity of mandated reporting decisions, making arguments more nuanced and empathetic.**
**## Lesson2instructions.docx**
**Mandated Reporting**
For your protection and that of youth with whom you are involved with in your role as parent, teacher, or anyone working in the helping professions, it is important for you to know and understand mandated reporting requirements. If you are involved with children, then you have a moral and/or legal obligation to protect them. If you are a mandated reporter, then, depending on your state, failure to report can result in your incarceration.
In their article, Lawrence, Levin, Jhai, Brady, and Lyon (2015) review the impact of child maltreatment within this society. They found that by the age of 18, one in eight children is a victim. They emphasize the tremendous social consequences, including long-lasting physical and mental harm to the victims. In addition, there is the financial cost of maltreatment, which costs $124 billion annually just in the United States. To reduce the impact of abuse, there are mandating reporting regulations in all states affecting almost everyone who works with children.
Why would a child report abuse or the fear of abuse? The authors concluded that a child’s main purpose in disclosing maltreatment is to protect themselves and other victims from further harm. They believe that since children are most often mistreated by their caretakers, they do not want their disclosures to lead to criminal action against a parent. Lawrence et al. (2015) assume that mandatory reporters act with the primary purpose of protecting children.
Another issue is the effect to the therapeutic process. Brown and Strozier, (2004) found no empirical evidence demonstrating that mandated reporting was an effective intervention for child abuse. They claimed that little research has been completed on the effects of mandated reporting on therapy with the family. Possibly as a result, Krase and DeLong-Hamilton (2015) found that the failure to report suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities is a worldwide problem. They also report research demonstrating that professionals in the U.S. fail to report more than half of their suspicions of child abuse and neglect as required. According to the authors, one of the main factors behind the failure to report was the professionals’ perception of inadequate training and/or preparation. To facilitate the decision whether to report, reporters are required only to report suspected abuse and do not have to investigate. Regulations are not as clear with regards to fear of potential abuse.
Further complicating the reporting requirements is the fact that psychologists or anyone working in the helping profession are constantly dealing with the unknown. Balmforth and Elliott (2012) describe participation in therapy as an opportunity for a client to express thoughts and feelings that have not previously been expressed since only within the therapeutic relationship was there a guarantee of confidentiality. A psychologist must weigh all factors to determine whether this belief should be abrogated.
Be sure to review the resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignment.
**References**
Balmforth, J., & Elliott, R. (2012). ‘I never talked about, ever’: A comprehensive process analysis of a significant client disclosure event in therapy. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 12(1), 2-12.
Brown, R., & Strozier, M. (2004). Resisting abuse at what cost? The impact of mandated reporting laws on the process and content of therapy. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 26(1), 45-60.
Krase, K. S., & DeLong-Hamilton, T. A. (2015). Preparing social workers as reporters of suspected child maltreatment. Social Work Education, 34(8), 967-985.
Lawrence, J. A., Levin, D. B., Brady, K. L., Jhai, M., & Lyon, T. D. (2015). Ohio v. Clark: Brief of amicus curiae American Professional Society on the abuse of children in support of petitioner. Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 21(4), 365-373.
**Background**
In this assignment, you will defend the application of the mandated reporting laws in the following scenario. Be sure to carefully review the following scenario before responding.
**Scenario**
Joseph, a 14-year-old student, has recently been referred for a psychoeducational evaluation by his high school. His parents, concerned about his academic performance and the potential of him failing some classes, requested the evaluation to determine if learning problems might be a factor. The school provided Joseph’s parents with an informed consent form, detailing the assessments to be administered, including measures of general ability, memory functions, abstract reasoning, neuropsychological functioning, and academic achievement. After reviewing and understanding the scope of the evaluation, Joseph’s parents signed the informed consent form, and the evaluation was conducted, resulting in a written report of the results.
Shortly after receiving the report, Joseph’s parents were visited by protective services. During the evaluation, Joseph had introduced the topic of sexual orientation and confided to school personnel that his father would probably “kill him” if he found out about Joseph’s sexual orientation. Upon learning of the involvement of protective services, Joseph’s parents become furious and threaten to sue the school district.
**Assignment Task**
As the principal of Joseph’s school, your task is to write a letter to Joseph’s parents defending the actions of the assessment team. Your letter should address the following points:
State Mandatory Reporting Laws:
Explain the mandatory reporting laws of your state that apply to this situation.
Clarify why the assessment team’s decision to report the disclosure to protective services was not optional, but a legal requirement.
Justification of the Assessment Team’s Actions:
Provide a rationale for the assessment team’s decision to report Joseph’s disclosure, emphasizing their concern for his health and safety.
Discuss the implications of Joseph’s statement about his father, and why it necessitated immediate action.
Informed Consent Considerations:
Address the issue that Joseph’s disclosure occurred outside the scope of the informed consent form.
Justify that, despite this, the school had a legal and ethical obligation to act on the information once it was disclosed.
Ethical Framework:
Cite relevant sections of the APA Code of Ethics regarding informed consent and disclosures to support the assessment team’s actions.
Mitigating the Risk of a Lawsuit:
Craft your letter to reduce the likelihood of the parents pursuing legal action. Be empathetic and informative, emphasizing the protection and well-being of their child, while also being clear, respectful, and firm in defending the school’s actions.
References: Support your assignment with citations from the APA Code of Ethics and your state’s specific reporting laws. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included.
Length: 2-3 pages, written in letter format. Ensure your letter includes a summary of the relevant state laws and the APA ethics code for the parents. A separate reference page is required, but it does not count towards the 2–3-page length of the letter.
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA 7th edition standards.
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