Assignment:
APA style
300 words
Peer review
Cody Ohira
Judith runs a psychoeducational divorce group for teenagers at a public high school and must follow the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Because her group members are minors, she needs to get both parental consent and student assent. The ACA states, "When counseling minors... counselors seek the assent of clients to services and include them in decision making as appropriate" (ACA, 2014, A.2.d.). It also says, "Informed consent is an ongoing part of the counseling process" (ACA, 2014, A.2.a.), so Judith should explain the group's purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and confidentiality limits in language the students can understand.
Confidentiality is especially important in a school group setting. The ACA says, "In group work, counselors clearly explain the importance and parameters of confidentiality for the specific group being entered" (ACA, 2014, B.4.a.). Judith needs to make it clear that while confidentiality is expected, it cannot be guaranteed among students, and that mandatory reporting laws still apply. She also needs to make sure she is working within her professional skills: "Counselors practice only within the boundaries of their competence..." (ACA, 2014, C.2.a.). Following these ethical standards helps protect students and ensures Judith's work is responsible and legally sound.
American Counseling Association. (2014). Ethics and professional standards. Need Assignment Help?