Problem:
When working with children and teens in group settings, confidentiality is a critical ethical consideration that is more complicated than it is with adults. Minors might not understand what information will be shared with their parents or group leader. Therefore, the counselor must clearly explain the limits of confidentiality in terms that young people can grasp and should revisit this topic continually (Kafka et al., 2024). Trust is especially important in relationships with adolescents, and any unexpected breaches or misunderstandings about information sharing can harm that trust (Kafka et al., 2024). In group counseling, it's vital to establish and reinforce norms repeatedly. This is because maintaining confidentiality in a group involves risks that don't occur in one-on-one therapy (Gladding, 2019). Another key ethical issue is informed consent and assent. For minors, the counselor needs to get permission from parents and also involve the adolescent in a meaningful assent process. This involves explaining the group's purpose, risks, structure, and that participation is voluntary (Gladding, 2019). Since young people may not fully understand the long-term effects of their involvement, the counselor should provide age-appropriate information and verify their understanding. This approach supports their autonomy and helps build group cohesion, as members will know what to expect and feel more in control of their involvement (Kafka et al., 2024). Need Assignment Help?