Providing Services When a Threat May Exist Human service professionals are often called upon to work with children in family and school settings. They may be presented with cases where children have been allegedly abused or neglected. In these cases, human service professionals must be prepared to face ethical issues and utilize interventions and prevention methods.
The Scenario In the scenario, a school counselor works at an elementary school in a rural community. Fifth grade twins, Jonah and Joann have been referred to the counselor after repeatedly coming to school unkempt and wearing clothing inappropriate for weather conditions. In addition, obvious bruising was on their arms and they disclosed that they are occasionally …show more content…
As a mandated reporter, they must report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect and are required by law to do so. Failure to report suspected child abuse could result in criminal liability. They must be able to recognize the signs of child maltreatment and be knowledgeable of the state laws as well as the school policies and procedures relating to child abuse and neglect (Hirschy & Wilkinson, 2010, p. 60). When reporting child abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS), documentation must be accurate and thorough (Hirschy & Wilkinson, 2010, p. 65). Information such as the names and ages of the children, their address, their condition, and detailed information regarding the incident which is requiring the report to be completed. In the scenario, the counselor is concerned for her safety and the safety of the children because of their father’s history of aggressive behavior. Therefore, the counselor must include information regarding safety concerns and previous experiences with the children’s father. Fortunately, privacy laws have been implemented to provide reporters with anonymity, which can ease safety …show more content…
It is important to continue adhering to laws and ethical standards even when parents and caregivers inquire about children’s sessions (Melton, 2008, para. 3). Information can be given to parents and guardians on a need to know basis and at the counselor’s discretion. To resolve this conflict, counselors can encourage the student to disclose information to the parents and guardians with the counselor’s assistance (Melton, 2008, para. 4). When counselors work with children, it is important that they find a way to establish a mutual relationship with parents and guardians. Moreover, collaborating with parents and guardians is an effective way to encourage student’s development and personal
The Scenario In the scenario, a school counselor works at an elementary school in a rural community. Fifth grade twins, Jonah and Joann have been referred to the counselor after repeatedly coming to school unkempt and wearing clothing inappropriate for weather conditions. In addition, obvious bruising was on their arms and they disclosed that they are occasionally …show more content…
As a mandated reporter, they must report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect and are required by law to do so. Failure to report suspected child abuse could result in criminal liability. They must be able to recognize the signs of child maltreatment and be knowledgeable of the state laws as well as the school policies and procedures relating to child abuse and neglect (Hirschy & Wilkinson, 2010, p. 60). When reporting child abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS), documentation must be accurate and thorough (Hirschy & Wilkinson, 2010, p. 65). Information such as the names and ages of the children, their address, their condition, and detailed information regarding the incident which is requiring the report to be completed. In the scenario, the counselor is concerned for her safety and the safety of the children because of their father’s history of aggressive behavior. Therefore, the counselor must include information regarding safety concerns and previous experiences with the children’s father. Fortunately, privacy laws have been implemented to provide reporters with anonymity, which can ease safety …show more content…
It is important to continue adhering to laws and ethical standards even when parents and caregivers inquire about children’s sessions (Melton, 2008, para. 3). Information can be given to parents and guardians on a need to know basis and at the counselor’s discretion. To resolve this conflict, counselors can encourage the student to disclose information to the parents and guardians with the counselor’s assistance (Melton, 2008, para. 4). When counselors work with children, it is important that they find a way to establish a mutual relationship with parents and guardians. Moreover, collaborating with parents and guardians is an effective way to encourage student’s development and personal