Introduction The following is an ethical case study involving a school counselor, Agatha, and her student, Eustace. In solving this ethical dilemma, Agatha will apply the STEP solution model, created by the American Counseling Association (2001). The steps in which Agatha uses are as follows: 1.) Define the problem emotionally and intellectually, 2.) Apply the ASCA and ACA Code of Ethics and the law, 3.) Consider the chronological and developmental levels, 4.) Consider the setting, parental rights, and minors’ rights, 5.) Apply the moral principals, 6.) Determine the potential courses of action and their consequences, 7.) Evaluate the selected course of action, 8.) Consult, and 9.) Implement the course of action. Agatha is a school counselor
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In regards to her personal religious beliefs, ACA clearly states in code A.4.b, “Personal Values: Counselors are aware – and avoid imposing – their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors,” (ACA, 2014). ASCA states something similar in code E.2 that, “Professional School Counselors: Monitor and expand personal multicultural and social justice advocacy awareness, knowledge and skills. School counselors strive for exemplary cultural competence by ensuring personal beliefs or values are not imposed on students or other stakeholders,” (ASCA, …show more content…
While it is important to keep parents informed, the information that Agatha must provide to parents can be limited in respect to a students right to privacy (ASCA, 2010). Agatha does not legally have to disclose Eustace’s sexual orientation to his parents.
Moral Principals There are three moral principals that stand out in this specific case, autonomy, non-maleficence, and loyalty. Autonomy has been found to be a predictor to student success and their development of self-efficacy. Studies have shown the importance of learning self-efficacy in which, “…self-efficacy predicts motivation and achievement across levels of student achievement,” (Schunk, 1991). Upholding and supporting Eustace’s autonomy is crucial to his development into adulthood. Non-maleficence is at the center of this ethical dilemma. Above all else, Agatha needs to make sure her final decision will do as little harm to Eustace as probable. No decision in life is harm proof, but it is critical to be as harm avoidant as possible in assisting
In regards to her personal religious beliefs, ACA clearly states in code A.4.b, “Personal Values: Counselors are aware – and avoid imposing – their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors,” (ACA, 2014). ASCA states something similar in code E.2 that, “Professional School Counselors: Monitor and expand personal multicultural and social justice advocacy awareness, knowledge and skills. School counselors strive for exemplary cultural competence by ensuring personal beliefs or values are not imposed on students or other stakeholders,” (ASCA, …show more content…
While it is important to keep parents informed, the information that Agatha must provide to parents can be limited in respect to a students right to privacy (ASCA, 2010). Agatha does not legally have to disclose Eustace’s sexual orientation to his parents.
Moral Principals There are three moral principals that stand out in this specific case, autonomy, non-maleficence, and loyalty. Autonomy has been found to be a predictor to student success and their development of self-efficacy. Studies have shown the importance of learning self-efficacy in which, “…self-efficacy predicts motivation and achievement across levels of student achievement,” (Schunk, 1991). Upholding and supporting Eustace’s autonomy is crucial to his development into adulthood. Non-maleficence is at the center of this ethical dilemma. Above all else, Agatha needs to make sure her final decision will do as little harm to Eustace as probable. No decision in life is harm proof, but it is critical to be as harm avoidant as possible in assisting