Reference no: EM133602996
Case Analysis Scenario: Confidentiality and Ethical Dilemma
You are a social worker providing counseling services at a community mental health center. One of your clients, Sarah, a 16-year-old high school student, has been attending counseling sessions for several weeks to address issues related to anxiety and depression. She was referred by the school social worker. During the first initial session, Sarah stated that she does not want her parents to know what they discuss during the sessions. Sarah has shared personal and sensitive information about her struggles, family dynamics, and is now revealing some risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol with friends, smoking marijuana, unprotected sex, and using a fake id to get into night clubs.
One day, Sarah's mother contacts you to express their concern about Sarah's well-being. The school social worker contacted them to inform them that Sarah is starting to miss school due to her complaints about major headaches and her depression. Sarah's mother also received information from one of Sarah's close friends stating that she is worried about Sarah because she has been drinking alcohol daily and smoking marijuana with boys who do not attend the school. The mother wants to verify this with you and would like to be involved in her sessions to better support Sarah in home.
Background
Sarah is a 16-year-old, biracial female of African and Irish American descent who resides with her parents in a middle-class suburb. She is the youngest of three children and is currently the only child remaining in the home. Sarah's parents have been married for 25 years. Sarah's father works in the creative arts field with a nontraditional work schedule that has him gone overnight and sleeping late into the morning. Sarah's mother is an executive who works long hours. Saah was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia in early childhood and was hospitalized multiple times. At present, Sarah's health is stable with the last serious episode occurring 2 years ago.
Question 1. Analyze the ethical dilemma presented in the case scenario regarding Sarah. Identify the conflicting values and ethical principles involved, including confidentiality, duty to warn, and duty to protect. Discuss how you would assess the situation, analyze the ethical considerations, and make a decision.
Question 2. Consider the perspectives of the various stakeholders involved, including Sarah, her parents, the school social worker, mental health counselor, and the legal and ethical standards of the social work profession.(Source)
Question 3. Propose a resolution that balances the ethical principles of confidentiality and duty to protect. Explain how you would navigate the situation while upholding your professional obligations.(Source)
Question 4. Reflect on the challenges of maintaining confidentiality while ensuring the safety and well-being of the client. Discuss the implications of this scenario on your practice and ethical development.