Applying Ethics in Practice
BSHS/335
07/27/2014
Laura Cobb
Applying Ethics in Practice
This is the case study of Candy. Candy is 14 years of age; she is receiving counseling from her school counselor. This client was recommended for school counseling due to problematic behavior in her classroom.
Here are the stressors effecting Candy. Her parents have recently divorced, and Candy is having difficulty coping with her parents’ separation. This client is having unprotected sex with her 15 year old boyfriend. Candy is now pregnant. Candy feels she wants to have an abortion, however she is anxious, and not sure she wants to follow through with an abortion. The boyfriend has stated he does not want to support Candy, or her unborn child.
If I were the case manager looking at this case there are several ethical and legal situations to consider. Age of consent would be the first factor. What is the age of consent, in Candy’s state of residence? I live in the state of California, adolescence are not required to have parents consent in regards to abortion. (English, 2003). Understanding what the school ethics are a consideration to students seeking an abortion is another consideration. With the state allowing consent I would assume this would be the school policy, however I would ascertain this protocol. The fact that Candy and her boyfriend are having sex, this could be against the law. In the state of California it is unlawful for minors under 18 to have sex, however there is the “Romeo and Juleit Clause”, which allows for sex if the two are within 2 years of age. (Smith, 2011). Candy and her boyfriend are not breaking the law.
We understand the legal concerns, so now we need to make the client aware of the consent of counseling, she would be made aware of the schools ethics mandates, the mandates the counselors must adhere to. Candy then can offer her consent to treatment. If Candy has additional input in regards to consent, this can be...