Instructions
The first time you meet your client, Kolby, he is in the throes of heroin withdrawal. He has been sent to your clinic by the Circuit Court judge as part of an alternative sentencing program. Kolby was arrested for CDS possession, quickly arraigned, and sent along to your clinic instead of going to lockup, because the judge recognized that Kolby’s withdrawal symptoms and significant dependence on opiates would make treatment a more reasonable option. While the doors at your clinic are not locked, Kolby understands that he must stay there or he will be arrested and transported back to jail.
Kolby hasn’t had any heroin for about 30 hours by the time he arrives in your office. During your intake interview, he is unable to focus on anything other than asking for the medication that will alleviate his withdrawal symptoms. He vomits twice in your office, and is experiencing flu-like symptoms. You’re not able to collect a very clear history from Kolby, who quickly signs all of the forms you give him, including releases for confidential information and the informed consent agreement.
Directions
Considering what you’ve read, analyze this situation in terms of valid informed consent. Discuss whether or not you believe that Kolby is able to provide informed consent for his own treatment. Consider that he was placed in treatment by a judge–is this coercive? Also, consider his physical and mental state while you describe his rights and your responsibilities in terms of consenting to treatment.
Follow the Steps in Ethical Decision Making model (available in Module 1 folder on Brightspace) to explain how you, the counselor, would handle this case. You must LIST each of the eight steps and explain exactly what you would do for that step for the current case. (For example, for step 4, dont just say, Id consult with my supervisor. Explain what that consultation would look like. What would be your goal for the consultation? What would you ask your supervisor?) Be sure to cite the readings (articles, codes, etc.) where appropriate.
Bonus (earn up to five extra credit points): The judge who has court-ordered Kolby to treatment has requested a report from you verifying that Kolby reported to treatment and is making progress. Would you break confidentiality to provide this report to the judge? Why or why not? What considerations are involved in whether you would provide the report?
