Assignment Question
Provide you with an opportunity to implement an ethical decision-making model and apply ethical and legal considerations in counseling. You will be provided with an ethical case study. Marcus, a 16-year-old boy, is referred to counseling by his mother due to his history of behavioral problems at school and with smoking marijuana. His teachers have reported that he is disrespectful, not focused and bothers classmates. He was suspended for smoking on campus and is approaching a tribunal for placement in the alternative school. Marcus’ mother and father are legally separated; however, both have retained all legal rights to parenting Marcus. Marcus primarily resides in the home with his mother due to his father’s work schedule. His mother states that Marcus is unmotivated to do anything she asks him to do and feels that counseling as a last resort for Marcus. You call Marcus into your office. He is appropriately dressed for the weather, neatly groomed, with a sullen face. He rolled his eyes at you when you gestured to him to follow you into your counseling space. You began to ask questions of which Mike provided minimal responses. He primary stared at the floor and shrugged his shoulders as your probed. Mike finally blurted out, “Man look, I don’t even want to be here. This was my Mom’s idea and she thinks I have a problem, but I don’t. I do not think I have a problem, nor do I want to be in counseling. To be totally honest, I don’t even want to be with her anyway. All she does is nag. I want to live with my father.” Marcus’ mother insists that he continue with counseling regardless of his willingness to participate. Marcus and his mother reside in a state where individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to consent. Using an ethical decision-making model, you will: identify the key problem or dilemma identify the potential issues involved review and reference the relevant ethical codes specific to ACA and ASCA reference the applicable laws and regulations if appropriate obtain consultation as needed consider possible courses of action enumerate the consequences of various decisions (at least three) present the best course of action and rationale for this decision.
