OPTION #1: Applying a Decision-Making Model

For this assignment, select one of the cases described in Chapter 4 that is of particular interest to you. Then review the steps in the ethical decision-making process described in Chapter 1 in last week’s textbook readings and submit an essay addressing the following items:

1. Identify and briefly summarize the case you have selected.
2. Identify the ethical issues raised in the case.
3. Explain in detail how you would apply each step of the ethical decision-making process to if you were handling the case as a human services professional.

Instructions:

• Write a 3-4 page paper or about 1500 words, not including the title and reference pages, which are required.
• The paper must be formatted correctly using APA style. Remember, all research material used in your paper must be paraphrased and include an in-text citation.
• Your paper must be properly cited and formatted according to the APA guidelines.
• Be sure you utilize your text appropriately as a reference and cite at least one other credible external reference such as a website or journal article to support your proposed resolution of the case.
• ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Case Scenario

The case of Hanh

Stacy is a high school counselor. A Vietnamese student named Hanh, is assigned to her because of academic difficulties. Stacy observes that Hanh is slow and deliberate in his conversational style, and she immediately assigns him to a remedial speech class. In the course of their conversations, Han discloses to Stacy that his father wants him to apply to college and major in pre-med. Hahn is not sure that he even wants to attend college. Stacy gives John a homework assignment, asking him to tell his father that he no longer wants to pursue college plans and wants to follow a direction that appeals to him.

• Was the fact that John spoke slowly and deliberately and indication that he needed a remedial speech class? Can you offer other explanations for Hanh’s slow and deliberate speech?
• If you were Hanh’s therapist, how would you deal with the conflict between Hanh’s goals and his father’s expectations?
• Was Stacy culturally sensitive when asking Hahn to directly confront his father?What other Alternatives were available?
• Was Stacey too quick in making her assessments, considering that John was sent to the school council by a teacher? Would it have made a difference if he had come voluntarily for guidance?
• Would you recommend family counseling? If so, how would you present this to Hahn and his parents?
• How would the ethics cold guidelines on diversity influence your approach to working with Hahn?

Commentary

When there is a cultural difference between the counselor and client, counselors must familiarize themselves with how the client approaches counseling and avoid imposing their world view on the client. Although we hope the counselor would explore with Hahn his choice of a major in college and the conflict with his father over his educational and career plans, it is inappropriate for the counselor to tell Hahn what to do. Suggesting that Hahn directly confront his father has serious implications; Hahn’s father may never speak to him again if Hahn is confrontational. Our assessment skills need to in compass the cultural context and the consequences a proposed intervention on the client’s life.

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Here are the steps in the ethical decision-making process

• Identify the problem or dilemma
• Identify the potential issues that are involved
• Review the relevant ethics codes.
• Know the applicable laws and regulations.
• Obtain consultation.
• Consider possible and probable courses of action.
• Enumerate the consequences of various decisions.
• Choose what appears to be the best course of action.