1. Ethical Decision-Making Model Presentation
Ima Freakin Genius
COUN7449 Family, School, Community Collaboration

2. Assignment Description
OBJECTIVE: Fulfill MEd portfolio requirement, “Assignment that reflects ethical philosophy and/or professional issues in the Counselor Education concentration.” DESCRIPTION: Candidates will identify an ethical decision-making model and apply the model to an ethical dilemma situated within the PK-12 school setting. Candidates will complete a action response proposal outlining suggested steps towards addressing the dilemma, congruent with the identified model.

3. Ethical Dilemma Scenario
“She Told Me Her Secret: Do I Warn? Who Do I Warn?” by Carmen Salazar, Chapter 22, Critical Incidents in Clinical Supervision: Addictions, Community, and School Counseling (Tyson, Culbreth, & Harrington, 2008)
During the sixth individual counseling session, a Latina high school student Alicia tells the school counselor she is especially unhappy because her parents have forbidden her from seeing her boyfriend, Cleofas, whom she had been dating for the past few weeks. They object to him because he is too old for her. Alicia’s father threatened to call the police if he learns Cleofas and Alicia are still seeing each other. When the school counselor asks for details, Alicia discloses that Cleofas is 23. Alicia’s parents believe she is no longer seeing him but some days she pretends to get ready for school, and as soon as her parents leave for work she meets Cleofas and spends the day at his house. Alicia also discloses she had unprotected sex with Cleofas once but does not plan to do it again because she did not like it very much.

4. Ethical Decision-Making Model
A hybrid model incorporating Remley & Herlihy (2014) and Pope & Vasquez (2011)
Identify the Problem: Client safety; Alicia is engaging in unprotected sex; Cleofas is 23 (state rape laws); Alicia deceiving parents and running away
Consider the Principles & Virtues: What potential cultural influences may be involved here? I need to verify the age of consent and statutory rape laws in GA before proceeding.
Tune in to Your Feelings: I feel disturbed and very concerned about her safety and that she may be potentially being taken advantage of by this older male.
Consult with Colleagues or Experts:
Involve Your Client in the Process:
Consider Possible Actions:
Choose and Act:
Evaluate:

5. Proposed School Counselor Response
As it appears I have rapport with Alicia, I would discuss the potential dangers to her as client (e.g., unprotected sex, deceiving parents, etc.) and introduce these into our discussion within the context of confidentiality and safety.
I would introduce and discuss the law regarding statutory rape and the implications criminal/legal implications.
I would……

6. Supporting References
Pope, K. S., & Vasquez, M. J. T., (2011). Ethics in psychotherapy and counseling (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Remley, T. P., & Herlihy, B. (2014). Ethical, legal, and professional issues in counseling (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Tyson, L. E., Culbreth, J. R., & Harrington, J. A. (Eds.). (2008). Critical incidents in clinical supervision: Addictions, community, and school counseling. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.