Weak 7 Topic 1
Assessment Description
How would you handle a situation where a child and parents were coming to see you
and it was evident at the outset that the issues were the parent(s)? Consider your
readings to this point as well as ethical standards when answering this question. Would
you address this with the parents? Why or why not and how would you address it if you
chose to do so? How would you assist the child if the parents were unwilling to
change?
This is a real-life situation that we may be placed in as counselors. Seeing how I am seeing both
the parents and the child; the family is being seen as a whole. Relaying this to the child could
cause more harm, if the child chooses to confront the parents at home, it could create issues
between myself and the parents. Since the family is being seen as a unit rather than individually,
siding with one person out of the group is not an ideal approach. Maintaining an open and
honest line of communication is important, which is why I would address the parents and
discuss my professional opinion with them. If the parents are reluctant to move toward change, I
would suggest individual counseling for the parents and the child to help them work through
their issues. Hopefully, through individual sessions, we can make progress during the family
therapy sessions. If the parents still choose not to follow my professional opinion and assume
they are not mandated by the court, I will help the child develop coping skills when dealing with
their parents.
Week 7 Topic 2
Assessment Description
You are employed as a case manager and your are meeting with the child for the first
time. As you are going through the intake questions the child hesitantly discloses to
you that his/her father has physically abused them and you see visible bruises on the
legs and arms of this child. The child appears sad and ashamed. How would you
handle this situation? Consider legal and ethical standards for handling child abuse.
Additionally, how would you go about handling this with the family as well as the
child?
In a situation such as this, it is my legal and ethical responsibility to report the abuse. These
kinds of situations are tough, especially since it is visible that the child is already distressed
about the issue. Assessing the situation and figuring out if the child is in a safe environment is
key. The safety of the child should be my priority. During the session I would reassure the
child that my office is a safe zone. Also, I feel the importance to explain to the child that
anything they say is confidential, except for someone hurting themselves, others, or being hurt
by others. From there I would proceed with the session. Since I would be asking sensitive
questions about the abuse and home life, I feel that incorporating toys or art would be
beneficial in helping the child express themselves more. I would not necessarily discuss with
the parents that the child reported abuse due to fear of further abuse for the child when
returned home, I feel that is dependent on my interpretation of the severity of the situation.
But I feel that asking the parents questions about how the child got the bruises is acceptable.
From there CPS would make a home visit.
Assessment Description
How would you handle a situation where a child and parents were coming to see you
and it was evident at the outset that the issues were the parent(s)? Consider your
readings to this point as well as ethical standards when answering this question. Would
you address this with the parents? Why or why not and how would you address it if you
chose to do so? How would you assist the child if the parents were unwilling to
change?
This is a real-life situation that we may be placed in as counselors. Seeing how I am seeing both
the parents and the child; the family is being seen as a whole. Relaying this to the child could
cause more harm, if the child chooses to confront the parents at home, it could create issues
between myself and the parents. Since the family is being seen as a unit rather than individually,
siding with one person out of the group is not an ideal approach. Maintaining an open and
honest line of communication is important, which is why I would address the parents and
discuss my professional opinion with them. If the parents are reluctant to move toward change, I
would suggest individual counseling for the parents and the child to help them work through
their issues. Hopefully, through individual sessions, we can make progress during the family
therapy sessions. If the parents still choose not to follow my professional opinion and assume
they are not mandated by the court, I will help the child develop coping skills when dealing with
their parents.
Week 7 Topic 2
Assessment Description
You are employed as a case manager and your are meeting with the child for the first
time. As you are going through the intake questions the child hesitantly discloses to
you that his/her father has physically abused them and you see visible bruises on the
legs and arms of this child. The child appears sad and ashamed. How would you
handle this situation? Consider legal and ethical standards for handling child abuse.
Additionally, how would you go about handling this with the family as well as the
child?
In a situation such as this, it is my legal and ethical responsibility to report the abuse. These
kinds of situations are tough, especially since it is visible that the child is already distressed
about the issue. Assessing the situation and figuring out if the child is in a safe environment is
key. The safety of the child should be my priority. During the session I would reassure the
child that my office is a safe zone. Also, I feel the importance to explain to the child that
anything they say is confidential, except for someone hurting themselves, others, or being hurt
by others. From there I would proceed with the session. Since I would be asking sensitive
questions about the abuse and home life, I feel that incorporating toys or art would be
beneficial in helping the child express themselves more. I would not necessarily discuss with
the parents that the child reported abuse due to fear of further abuse for the child when
returned home, I feel that is dependent on my interpretation of the severity of the situation.
But I feel that asking the parents questions about how the child got the bruises is acceptable.
From there CPS would make a home visit.
