Choose one scenario from the Integrative Case Scenarios.
Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word integrative case paper discussing legal and ethical issues in relation to your selected case scenario. Include the following:
• Describe the challenging aspects of the scenario.
• Identify and discuss relevant principles in the CAMFT Code of Ethics.
• Apply a decision-making model to the case, explaining the best course of action.
• Discuss the potential risks and benefits of your decision and course of action.
• Anticipate any legal and ethical issues or considerations you may be confronted with in future work with this family or couple.
Scenario 1
Ana is a 14-year-old,White female in the 9th grade. She resides with her biological mother and her stepfather of the past 5 years. Her mother and stepfather have an 18-month-old child of their own. Ana does not really know her biological father, although the family has been pursuing him to hold him financially responsible for raising Ana. The mother also tells you in private that the biological father molested Ana when she was 2 years old, but it has never been reported or discussed openly. Ana's only known contact with him was approximately 3 years ago, which consisted of a phone conversation in which he informed Ana that he has a family of his own now and that she is "not to bother him anymore." Ana's emotional and behavioral problems have escalated since that time.
Over the past 2 years, Ana has been engaging in negative behaviors such as sneaking out of her window at night and arguing with teachers. She was sent to live with relatives for part of last year when episodes of conflict with her mother escalated, along with general defiance of house rules.
Ana has been referred to you for counseling after leaving school and refusing to return. After the initial meeting with Ana, her biological father unexpectedly calls you to let you know that her mother is a drug addict and that is why he refuses contact.
Scenario 2
Jonathan, a 16-year-old male, is referred to you pending expulsion from his high school. He states he is angry with his father for revoking driving privileges as a consequence of reckless behavior and problems at school. The father said that Jonathan has a "history of self-destructive and negative behavior," failure over several years to take responsibility for actions, and general defiance of rules. These behaviors have increased during the past 6 months to a year, including 8 referrals at school for arguing with teachers, leaving school grounds, clowning around in class, failing grades, and suspensions.
His parents have been divorced for several years. Within the past year, however, Jonathan's custody arrangements have changed. A joint-custody arrangement has been changed to a primary physical custody with the father, which Jonathan states is actually his preference. He said he is "tired of seeing his mother get hit by her boyfriends." The father is making counseling a prerequisite for Jonathan to continue living with him rather than with his mother.