8 Step Ethical Decision Assignment

Assignment 5

Instructions: Identify all the ethical issues in this case. Note the NASW code for each violation and explain exactly what the violation was AND what should be done that would have been ethically correct. Explain the 8 steps involved in identifying and resolving an ethical conflict as described in the textbook.

Ethics Case Study: Sam

Sam is a 22-year-old male college student in his junior year at the University of DE. Sam is an engineering major with an above-average IQ. Sam typically earns A's in all his courses, but this past fall semester earned C's and failed one course in his major. One of Sam's friends suggested he go see a counselor on campus. The university has the Center for Counseling and Student Development, which is the University of Delaware's mental health facility.

Sam called the CCSD and made an appointment for the following day. Because he wanted to earliest appointment, Sam saw a doctoral intern, Brad Smith. As a doctoral intern, Brad is currently enrolled as a psychology student at UD and is completing his in-school internship hours at the CCSD under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist and UD professor, Dr. Julia Winters.

As they sat down, Brad asked what he could do for Sam. Sam disclosed to Brad that he had failed a course last semester and that his normal 'A' grades were C's. His GPA had dropped significantly and his parents, both engineers, were very disappointed in him. Sam added he and his parents argued several times over the holiday break. His parents told him that if his grades did not improve this spring semester, they would no longer pay his tuition and board. He added his parents insisted he go to counseling.

Brad asked what Sam thought was the reason his grades has drastically fallen last semester. Sam initially said, "I'm not sure." After talking with Sam about more general topics such as the weather, other campus activities, and Sam's career goals, Sam became more relaxed. Sam added that he and John keep their relationship a secret because Sam's parents do not know he is gay.

After about 20 minutes of small talk, Sam felt more at ease and comfortable. Sam disclosed to Brad that he was feeling, "Really down all last semester" and maybe even earlier last summer. Sam couldn't give a reason why he was feeling that way, but added he felt he had no future at all and that he barely gets 4 hours of sleep every night. Sam has lost 15 pounds because he doesn't feel like eating; he's never hungry. Sam added he missed many of his classes last semester because he, "Just couldn't get out of bed." He often stayed in bed for a few days, never leaving his dorm room except to use the bathroom. He didn't even shower sometimes.

Brad asked Sam about his partner, John. As Sam described him, Brad realized he knew John as he was his girlfriend's brother.

What is the dilemma and what should Brad do?

Please complete the below sections.

Section I: Cultural Factors

Identify any cultural factors that may apply to this case.

Section II: 8-Step Ethical Decision-Making Process (from textbook pages 19-23).

Step 1: Identify the problem/s or dilemma/s.

Answer:

Step 2: Identify the potential issues involved.

Answer:

Step 3: Identify, explain, and apply the relevant ethics codes from the ACA Code handout. (What is the code section? What does the code state (in your own words)? How does the code apply to the scenario?)

Answer:

Step 4: Identify any State of DE laws and State of DE counselor regulations and laws that apply to each issue.

Answer:

Step 5: Obtain consultation. Explain in detail who should be consulted, people and agencies, to discuss resolutions and take further action.

Answer:

Step 6: Consider possible and probable courses of action.

Answer:

Step 7: Enumerate (list and explain) the possible consequences of the various actions.

Answer:

Step 8: Choose what appears to be the best course of action and explain what should be done in detail.

Answer: