Listed below is a situation that may or may not violate codes of ethics when working with families. Study the scenario carefully and then go to the codes of ethics for AAMFT, IAMFC, AACC, and ACA to find the ethical answers to the dilemmas presented. Be sure to record the code location on each ethical code where the violation or permission is given for the counselor to do what had been done (ex: AAMFT 2.2 or ACA B.7.2).

A new family, the Lorenzo's, come in for their first family counseling session. In the room are the following family members: Stephan (Father - 30 years old), Delia (Mother-31 years old), Ray (Male child - 9 years old). The family has been referred by Ray's pediatrician. The family relocated to the United States from Mexico last month - Delia received a job promotion and was required to relocate to the States. Shorty after the move, Ray began having problems at school - acting out, disrespecting teachers, and poor academic performance. At home, Ray has not been eating well, and he does not sleep well. During the assessment process, the family states that they identify as "Mexican." The counselor assesses faith and spirituality during the first session. Stephan states that he lost his faith years ago after the death of his parents. Delia states that she was raised by Christian missionaries in an orphanage. She states that she has a strong belief in God, but that she has not been to church in a very long time. She prays every day on her own and has a nightly prayer before bedtime with Ray. This angers Stephan, and frequently results in an argument after Ray has gone to bed. The counselor tells the parents they should both put Ray to bed, and that they should pray together. The counselor also asserts that all parenting tasks should be divided evenly, and that children need to see parents splitting responsibilities.

The counselor suggests that the best thing to happen in the moment is for everyone to pray and asks everyone to bow their head and close their eyes. The counselor begins praying at length, asking God for spiritual guidance.

The counselor tells the family that Ray has "some sort of an eating disorder," and also adds that "where I come from, children better do well in school or there will be consequences." Adding to that, the counselor also states, "I bet he has a video game system in his room. Take that away and I bet he straightens up." The counselor also suggests that the family go home and read Proverbs 12:1 and Proverbs 13:24 in order to get perspectives on how they need to raise their child.