Questions

Answers should be at least 100-175 words and reflect critical thought. Whenever possible, please try to relate the course content to real-world applications from your work experience. Be sure to cite all sources as well.

1. What did you learn (from your readings this week and last) about the following items: counselor responsibility for client advocacy and duty to warn applications in HIV/AIDS cases? Was this new information for you, or were you already aware of these items?

2. One of your articles this week talks about mandated reporting of child abuse. Discuss the laws as they relate to your state.

Pennsylvania child abuse laws, like the abuse laws found in other states, fall under the criminal or penal code. The crime is broadly defined to include any type of cruelty inflicted on a child, such as mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault or exploitation, and neglect. Charges for physical child abuse often include assault and battery. Additionally, child abuse laws include provisions requiring certain adults with access to children (such as teachers and doctors) to report signs of abuse.Summary offense for 1st violation; misdemeanor in 3rd degree for 2nd and subsequent offenses

3. According to childwelfare.gov website those who are required to mandatorily report child abuse and negligence include, social workers, teachers, educational personnel, medical personnel, mental health providers, law enforcement personnel, and child care workers (2018). According to the website, all persons are required to report if they have reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or neglect in the state of Oklahoma. Your thoughts?

4. For California according to Penal code section 11165.7 authorizes that all school /districts employees, administrators and athletic coaches and all other authorized mandated reporting employee has the right to report any signs of child abuse, a statement will have to be a way of notification. I would think that any citizen that is or know someone that is being abused should be able to report any state. i wonder if there are any states that have very different statues?

5. It seems that most states have similar general laws or codes in regards to reporting child abuse. Texas requires any individuals who is aware or suspects child abuse or neglect to report it. If an individual does not report it they could face a class A Misdemeanor charge and fines. Do you know if in the state of California if not reporting is punishable by charges or fines?

6. I agree counselors have the responsibility to work with clients even though they may not agree with their values. I personally believe that every one of us has a right to our beliefs, but that doesn't mean we have the right to try to force others to believe the way we believe.

I think keeping an open mind will be a benefit to each of us going into this profession. I know that in the readings have been discussions of laws and actions taken so that counselors do not have to treat clients who have extremely different belief systems, that counselors shouldn't have to deny their beliefs to treat a client, but like you I believe that there is a limit. We are not going to have the same belief system as each and every one of our clients. I believe that we will each find our way to do right by our clients, and remain true to ourselves. Your thoughts?

7. Chapter 3 discussed end of life scenarios and what is an ethical response from the counselor. I understand that it is unethical for a counselor to impose there views and beliefs on a client and that the counselor should allow the client to resolve their own issues. One scenario that I was a little unsure about was the one where the client told his counselor that he was diagnosed with HIV and he wanted to end his life.

Nowadays HIV is not a death sentence, and a HIV positive individual can live a long life. If a client who is not given less than six months to live express that they want to commit suicide, is the counselor required to report this to the proper authority to protect the safety of the client? Would it be unethical in this scenario for the counselor to go against the client's wishes to end his life? Class what are your thoughts?

8. I was not aware of the duty to warn where HIV patients were concerned. I noticed during my research for another topic that the state differ in whether it is mandatory or permissive, too. It still seems like a seriously gray area, of whether it is a violation of confidentiality, to me. I understand the risks and the reasons behind why mental health professional can disclose information to medical personnel and law enforcement, but its still begs to question. Any thoughts?

9. It seems that most states have similar general laws or codes in regards to reporting child abuse. Texas requires any individuals who is aware or suspects child abuse or neglect to report it. If an individual does not report it they could face a class A Misdemeanor charge and fines. Do you know if in the state of California if not reporting is punishable by charges or fines? How about in Pennsyvania?