States have enacted laws that require professionals to report to child, elder, and dependent adult abuse whenever they suspect or discover it in the course of their professional activities. Ethical dilemmas involving confidentiality arise when there are conflicts between responsibilities.
Members of the helping professions should know and observe the ethics codes and make sound judgments that are within the parameters of acceptable practice.
How do you see your role in addressing substance use? Where do your personal values and convictions need refinement? What else may be done within faith communities? This area is a ripe one for investigating resources related to your final project.