Ethical Decision Making Model

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Ethical Decision Making Model

• Based on the Model by Forester-Miller and Davis
  (1996)

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Ethical Decision Making Model

• Step 1 Identify the problem
• Step 2 Apply the ACA code of Ethics
• Step 3 Determine the nature and dimensions of
  the dilemma
• Step 4 Generate potential courses of action
• Step 5 Consider the potential consequences of
  all options, choose a course of action
• Step 6 Evaluate the selected course of action
• Step 7 Implement the course of action

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The Case of Marlee

• Nancy, a high school counselor, has been
  conducting a group for freshman and sophomore
  girls. The focus of the group is on building
  self-esteem and making wise choices. During the
  fourth session, the group members begin
  discussing boyfriends and whether to just say
  no to sex. Marlee, a 15-year-old freshman,
  shares that she and her boyfriend are having
  sexual relations and that she thinks its okay
  because they are really in love. She mentions,
  almost in passing, that her boyfriend is 20 years
  old and that her parents would kill her if they
  found out about him.

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Step 1 Identify The Problem

• As with most problems, this case study contains
  multiple issues.
• her relationship with a twenty year old
  malestatutory rape.
• personal issues -low self esteem and/or a need to
  rebel.
• the possibility of abuse as she indicates her
  parents would kill her if they learned of this
  information.

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Step 2 Apply the ACA code of Ethics

• B.1.c.Confidentiality. Right to Privacy.
  Exceptions.
• B.1.f.Confidentiality. Right to Privacy. Minimal
  Disclosure.
• B.1.g.Confidentiality. Right to Privacy.
  Explanation of Limitations.
• B.3.Confidentiality. Minor or Incompetent
  Clients.
• B.6.a.Confidentiality. Consultation. Respect for
  Privacy.
• A.9.b.The Counseling Relationship. Group Work.
  Protecting Clients.

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Step 3 Determine the nature and dimensions of
the dilemma

• I need to make sure that she is safe and is
  getting the help she needs.
• Another dimension of this is the integrity of the
  group in which Marlees disclosure was made.
• I would consult another counselor

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Step 4 Generate potential courses of action

• Ignore or dismiss the comment
• Use them as a tool for the group to evaluate
  decision making
• Begin individual counseling sessions
• Contact her parents
• Contact child protection services or the police
• Ask her to refrain from seeing her boyfriend for
  3 days. Make an appt. for Marlees parents to
  come in so Marlee can disclose the information
  about the boyfriend

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Step 5 Consider the potential consequences of
all options, choose a course of action

• Ignore or dismiss the comment
• Use them as a tool for the group to evaluate
  decision making
• Begin individual counseling sessions
• Contact her parents
• Contact child protection services or the police
• Ask her to refrain from seeing her boyfriend for
  3 days. Make an appt. for Marlees parents to
  come in so Marlee can disclose the information
  about the boyfriend

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Step 6 Evaluate the selected course of action

• First, I would address her statements immediately
  during that group session
• Next, I would call Marlee into my office soon
  after group and begin work with Marlee
  individually that day.
• Finally, I would begin individual counseling
  sessions with her that day in conjunction with
  group sessions.

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Step 7 Implement the course of action

• follow the basic ethical guidelines set forth by
  the ACA and to go beyond them to promote the
  welfare of my client. I wanted to
• remove her from immediate danger
• foster the family relationship
• and work with her on the core issues that caused
  her to be vulnerable to a relationship with an
  older male.
• potentially negative consequences
• the course of action is hopefully in accordance
  with what others in the counseling community
  might do in a similar situation.