Ethical decisions and informed consent Essay

In all counseling programs meant for children and adolescents, it is very important that the parents be involved. The parents would require knowing the results of the psychological analysis, most probably in concern for the well being of their wards. However, in certain cases, the children or the adolescents might not intent the parents to know the details of their case. Like an adult patient, the child patient would want to ensure confidentiality of their case. However, it is also important to know that the child would not be in a position to make a proper decision regarding their treatment. Hence, it is very important to ensure that confidentiality exists to a limited extent in such cases. The counselors would have to protect the adolescent and the teenager regarding the individual case. They have to maintain strict confidentiality and should not inform anybody about the details of their case. However, the counselor would also have to inform the parent, as the parents are in the best position in making a valuable decision about their wards. The child or adolescent may be acting out of immaturity in these cases. It is also important to keep in mind that issues regarding the sexual activity of the child and the interventions required for the treatment of a sexually transmitted disease differs from one state to another. Certain issues such as abuse, neglect, presence of any risk or danger to others, etc, have to be reported to the parents. The counselor should be aware that the parents have rights of the children. Only the relevant information has to be disclosed to the parents so that they can make an informed decision for the welfare of their wards. The information presented should be accurate and comprehensive. In this case the parents would have to be informed if any case of neglect, abuse, harm to the child, etc is present. Treatment of a sexually transmitted disease may have to be reported in case the child may cause the risk of transmitting it to other people. The counselor should also try to determine if any danger is present for the 15-year-old client from any other party. If any such danger were present, the counselor would have to ensure that the child is adequately protected by informing the parents. In all cases, the counselor, to determine the need for informing the parents, should conduct a thorough assessment of the situation.