Mental health professionals who work with children regularly face complex ethical dilemmas, such as mandated reporting, collaboration with caregivers and stakeholders, confidentiality, and obtaining consent for treatment. These challenges require careful consideration, especially when working with vulnerable populations. This workshop will examine ethical decision-making models within a trauma-informed framework to address common issues encountered in working with youth and children with special emphasis on play therapy, a common modality utilized with this age group. Participants will explore guidelines from major professional ethics codes, including those from the ACA, APA, APT, AACC, and the APT’s Paper on Touch, to analyze real-world scenarios and practice strategic decision-making. The session will also focus on helping participants navigate when and how to seek supervision, training, and consultation to ensure ethical practice. This workshop aims to provide mental health professionals with the tools necessary to make sound ethical decisions and effectively communicate these decisions to children and families in therapeutic settings, ensuring the protection and well-being of all involved.
522 | Protecting the Vulnerable: A Trauma- Informed Approach to Ethical Decision-Making with Child Clients
PRESENTERS
Kimberly Osbourne, Ed.S., M.S., Heather Bixler, M.A.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Articulate ethical dilemmas therapists face when working with children, using a trauma-informed perspective.
2 Explain the role of play therapy, confidentiality, and boundaries to caregivers and clients to ensure informed consent.
3 Identify resources and steps to seek supervision, training, and consultation in response to ethical conflicts when working with young clients.