Working with the children and adolescent population is a population that requires skills and knowledge that vary from those needed when working with the adult population. According to Lawrence and Robinson (2000), a level of clinical competence needs to be met for those therapists working with minors. Competence in working with minors include, working knowledge of the life stage of development and the ability to conceptualization a case and formulate treatment from a systemic point of view (Lawrence & Robinson, 2000). Asides from the clinical skills needed, the ethical dilemmas and legal issues that arise while working with minors also differ from those that may apply when working with the adult population. Using a sample vignette, this paper will provide a brief overview of the legal and ethical considerations when working with a minor, specifically with issues related to: informed consent, mandated reporting, and diversity issues.
Vignette
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Since the client’s parents in the vignette are undocumented, it is likely that they have experienced the process of emigration. Some challenges faced by undocumented persons include, lack of access to health-care, lack of access to education, fear of separation or deportation, the constant checking of documentation, and difficulty finding employment (American Psychological Association [APA], 2013). Undocumented clients may have difficultly trusting the therapist, due to previous negative experiences with authority and may underreport or keep secret the crimes and injustices that has taken place, complicating the ethical decision making process (APA, 2013). Therapists working with undocumented clients should familiarize themselves with immigration policies to ensure they are providing the best care for their clients (APA,