1. This counselor uses conversation and observation as ways of assessing for trauma.

In
what ways is the child in the case study being traumatized? Children who
experience abuse can experience short and long term effects such as depression,
anxiety, self-destructive behaviors and even post-traumatic stress disorder
(Hays, 2017). Kayla is being traumatized by experiencing child abuse, both
psychological and physical. The phsycial abuse is evident by the bruising she has
and the psychological is the verbal abuse she is being subjected to by Trent,
including threats of aditional physical abuse.

2. Upon observing the child in the session and hearing her story, what should be a
counselor’s next steps in terms of ethical decision-making? Include in your answer:

a) Who and what would we consult in our decision-making process? As the

counselor, I have already consulted with my supervisor but it would
be wise to review the new developments with them and my thought
process that it is time to report the child abuse. I would review the
ACA Code of Ethics, specifically Section B. Section B.2.a., which
states that confidentiality can be broken if “required to protect clients
or identified others from serious and foreseeable harm” (ACA, 2014).
b) Do we allow the child to leave our office, and upon what factors do we
base that decision? Since the mom is involved, I do not think I can keep
the child in my office if the mom disagrees, but I could make it clear
that I advise them to stay in the office until I contact authorities and
figure out a safe place for them to go.
c) Do we tell the child and/or the parent that we must report our concerns of
child abuse to Child Protective Services? I would not be required to tell
the parent or the child I am reporting the abuse but I would let them
both know I am making the report. I would want to keep them
involved and aware of what is occurring. I would speak to the client
first, but would want to make sure we could create a safety plan for
them both.

3. Upon making a decision to report, what would be our next steps?

1. Who would we call? In North Carolina, mandated reporters are
required to “report the case of that juvenile to the director of the
department of social services in the county where the juvenile resides
or is found” (Mandated Reporters, n.d.).
2. What would we say? I would say that I have a 12-year-old client who
has reported to me more than once about her mother's boyfriend
verbally and physically abusing her. I would clarify I have seen
bruising and I am concerned it will continue.
 3. What happens next for the child? I would hope that Michelle would
understand the importance of finding somewhere safe for Kayla while
the report is being processed. Kayla going back into the environment
with Trent could put them both at risk for further abuse.
4. How would we need to handle documentation? As I did previously, I
would document the content of the session in my notes and include
that I made a report to the proper individuals and anyone else I spoke
with.
4. Would you have reported the first mention/evidence of bruising rather than waiting
until additional concern? Why/why not? My gut response would be to not wait
because it could leave the perpetrator time to continue to abuse, and I would
prefer to over react in this case than to under react and commit maleficence.
Abuse is abuse, and one occurance is already too many.

Hays, D. G. (2017). Assessment in counseling: Procedures and practices (Sixth edition).

American Counseling Association.

Mandated reporters: Craven county. Craven County North Carolina. (n.d.). Retrieved
February 23, 2023, from https://www.cravencountync.gov/1846/Mandated-
Reporters#:~:text=North%20Carolina%20has%20a%20mandatory,to%20the
%20director%20of%20the