Ethical Considerations in Childhood Trauma Flashcards

A trauma consultant learns their client's parent is sharing session details on social media without the child's knowledge. What is the most appropriate first step?

Answer: Address confidentiality boundaries with the parent and document the conversation

Addressing confidentiality boundaries directly with the parent and documenting the discussion upholds ethical obligations while preserving the therapeutic relationship.

Which ethical principle is MOST at risk when a clinician uses trauma screening tools not validated for a child's cultural background?

Answer: Justice

Justice requires equitable, culturally appropriate care; using non-validated tools for specific populations violates this principle by producing biased assessments.

A 10-year-old discloses abuse but begs the clinician not to tell anyone. The clinician's mandatory reporting duty:

Answer: Overrides the child's request because it is legally and ethically required

Mandatory reporting laws supersede a child's request for confidentiality when abuse is suspected or disclosed.

When a trauma consultant realizes they are experiencing secondary traumatic stress, the most ethical action is to:

Answer: Seek supervision or personal support to ensure client care is not compromised

Seeking supervision or support protects client welfare and reflects the ethical duty of self-care required for competent practice.

Dual relationships in childhood trauma work are ethically problematic primarily because they:

Answer: Create potential conflicts of interest that can harm the child client

Dual relationships create conflicts of interest that can compromise the consultant's objectivity and potentially harm the vulnerable child client.

Informed assent from a child in trauma treatment means the clinician has:

Answer: Explained the treatment process in age-appropriate language and received the child's agreement to participate

Informed assent involves explaining treatment in developmentally appropriate terms and gaining the child's willing agreement, alongside parental/guardian legal consent.

A foster parent requests full access to all session notes for a child in trauma therapy. The clinician should:

Answer: Review legal custodial arrangements and share only information appropriate to the foster parent's legal role

The clinician must verify the foster parent's legal rights and share information accordingly, as custodial arrangements vary and affect confidentiality obligations.