When an adult client asks you to see their child in counseling, what is the appropriate action?

Prepare for the LPCC Law and Ethics Test 2. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Enhance your understanding of ethics and legal standards for effective counseling practice.

Multiple Choice

When an adult client asks you to see their child in counseling, what is the appropriate action?

When a request involves treating another person, boundaries and consent are the guiding principles. An adult asking you to see their child creates a triadic situation that raises confidentiality, autonomy, and appropriate-client concerns. Without clear, direct consent from the child and a proper treatment relationship established with a professional who specializes in children, proceeding would risk boundary violations and potential harm to the child. The best course is to decline and refer to a professional who can ethically work with children or with a school-based counselor. This ensures the child’s privacy is protected, assent and appropriate consent are considered, and the child receives age-appropriate care from someone trained for pediatric or adolescent therapy.

When a request involves treating another person, boundaries and consent are the guiding principles. An adult asking you to see their child creates a triadic situation that raises confidentiality, autonomy, and appropriate-client concerns. Without clear, direct consent from the child and a proper treatment relationship established with a professional who specializes in children, proceeding would risk boundary violations and potential harm to the child.

The best course is to decline and refer to a professional who can ethically work with children or with a school-based counselor. This ensures the child’s privacy is protected, assent and appropriate consent are considered, and the child receives age-appropriate care from someone trained for pediatric or adolescent therapy.

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