Ethical Issues Concerning
Vulnerable Populations
Mental health counselors often
work with children and adolescents; people who have cognitive, emotional,
and/or physical disabilities; and people in prison or on probation. It is
important to keep in mind the issues of informed consent and assent for treatment
with all clients, but especially those clients from vulnerable populations.
Other ethical issues that may require special attention when working with
vulnerable populations relate to confidentiality (e.g., exclusions to
confidentiality), parameters to disclosure (e.g., HIPAA and working with minors
in school and non-school settings), and the legal status of relationships
within a family (e.g., legal dependents, legal guardianship, marriage, and
custodial/non-custodial parent).The ethical issues related to working with
minor clients can also apply when working with adults who may be legally
defined as having diminished capacity. In addition, many states now have
statutes that guide mandated reporting for suspected abuse or neglect of
vulnerable persons.
Provide a brief description of two
vulnerable populations, including details on why these groups are considered
vulnerable. Then, evaluate the related ethical issues and challenges, citing
the relevant ethical codes. Finally, discuss the steps you would take if a
client’s legal status changed during the course of treatment.
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