Ethics in Child and Adolescent Groups

Today’s youth face an escalating range of problems, from exposure to violence to substance abuse and sexuality issues. An increasing number of professionals who work with youth are choosing group work as a primary intervention. Groups have been shown to be extremely powerful agents of change, yet little is known about ethics specific to child and adolescent group work. Using an innovative nation-wide survey of school psychologists, social workers, and counselors, this book examines the ethical decision-making processes unique to group work with youth. In response to hypothetical vignettes, practitioners give opinions on situations of confidentiality, third party interests, informed consent, role of the leader, and screening. Analyses suggest there is a general lack of agreement about preferred courses of action when faced with ethical dilemmas and a general lack of agreement about rationales for action choices. Practitioners also indicate they would not always take the action they feel they should take in response to numerous situations. This book should be especially useful for anyone who conducts groups for youth and for anyone who is considering leading a group for youth.