case study

Ethical Case Scenario Guidelines and Helps

For these guidelines, I will use the first case study as a backdrop to share information for you

to consider as you work on you these throughout the course.

HSC/PAC 505

Ethical Case Scenario #1

John who is a 21-year-old college student wanted to discuss some spiritual concerns with Pastor

Mark that resulted from some challenges he recently faced in college. John has attended Pastor

Mark’s church since he was a young child as he and his parents have enjoyed Pastor Mark’s

messages over the years. Pastor Mark also happens to be a licensed counselor wherein he meets

his clients at the church. Pastor Mark agrees to meet with John, and they both decide to meet at

the church as it is a place that is convenient and familiar. With John discussing his spiritual

concerns, he appears to benefit from the time with Pastor Mark over the first three meetings;

however, in the fourth meeting, John comes across as very nervous, and Pastor Mark asked about

John’s nervousness. John asked Pastor Mark if he could share something in confidence, and

Pastor Mark stated, “Of course.” John shared that he sexually molested his 12-year-old nephew

about 3 months ago and felt deep shame about what happened and had never done anything like

this before. In the state where John and Pastor Mark live, a licensed counselor is known as a

“mandated reporter” wherein sexual molestation of a child must be reported to the proper

authorities. However, the state also has laws known as clergy-penitent privilege where pastors

can keep things in confidence that church members share with them. In essence, Pastor Mark is

not required to disclose information that John shared with him.

Based on the above scenario, answer each numbered item below with a ½ page to 1-page

double-spaced response. Use this document and type your answers below each question and

submit to Blackboard when completed.

1. What do you see as the ethical dilemma(s) in this specific ethical case scenario? As part

of your response, include what you see is happening that leads you to see them as ethical

dilemma(s). (Share as many dilemmas that you see based on what is noted in the case. It

might help to think of the layers related to the case. For example, the dynamic between

the John and Pastor Mark; the dynamic between John and his nephew, what the law says

about the pastoral role, what the law says about the licensed counselor role, and so forth.

There are more layers, but this is to help get you thinking about the case details.)

• When reviewing the case study, look at the facts of the case in and of

themselves. In other words, do not add to the case study any information not

already stated. For example, past students assumed that Pastor Mark was

John’s counselor; however, the case does not state this. In addition, do not

problem-solve or add commentary, and just focus on the question in and of

itself.

• Think about the “conflicts” within the case especially and take note of them.

Think as to how these conflicts can be ethical matters.

• When looking at ethical matters, you can connect any possible legal matters.

Legal matters can have ethical relevance as well.

2. Referencing back to the NOHS Ethical Standards for Human Professionals, what are

three codes that could apply to this scenario? As part of your response, include code

themes, and share how they could apply.

• The purpose for this question is to help you explore the codes in more detail and

how they might be applicable. You do not have to share anything exhaustive;

however, do be clear in how they relate.

• Below is an example of how this can look, and you are welcome to use this

standard as one of your three; however, do not copy word for word as it should

be written in your own way.

• Standard 4 can apply as this is about harm to others. John caused harm to his

nephew, and something like this should be reported.

• The above standard isn’t exhaustive but it shows the standard and how it can

relate.

3. Imagine that you are Pastor Mark in the above scenario. What would be your initial

reaction to this situation? How do you think you would proceed in such a situation?

• In such scenarios, all human services workers will have some form of reaction

or response to this scenario. (In counseling speak, this is known as

countertransference.) Monitor your reaction to this scenario and depending on

your reaction can be a reflection of certain values. You do not need to address

the why but do share the initial aspects as noted in the question.

4. Using proper citation format for a direct quote, share one direct quote from the ethics

textbook for this course that could relate to the above scenario, and share why you think

this quote is pertinent. (Reference not required and response does not have to be ½ page.)

• This question is included to further your knowledge on possible matters

relevant to the case. Having this knowledge will broaden your understanding on

ethical matter that are case specific.