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Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words each question, post must be substantive responses: 

1. When working with a child what factors might you have to consider related to the involvement of parents in the assessment process? How would you address these considerations? 

Respond to classmates in a minimum of 175 words each person, post must be substantive responses: 

M.L.

When it comes to working with children, first impressions are a building block to establish trust and rapport. In addition to that, openly discussing confidentiality and informed consent is very important because many young people may tend to be sensitive when considering their personal privacy (Sommers-Flannagan & Sommers-Flannagan, 2014). Providing informed consent is a vital aspect of the counseling process and includes discussing "purposes, goals, techniques, procedures, limitations, potential risks, and benefits of services" (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014, p. 4). Some mental health professionals advise that it may be beneficial to provide informed consent to children in a humorous way, which may help with easing tension during the process (Sommers-Flannagan & Sommers-Flannagan, 2014). In addition, another important aspect to consider is when the counseling process nears termination. Sommers-Flannagan and Sommers-Flannagan (2014) state, "...the linear, nonreversible quality of time isn't fully grasped by young children" (p. 461), so it is important to be transparent throughout the process during the sessions and when approaching the termination phase.

Sommers-Flannagan, J., & Sommers-Flannagan, R. (2014). Clinical Interviewing (5th Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons In

Counseling.org (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

L.K.

I would have to say that the type of situation or reason for assessment or counseling in the first place should be looked at. Some children may not be open to speaking with the parents present or being involved. If the child is perhaps more of an introvert they will not feel comfortable around many others while trying to discuss something. But then there is the opposite; the child may be extremely attached to the parents and want them present, which in turn can be a distraction to that child and they may refuse to participate in any assessment tasks, etc. Perhaps a good way to address such an issue would be to explain to the parents that in order to get a good reading or assessment, have the child answer some questions alone if possible, but reassure the child that they will be nearby in case they need anything. Ultimately I think it would depend on the subject matter being assessed and also what the relationship is like with the child and parents as that can determine level of cooperation if they are present or not.