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2/23/2021 Tabs 2 1/1 ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Directions Requirements Case Study Essay This week, you will have an opportunity to apply the knowledge and strategies you explored during this term. You will gather information from a provided case study and use it to write an informative essay describing the helping process as it applies to the specific case. For this assignment, begin by reading the Case Study for Reggie and Todd ï. Then, use the Unit 8 Assignment Template ï to complete and submit your 2–3-page informative essay based on the case provided. Please address the following: Explain confidentiality and the times when a human service professional would have to break confidentiality.

Be sure to refer to your state law and the NOHS Code of Ethics. Based on your readings and other credible sources you may find, discuss how personal values, beliefs, prejudices, and stereotypes can help or harm the helping process. Using the case study of Reggie and Todd, discuss the potential ethical and legal issues surrounding the case. What would your obligations be as professional regarding those issues? Please be sure to support your points with the NOHS Code of Ethics and your state law.

What can a human service professional do to gain more insight if they are unclear on what to do in an ethical or legal situation with a client? P a g e | 1 HN205: Applied Skills for Human Services Case Study: Reggie and Todd Two men are seeking services for couples coaching after being released from prison. Reggie is a 26- year-old African American man with a stocky, athletic build, and Todd is a 30-year-old Caucasian man with a slight frame. Reggie is wearing a very revealing muscle shirt and shorts and is sweaty from the heat outside. Todd is dressed in a pink cotton polo shirt with shorts and appears to have a “preppie†style.

The men are invited into the office to be interviewed; each one selects his own couch to sit. Todd takes the lead in speaking and during the interview, and he frequently talks over and interrupts Reggie. Todd reports that he was released from prison 3 months ago, 1 month prior to Reggie, and has been under a lot of pressure to find resources for himself and his partner so they could reintegrate into society. This stress, along with other issues, has taken a toll on their relationship. Todd reports that he is estranged from his family and only speaks to his mother from time to time because she is very emotionally abusive towards him and “drives him to drink.†Reggie reports that his relationships with members of his family are “very complicated.†He discloses that his mother died while he was serving his prison sentence and he has not really come to terms with it.

Reggie has two sisters from whom he is estranged — they refuse to speak to him and will not give him information about his mother’s last days. The two agree that they are left supporting each other on the “outside†and feel they are learning how to function again in the “real†world. Todd states that he has served his time, whereas Reggie has a parole officer to whom he must report regularly. Todd states that he is resentful of the ankle bracelet Reggie has to wear that monitors his every move and does not allow him to live freely. When Reggie was released, he moved in with Todd in the apartment Todd had rented.

Two weeks ago, Reggie moved out of the apartment and into a room in a local halfway house. Todd explains that after 6 weeks of constant arguing that frequently escalated into physical violence, Todd threatened Reggie with a knife because he was so scared. That day, Reggie left the apartment before it got physical, and the police were not called. Reggie did inform his parole officer, and the officer found Reggie the room in the boarding house so Reggie would not violate his parole. Todd later helped Reggie set up the room and bought him some basics so he could live comfortably.

Todd states that he wants Reggie to be able to come back home but cannot tolerate the physical abuse. Reggie states that he is extremely stressed by his own expectations and his feelings that he is not making it outside of prison. He states that he feels like he has to depend on his partner for everything, and at this point, has no other choice. He further explains that he was raised to take care of himself and not have to rely on others. The men agreed to continue to work on the relationship if referred to counseling.

Todd states that he is very anxious about the situation and wants Reggie to move back home as soon as his parole officer will give approval. Reggie states that his main goal is to get things established for himself such as finding a job, meeting the expectations of his parole, and being independent. Todd is very charming and confident during the interview process, while Reggie is quiet and keeps P a g e | 2 HN205: Applied Skills for Human Services his hands clasped tightly together in his lap. Reggie states that one of his concerns is Todd’s behavior in public and how it draws attention to them as a couple. The attention makes Reggie extremely uncomfortable.

Todd interjects that he sees a psychiatrist for his mental health and substance abuse issues. Todd also reports that his drug issue plays a significant role in the problems in their relationship. He reports that his current drug use was triggered by the stress of being released from prison first (and alone) and then later from having to endure the physical abuse by his partner. He states that his drug of choice is cocaine, which has been a problem for him for many years, sending him to prison. Todd further reports that his psychiatrist has placed him on lithium and trazodone for his bipolar disorder.

Reggie reports that he smokes marijuana occasionally and has been drinking alcohol regularly since he was a teenager. He states that he does not think either of these is a problem for him and does not see where it is a problem for him to use in front of Todd. Todd states he is resentful that Reggie is not supportive of him in his daily battle to remain clean and sober and that Reggie’s recreational drug use in front of him is extremely difficult to deal with. Todd states that he is on Social Security disability for his mental health disorder because it cost him his job as a realtor several years back and he has been unable to work since. Todd says he also receives compensation and insurance from his previous employer.

Reggie states that he has enrolled in the “STARS†program set up for people who have been recently released from prison to help him find employment and re-enter the job market; however, he says he is still struggling to find employment in this program. He reports that this is a source of tension for him because he needs to be out there working and supporting himself. He again mentions that he does not like not being able to support himself and having to rely on someone else. The two agree that they both have a lot to work on and are under a lot of stress being on the “outside.â€

Paper for above instructions

The Helping Process in the Case of Reggie and Todd

The helping process in human services is a structured approach designed to assist individuals with challenging situations. In the case of Reggie and Todd, a couple facing numerous challenges after their release from prison, human service professionals can utilize various strategies and adhere to ethical guidelines to provide effective support. This essay will explain the concept of confidentiality, the ethical implications arising from Reggie and Todd's case, and how personal values can influence the helping process.

Confidentiality in Human Services

Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in human services that protects clients' right to privacy regarding their personal information. According to the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) Code of Ethics, professionals must respect the confidentiality of those they serve (NOHS, 2015). However, there are specific instances in which confidentiality may need to be broken. These include situations where there is a risk of harm to self or others, cases of suspected abuse, or when legally mandated to disclose information (Welfel, 2016).
In Reggie and Todd's situation, should either of them disclose a credible threat of harm or express suicidal thoughts, the human service professional would be ethically and legally obligated to breach confidentiality to ensure their safety. Additionally, if the professional suspects any form of substance abuse that may arise to harm either individual or others, this would also warrant a breach of confidentiality under most state laws (California Department of Mental Health, 2020).

The Impact of Personal Values in the Helping Process

Personal values, beliefs, prejudices, and stereotypes can greatly influence the effectiveness of the helping process. Such values shape perceptions and attitudes toward clients, potentially leading to biases. For example, a human service professional who holds negative stereotypes about individuals with criminal records might unconsciously project these beliefs onto Reggie and Todd, hindering a non-judgmental helping relationship (Corey, 2016).
Conversely, having an awareness of one's biases can facilitate a more empathetic and supportive approach. It enables workers to recognize and confront their prejudices, which can enhance understanding and rapport with clients. Establishing cultural competence is crucial for professionals working with diverse populations, including marginalized groups like formerly incarcerated individuals. By acknowledging and valuing their experiences, human service professionals can foster trust and open communication, contributing to an effective helping process (Sue et al., 2019).

Ethical and Legal Considerations in Reggie and Todd’s Case

Reggie and Todd's situation raises several ethical and legal issues. To begin with, the presence of domestic violence, as indicated by Todd's threat of violence towards Reggie, necessitates a careful approach. The human service professional must ensure that both men are kept safe while providing effective support. The obligation to report suspected abuse or violence may arise, depending on state laws governing domestic violence protocols (Office on Violence Against Women, 2015).
Additionally, Reggie's parole status complicates the situation. The pressure of adhering to parole conditions while seeking support may impact his mental well-being and the effectiveness of the assistance he receives. A human service professional should consider how to balance the requirements of the legal system with the client's need for support (Trotter, 2014).
It is also vital to consider the dynamics of their relationship. Todd's reported substance abuse and the impact it has on their relationship represent a significant concern. As a professional tasked with helping them, creating a safe space to discuss such elements is vital. Should Todd's drug use escalate or result in further harm to others, the professional may again be faced with the dilemma of breaking confidentiality to prevent further harm (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020).

Gaining Insight and Guidance in Ethical and Legal Situations

When human service professionals encounter uncertainty regarding ethical or legal issues, several steps can be taken to gain clarity. First, professionals should consult with colleagues or supervisors for guidance, as collaboration often produces diverse insights and solutions (Pope & Vasquez, 2016).
Additionally, referring to established codes of ethics, such as the NOHS Code of Ethics or state-specific regulations, can provide critical guidance. Attending workshops or training sessions on ethical decision-making in human services is another effective way to reinforce one's understanding of best practices (Harrison, 2016).
Lastly, consulting legal counsel or professional organizations specializing in human services can offer valuable legal insight (American Counseling Association, 2014). These resources empower professionals to navigate ethical dilemmas with confidence and uphold their obligations to their clients.

Conclusion

The case of Reggie and Todd exemplifies the complexities faced by human service professionals working with clients with a history of incarceration and ongoing relational issues. Emphasizing the importance of confidentiality while recognizing situations that warrant breaking it is crucial to safeguarding clients. Practitioners also must be aware of their biases and the ethical implications surrounding cases involving domestic violence and substance abuse. By leveraging resources and guidelines, human service professionals can navigate these challenges and foster a supportive environment for their clients.

References

1. American Counseling Association. (2014). Code of Ethics.
2. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2020). Substance Abuse and Crime.
3. California Department of Mental Health. (2020). Confidentiality of Mental Health Information.
4. Corey, G. (2016). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Cengage Learning.
5. Harrison, R. (2016). Ethical Decision Making in Human Services. Social Work Journal.
6. NOHS. (2015). National Organization for Human Services - CODE of ETHICS. NOHS.
7. Office on Violence Against Women. (2015). Legal Responses to Domestic Violence.
8. Pope, K. S., & Vasquez, M. J. T. (2016). Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling. Wiley.
9. Sue, S., Cheng, J. K. Y., Saad, C. S., & Cheng, J. Y. (2019). Asian American Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 67(4), 517.
10. Trotter, C. (2014). Working with involuntary clients in a social work context. Social Work 1(1), 11-31.
This informative essay synthesizes relevant insights and considers ethical and legal frameworks within the discussed case, providing a general understanding of the helping process.