Not a client but still vulnerable: Ethical legal responsibilities with non-clients

With the need to protect vulnerable populations, all states have mandatory reporting laws for mental health professionals regarding client disclosures of abuse of children, elderly, and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently, reporting laws and procedures are clear only for instances when the counselor is working with the client and has direct knowledge and information of the situation. However, at times, situations will arise when the counselor does not have sufficient information to report the incident (e.g., direct knowledge and identifiable information) but is aware that abuse is occurring. Thus, the question arises – what are the counselor’s legal and ethical responsibilities when he/she is aware of an abusive situation, but has no direct knowledge of the situation or identifiable information? This session will explore ethical and legal codes, examine ethical decision-making, and review real-life case scenarios where participants can discuss a potential course of action.