As a social worker, you may encounter similar situations.  There is still a stigma associated with sexual abuse and most of the time, cases are underreported. It took great courage for Louisa to share her story. Ms. Vargas and the social worker (who are mandated reporters and are legally required to contact child protective services) have to help Louisa to secure her safety, which involves reporting child abuse and by calling child protective services but also thinking about the support system and services Louisa will need as the investigation and possible removal from her home take place.

Louisa’s case is a first opportunity to consider support for others you may encounter in your practicum and later in your professional role. Think about your thoughts and then reaction to Louisa related to what you have learned and things you may want to learn. Remember that there will be a difference between what may be helpful for you versus what will be helpful for Louisa. Consider the following: self-reflection, awareness, and introspection as you answer the questions below.

Considering the information presented to you in the case, identify formal (e.g., services, where agencies or people are paid/receive funding from government, philanthropic foundations), and informal resources that may be helpful for Louisa and  list of each (no limit to the number).

Because you are currently enrolled in a Self-Care and Success course, think about all the internal and external resources available for you at and within Chamberlain as well as outside of it that can support your education as you progress through the program.

discuss confidentiality as representing a clinical responsibility that must be maintained unless circumstances demand disclosure to protect the welfare of a client or the public at large. present two extenuating circumstances that would require breaching confidentiality. Include details surrounding the circumstances and your role as the counselor with each example.

Anwar declines to answer for the selections, male or female, available for “Birth Sex.” For “Gender,” Anwar indicated her preference of “Transgender Unspecified.” When asked about her “Race,” she declined to answer citing the options did not recognize her, and for “Ethnicity,” she selected “Non-Hispanic.” You also learn that Anwar has described same-sex sexual behaviors, but describes herself as straight in the interview with you. Anwar’s responses to her identity are an example of:

Group of answer choices

• Psychodynamic theory of gender
• Symbolic Interactionism
• Standpoint theory
• Social Learning theory of gender

References

Wood, J. & Fixmer-Oraiz, N. (2018). Gendered Lives. Cengage Learning. 13th Ed.

Anwar is 26, who prefers female pronouns, and has come to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community center to get a free rapid HIV test. You are the testing counselor on shift and must ask Anwar questions related to her recent physical health, sexual behaviors, and relationships. You must also fill out a form documenting her responses. Before you begin, you introduce yourself, explain the procedure, review the limitations of confidentiality, and ask Anwar if she has any questions.

Anwar’s dress and appearance is gender fluid, but prefers female pronouns. This most accurately reflects the principles of:

Anwar’s dress and appearance is gender fluid, but prefers female pronouns. This most accurately reflects the principles of:
Group of answer choices

• Biological theory of gender
• Standpoint theory
• Psychodynamic Theory
• Queer theory

References

Wood, J. & Fixmer-Oraiz, N. (2018). Gendered Lives. Cengage Learning. 13th Ed.