For the next four questions, refer to the below case study. Since Capella University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the case will be explored from Minnesota state laws to provide consistency for all learners. CASE 2: JOHN A public school includes a principal, full-time counselor, a quarter-time school nurse, a social worker from the community who consults with the school when needed, and a school psychologist who has a contract to work with students from the school. A 14-year-old student named John whose family recently migrated to this country has been demonstrating extreme mood fluctuations ranging from picking fights with other students to being very withdrawn. He has missed a number of school days and has been sent to the school nurse twice by teachers who have been worried about his tendency to fall asleep in class. He was recently sent to school counseling after he broke into tears during class; he has revealed that his family has become homeless and that he hasn't been eating regularly. He admits he wasn't enrolled in school for much of the past year because he's been working to help his parents, and he doesn't understand anything that's being discussed in his classes. He says that he has thought about killing himself so he won't be a burden to his parents, but he's afraid to do it. Note from School Nurse I just wanted you to know that this student has been sent to see me twice in the past month. He has lost weight and his clothes appear to be unwashed. Have you spoken with his parents lately? Memo from School Principal I just found this student fighting again; he'll be in detention for the next week. Just to note -- he didn't have any of his books with him. Note from One of the Teachers This student may not receive a passing grade in my class. He doesn't seem to understand any of the concepts and he rarely has his homework prepared. He's been absent seven days this month -- do you know what's going on? Can we set him up with one of the tutors? Email from School Psychologist From: Teresa Sullivan Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2012 4:02 PM To: Edward Cook Subject: Student Evaluation I have an appointment open next Friday at 5:00 p.m. to evaluate this student. Please send your observations about the student's performance at school and any other information you'd like me to include. Thanks, Teresa Sullivan, School Psychologist Voicemail from Social Worker Hi, this is Megan, the social worker. Please call me to discuss some information I have just received about this family. I'd like to know how this student is doing.  In the state of Minnesota, a counselor is considered a mandated reporter. Mandated reporters in the state of Minnesota are required to report any suspected or known abuse or neglect occurring to children (Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section 626.556). The client has reported to his school counselor that his family is homeless and he hasn't been eating regularly. Is the school counselor ethically obligated to breach confidentiality?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

ANSWER In the state of Minnesota counselors are considered mandate... View the full answer