Ethical and Legal Issues in the Treatment of Children and Families

Abstract

The ethical and legal treatment of children and families engaged in psychotherapy is the greatest responsibility of any psychotherapist. In many ways, therapy with children and families requires the highest standard of ethical behavior because of the special vulnerabilities of children and the complexities involved with interacting with multiple family members. Ethical guidelines are most often written for adult patients and, as a result, they may be difficult to apply to children and families. Special considerations are needed to understand the child’s capacity to make treatment decisions, conflicting legal and ethical standards involved in the treatment of children, differing needs of children and their family members, and the special vulnerabilities of children. In addition, most child and family therapists believe that it is an ethical duty to be an advocate for the child and family. In fact, (Koocher (1976)) has stated that child therapists are morally bound to serve as an advocate for their child clients. This advocacy also adds complexities to the treatment process, as disagreements can occur between the child, therapist, and/or parent(s) with regard to the best interests of the child or family. The therapist must constantly strive to maintain the highest ethical and legal practices, yet in doing so, will face dilemmas that challenge the therapist’s thinking and behavior.