Juvenile Case Studies – Treatment and Ethics

Overview

This assignment supports this unit’s readings and discussions on ethical standards and principles for juvenile offenders. You will select one of two case studies focused on the ethical concerns and treatment of juveniles to complete this assignment.

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies:

• Describe the field of forensic psychology.
  • Explain a course of action for treatment that may be recommended by a forensic psychologist in the selected case study.
• Apply psychological principles to topics in forensic psychology.
  • Apply psychological principles and concepts to the selected case study.
• Apply scholarly research findings to topics in forensic psychology.
  • Explain how scholarly research findings support the course of action for treatment recommended by the forensic psychologist in the selected case study.
• Apply psychological and legal ethics in the field of forensic psychology.
  • Explain the ethical issues faced by the forensic psychologist in the selected case study.
  • Apply ethical principles and standards to address the ethical concerns in the selected case study.
• Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
  • Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
  • Use APA style and formatting.

Assignment Instructions

For this assignment, review the Juvenile Case Studies – Treatment and Ethics media piece. Choose one of the case studies, either Kyle or Jessica, to use for your assignment. Describe acts of the case in your own words as needed to complete the paper. (Please do not copy and paste the case study into your paper). You may also want to review Table 2.2 Comparison of the Three Current Major Definitions of Mental Retardation on page 81 of your Introduction to Forensic Psychology text, which provides an overview of mental IQ.

Write a paper in which you respond to the following:

• Applying relevant psychology principles and concepts, explain a course of action for treatment that may be recommend in court. For example, should the forensic psychologist recommend that the individual remain in jail and be charged as an adult, be adjudicated as a juvenile and receive inpatient treatment at a secure facility, or be adjudicated as a juvenile and receive outpatient treatment?
• Explain how scholarly research findings support your thinking on the course of action for treatment recommended by the forensic psychologist.
• Consider the ethics of the case study in general, and consider the ethical concerns for the forensic psychologist in the case. Due to the age of the client, explain the ethical issues faced by the forensic psychologist.
• Apply ethical principles and standards to address the ethical concerns in the selected case study.
• Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
• Use APA style and formatting.

Submission Requirements

• Written communication: Written communication is in professional style with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
• Resources: Support your recommendations with information from professional sources, including your textbook and the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Use a minimum of 4 sources (at least two professional and at least two scholarly).
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting.
• Length: 4–5 double-spaced, typed pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

CASE STUDY:

Kyle is a 14 year old male who has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior towards his younger brother, Conner, who is 9 years old. Conner reported to the school’s counselor, Mrs. Gillis, that Kyle touched his private part while playing together the prior night. Mrs. Gillis, who is a mandated reporter and also happens to be a cousin to the siblings, reports this to the local authorities.

Kyle lives in a small rural town with a population of 600. Mrs. Gillis, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist, also works as the town’s forensic psychologist with the court. Mrs. Gillis has to interview Kyle as well as follow-up with Conner as part of her duties as forensic evaluator.

After interviewing Kyle and administering forensic assessments, it is determined that Kyle has a borderline IQ of 80. Kyle is very shy and easily impressionable. He associates with other delinquent peers, who are known to be associated with gangs. He was sexually abused by a family friend when he was 9 years old for over a year. His parents are divorced and he has not had any contact with his father for over 8 years and his mother works a lot and leaves Kyle at home a lot to care for his brother.

For this case, Forensic Psychologists should:

• Consider the ethics of the case in general and the unique considerations due to the age and circumstances of the client.
• Judge how ethical principles and standards can be applied to address ethical concerns and treatment.
• Adhere to the APA Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct to make professional recommendations for the best treatment approach of a juvenile.
• Determine how the ages of the two boys might be significant in the case.
• Consider whether there is any significance to the fact that the professional in this case is related to the boys.