7-3 Milestone Four: The Ethical Decision-Making Process

8647Case 18–5: Mary Tripped-Up, Ph.D., was asked to undertake a child sexual abuse evaluation by a woman who was seeking a divorce because of domestic violence. Dr. Tripped-Up evaluated the child and found no signs of abuse. Nonetheless, she was subpoenaed to court by both parties in the divorce. In an informal meeting with both parties and their lawyers outside court, she was asked for “informal advice” on a child custody settlement. She made a variety of properly qual-ified recommendations, which were readily accepted by all concerned, and a court hearing was avoided. Months later, however, the set-tlement agreement broke down, and the father filed a licensing board complaint. The board, in a hurry to resolve cases, did not do a careful inves-tigation and offered Dr. Tripped-Up a consent decree by which, if she admitted giving improper advice, they would simply issue a reprimand. Tripped-Up’s lawyer, who was unfamiliar with the issues and potential consequences, urged her to take the offer without seeking any expert advice. She accepted and was promptly sued by the father, who cited the consent agreement as evidence.

~I have attached the rubric and the Ethical Decision-Making Model (Eight-Step Model). The above is the vignette I am using. 7-10 on the rubric are all that need to be completed. THANK YOU!!!~