Blog 3 Chapter 4

This week’s case study seems all too real to me. I work in a setting where abuse, although Ty’s came from outside the home, is all too familiar a subject. There was a little boy in my moms’ class who said something to my mom about not needing to brush his teeth because he didn’t have many left anyway. Curiously my mom asked him what he meant and he said that when his teeth used to hurt, his dad (mom’s boyfriend) just pulled them out. He clammed up immediately after saying this to my mom and she couldn’t do anything but file a report. A few weeks later she happened to see the back of his mouth while he was shouting insults at another student and indeed, he was missing many of his back teeth. Situations like this I feel will be ethically difficult. Dollarhide says that an ethical dilemma only occurs when there are two or more equally compelling priorities (Dollarhide, 2012, p.31) but with today’s case study there are multiple priorities. I wouldn’t know how to help Ty outside of the school setting. Technically I know this is not something I should be trying to do- my duties are within the school walls but I’d like to think my ability to help doesn’t just stop there. 

I loved how this chapter really delved into CSCP’s. My quote from this chapter is in relation to the story of the little girl and the starfish “Our work with student has to incorporate the environment and context in which our students live; otherwise the poison from that context will render our best efforts moot” (Dollarhide, 2012, p.57). I think this phrase is so crucial because we will be battling against old attitudes that like Mr. Paulson’s mentor say “that isn’t our problem”.  Those four words negate the first bullet point of what a CSCP MUST have to be comprehensive- being Holistic. By definition all aspects of the student’s development is our focus. We have been talking a lot about CSCP’s in class and this chapter really took the time to outline what it will look like functionally. The emphasis that is placed on multisystemic interventions is particularly refreshing. The more chapters I read I feel a gripping sense of anticipation that I’m not ready but I want so badly to be in the schools already.  Wrap around services are a NECESSITY for today’s students not just something our special populations should be receiving. It is a well-known fact that issues at home whether they be lack of food, room to sleep, abuse etc. will affect that student in school. Having more outlets that just a counselor will allow us as education professionals to be efficient and effective in more than one area. Our job is a balancing act that is illuminated best by our ability to be “wide but not deep” and know who, when, and where to refer clients. 

Dollarhide, C.T. & Saginak, K.A. (2012) Comprehensive school counseling programs. (2nd ed.). New York: Pearson, Inc.