Homework Help

[hopeless]

Urgent


I need help with homework! The following ???? is rocking my brain




Demonstrate understanding of client assessment nand referral in an agency setting?

Describe the ethical, legal and procedural framework in which an agency operates?

[Jenny]

Hi and welcome to the forum :)

I'm afraid I'm not a counsellor although I did do levels 1 and 2 in the Conselling Skills course and remember these awful criteria things that needed to be met. Unfortunately I can't remember the details now though as it was a few years ago for me.

Totally off the top of my head, and you'll really need to get it checked out (could you ask someone else who is on the course with you too as your tutor should have covered these things in a class), I'd maybe mention that agencies will have their own referrals process and ethical, legal, etc. procedures. I guess it depends on the agency but they may only employ counsellors who are BACP (or similar) qualified. But then within the agency itself they may have their own procedures including supervision and confidentiality agreements.

Argh I really don't know I'm afraid, sorry! I hope someone else is able to help give better help (as i say, maybe someone from your course could help out too?)

Good luck!!

[justpottering]

Hi there

this might be a little late for your homework deadline but it would help if there was more information but if, for example you were doing a level 4 dip it tends to be a qualification to 'work in an agency setting' and this means that there should be some study on the things that you ask, if this has been asked as a homework question then you should have covered this in your studies.

Agencies usually have in place procedures for assessment and referral of clients. For example it may be that the agency manager or some other senior counsellor will be trained in assessment. They will assess clients according to whichever model of assessment is used and then refer said client to a counsellor working for the agency. Secondly there will be a procedure for referral of clients to other agencies if it is appropriate, again this is often via the agency manager or supervisor. It is rare that a counsellor would make a referral off their own batt as it were.

Ethical, legal and procedural frameworks are again usually agency specific, for example most these days will sign up to the BACP or other professional body ethical framework and state this but procedures vary condsiderably according to individual agency. There is also much influence on such things if the agency is part of another organisation, for example, if it is in a university or college, then in addition to it's own policies and procedures, they will have to adhere to organisational policies and legal requirements.

Legal issues will include such things as data protection, record keeping, confidentiality and its exceptions, safeguarding, working with minors, vulnerable adults, offenders, and other specific groups. Insurances, appropriate supervision and many other things.

It is unusual that if asked a question in training you are not supplied at least with references where you might source to information.

When they ask you to 'demonstrate understanding' they usually want not only the detail as I have listed above but your understanding of why it is necessary.

Hope this helps

jp