Mack Case Study

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You are a youth worker with high-risk teens. You lead a juvenile delinquency prevention support group that meets after school on Wednesdays and Fridays, every week. There are 12 male group members between the ages of 13-15, who are believed to be at risk for juvenile delinquency. All of them are experiencing academic problems at school. Some of the group members have had problems acting out at school and home; others are socially isolated and withdrawn.

The Current Situation

On Friday, Josh approaches you after the support group meeting. He is very worried about Mack, one of the group members. He confides in you that he heard Mack telling several other group members that he was going to commit suicide this weekend.

According to Josh, Mack said that he could get a bottle of pain killer pills from his mothers medicine cabinet and take them with alcohol.

Josh also stated that Mack asked the other group members, How much alcohol do I need to drink, with the painkiller pills, to commit suicide?

Some of the group members were telling Mack about how much alcohol to drink with the painkiller pills, in order to commit suicide.

Josh is worried. Mack sounds serious and has a plan to commit suicide.

Macks Story

You speak with Mack about this situation after the group meeting.

Mack admits that he did threaten to commit suicide but is not completely sure that he will follow through with his plan.

He asks you to keep this a secret.

He does not want to upset his parents. His parents are going through a divorce and are fighting every day. They are always fighting about credit card debt and his moms trips to the casino, where she is gambling.

His older brother, age 17, ran away from home two weeks ago and is still missing.

Mack states that he feels angry almost every day. He misses his brother.

Your Observations and Understanding of Mack

According to the school social worker, Mack has been withdrawn and socially isolated at school. He is often seen eating lunch alone. His parents describe him as shy.

Mack is usually quiet and somewhat withdrawn at group meetings.

Lately, Mack seems more willing to talk and express himself in group meetings.

This past Wednesday, he did share with the group that his brother ran away from home. He also stated that he was worried about his brother.

Mack has no one to talk to about all the problems with his parents since his brother ran away from home.

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Questions:

1. How would you respond to Mack’s request to keep his Suicidal behavior a secret? Specifically state if you would, or would not, keep Macks request a secret. Answers must include a discussion of self-determination: You MUST use at least one citation from the to support whether or not you would keep the secret.

2. Identify and describe at least 2 of Mack’s strengths and 1 strength of Macks situation.

3. How would you use the strengths you identified in question #2 to help Mack and/or his family solve their problem/s?

 

Sample Solution

Responding to Mack’s Suicidal Ideation

  1. Should I Keep Mack’s Secret?

No, I would not keep Mack’s secret. While respecting client confidentiality is crucial, there are exceptions, particularly when a person’s life is at risk. In this case, Mack’s suicidal ideation presents an immediate danger to himself. As a youth worker, my primary responsibility is to ensure his safety and well-being.

The ethical principle of beneficence requires me to act in the best interests of my clients. Keeping Mack’s secret would violate this principle, as it could lead to tragic consequences. Additionally, the principle of nonmaleficence prohibits me from harming others. By not intervening, I could potentially harm Mack.

  1. Mack’s Strengths and Strengths of His Situation
  • Willingness to Share: Mack is demonstrating a willingness to open up and share his feelings, even if it’s a difficult topic. This is a significant strength, as it allows for open communication and problem-solving.
  • Social Connection to the Group: While Mack may be socially isolated outside the group, he seems to have formed some connections within the group. This can provide him with a sense of belonging and support.

A strength of Mack’s situation is the presence of a supportive youth worker who can provide guidance and resources. Additionally, the group setting can offer a sense of community and understanding.

  1. Using Strengths to Help Mack and His Family

To help Mack and his family, I would:

  • Prioritize Immediate Safety: I would immediately inform my supervisor and seek guidance from mental health professionals. A safety plan should be developed to address Mack’s immediate needs.
  • Provide Emotional Support: I would offer empathetic listening, validation, and reassurance. Creating a safe and supportive space for Mack to express his feelings is essential.
  • Encourage Professional Help: I would encourage Mack and his family to seek professional counseling to address their mental health concerns.
  • Involve the Group: I would discuss the situation with the group, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and support. The group can offer peer support and encouragement.
  • Connect with School Resources: I would collaborate with the school counselor and teachers to monitor Mack’s academic performance and social interactions.
  • Advocate for Family Support: I would explore resources for families experiencing stress, such as family counseling or support groups.

By utilizing Mack’s strengths and the strengths of his situation, we can work together to support him and his family during this challenging time.

 

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