Citation

DiBlasio FA. Child Welf. 1989; 68(3): 331-337.

Affiliation

School of Social Work and Community Planning, University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Child Welfare League of America)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2721295

Abstract

The orientation and values that practitioners bring to treatment of teens and their families on sexual issues are critical, especially when adolescent pregnancy and the spread of AIDS are major health care priorities. This article, through the use of a case study used in an exercise, serves to encourage multi-linear thinking about the influence of values on the treatment of sexually active teenagers by establishing a beginning framework for understanding the nature of values and the pervasiveness of the influence they exert. The case illustrated involves a 16-year-old who has been defiant and estranged from her parents since she began having regular sexual intercourse with her boyfriend. Although the therapist believes the girl is both knowledgeable and responsible in her use of birth control and AIDS protection, she also believes that sexual intercourse at this age is inappropriate and destructive to the girl's well-being. The pros and cons of notifying the girl's parents are discussed. The participants in the exercise are asked to try alternatives, such as, considering a 16-year-old boy or a younger teen in the same situation, before deciding whether or not the therapist should divulge the information to the parents. The participants each defend the positions they chose. It is this way, gender- and age-related values of participants can be discerned. It is concluded that although we are never free of our value systems, it is possible to use values positively and consciously.

Language: en