For this assignment, pretend that you are a tutor contracted by a family to assist 8-year-old Carl Saunders with his school work. One of his parents was killed in an automobile accident 2 years ago; recently, Carl’s schoolwork has begun to deteriorate. Third grade is difficult for him, so you come to the home three times per week. You think tutoring services can now be reduced, but his parent, Logan Saunders, wants you to continue. You like Carl and during the 3 months that you have tutored him, you have developed a bond with him. In addition, you and Logan Saunders have become friendly and you perceive a mutual attraction. This may or may not be a violation of any ethical standards, but this attraction is common. For example, Johansson, Kenttä, and Andersen (2016), believe that intimacy, attraction, love, and even sexual relations can occur in almost any social setting.
In a summary by Gorman (2009), nearly two dozen states have restrictions regarding sexual relationships with a former client within 1, 2, or up to 5 years after treatment ended. Some states extend these restrictions to other healthcare professionals as well. If you were a psychologist or other professional, a careful review of the relevant ethical standards for your organization and the laws of your state might result in a decision that seeing Logan socially could violate the ethical standards and state regulations. However, you are just a tutor and are not required to follow the APA ethical standards.
As Carl’s tutor, prepare an analysis in which you discuss the appropriateness of a possible relationship with Logan.
Be sure to address the following:
Discuss what you believe is the appropriate course of action in your role as a tutor even though there are probably no state laws or codes of ethics regulating your behavior with Logan.
Indicate whether you should end tutoring before you begin your relationship with Logan and if so, how long should you wait. Explain if you should not become involved in a relationship with Logan at all.
Determine if any harm would come to anyone if you and Logan began a romantic relationship. There are three parties involved; be sure to discuss this from the point of view of each of the involved people: you, the parent, and Carl.
Conclude with supportive research on the concept of multiple relationships in varying settings.
Support your assignment with at least three scholarly resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included.
Length: 5-7 pages, not including title and reference pages
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.
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