Speak Out!
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Family Voice in Youth’s Treatment Decisions
Editor’s Note: This is a brief article from a father in Pennsylvania struggling with the “Age of Consent” law. Additional information on PA’s Age of Consent Regulations can be found in Ask the Advocate.
During the first meds check after my son turned 14, the doctor explained to him that he did not have to take his medicine, if he did not want to. He also said he could sign his own waiver denying the meds, and that he could sign his own treatment plan. This made my son very happy. However, none of this was explained to me before it was told to my son.
Within approximately one month of not taking his medications, the following behaviors escalated:
- He refused to go to school. On the days that he did attend school, he would not participate.
- He was disrespectful to all people in authority.
- His behaviors caused conflict between his mother and me. Neither of us was able to get him to comply with requests.
- He felt his way was the only way.
- His mother and siblings were concern when he was present.
Due to his behaviors and actions, he is now waiting to be tried as an adult for criminal charges and he is only 15 years old. Below are some questions I would like answers to, and some things that I think should be considered before telling a 14 year-old youth that they do not have to take their medications if they don’t want to. . (Answers supplied by PA Children’s News Editor- Wendy Luckenbill)
- Is telling a youth about the age of consent a legal requirement that must be shared with them?
Yes, informed consent is an obligation for practioners. However, information must be correct. Families retain the right to consent to treatment for their child until age 18! - What is the age of consent in other states? How is this working in other states?
A: The age varies between 14-18 years of age. - How can a parent review the credentials of doctors, therapists, and counselors?
A: Families may ask the practioners to show them their credentials. They can also get that information from the practioner’s agency or from the insurer. - If a doctor is going to share this information with a youth, should he tell the parents first?
A: No, if the youth has consented to the treatment after age 14. If the family has consented, yes. Either way, best practice is to develop a team approach to planning that includes youth and family, as well as other significant people. - I feel the doctor should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medications, and also the advantages and disadvantages of not taking the medications.
A: This is best practice, and in fact needed to protect the prescriber from liability. - The doctor should offer alternatives such as herbal supplements, and nutrition in place of medications.
A: While this would be ideal, many practioners do not have this knowledge. Additionally, they may be hesitant to recommend “complimentary treatments” that have unclear research to support them. However, the youth and family are entitled to seek out that information.
ACTION
At the request of the parent posing this question and the Mental Health Association in PA, the issue of provider communication to children, youth and families of the PA Age of Consent regulations will be on the November 7th meeting of the PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Child Advisory Committee in Harrisburg. These meetings are open to the public.
Speak Out is a way for YOU to speak out on issues related to caring for children’s mental health. Families, providers, and policy makers are invited to submit your views and experiences. To submit go to www.pachildrensnews.org/family_voice_ys.htm