04 Discussion – Joel in Rural America

 

Directions:

Joel is 12 years old and in the 7th grade at Lincoln Middle School. Joel has told his mother that he thinks he is gay. His father has not been told. His mother has reached out to the 24-hour HELP LINE for which you work. She does not know what to do and is afraid that her son will be bullied at school for his sexual orientation. She also does not know how to tell the father that their son is gay.

In your posts include the following:

  • What do you say to Joel’s mother? How can you help?
  • What services could you provide her with?
  • Describe various approaches for working with Joel.