Ethical guidlines for forensic contexts

Question 1

What vulnerable client’s might you work with in a forensic setting

Answer 1

Clients with intellecutal disability, learning difficulty and CALD clients

Question 2

How do you mange informed consent in a forensic setting

Answer 2

By informing the client of the nature of the services, what the findings of the eservice might be used for, who will have access to information, voluntary or involuntary nature of participation, consequences of non-participation, obligations to court of tribunal, who is paying for the service, anticipated cost

Question 3

What do you do if you have to provide a service to a client who does not have the ability to consent to the service in a forensic settign

Answer 3

Provide an appropriate explanation, seek the client’s assent and seek the consent of the person legally authorised

Question 4

What should you do if you need to gather information from an associated party in a forensic setting

Answer 4

1. Inform the associated party what information is needed and why
2. Who will have access to the information
3. Only access information pertinent to your role

Question 5

What should psychologists strive for in forensice contexts

Answer 5

accuracy, impartiality and fairness

Question 6

What competence is it important to have in forensic settings

Answer 6

understnading of standards, laws, rules and precedents that govern their participation in legal proceedings

Question 7

What balance do you need to strike when doing assessment for a court or tribunal

Answer 7

You need to ensure the integrity and seurity of tests and their contents whilst also explaining sufficiently the test and its purpose for the court

Question 8

What factors might affect an assessment in a forensic examination and how would you compensate for these

Answer 8

1. Motivation
2. Response style
3. Voluntariness of participation
4. Cultural and language factors
5. Drug use
6. Situational stress

It is important to make known how these factors might effect the results

Question 9

How long should you keep client records for

Answer 9

7 years or if there is a litigation matter until such time as all appeals in the matter have been exhausted

Question 10

What do you do if the demands of an organisation ask you to violate the general principles, values or standards set out in the code?

Answer 10

1. Clarify the nature of the conflict
2. Inform all parties of ethical responsibilities
3. Seek a constructive resolution whilst upholding the code
4. Consult a senior psychologist

Question 11

What do you do if you have to adhere to the requirements of the law

Answer 11

Only do so to the extent required and after seeking appropriate advice

Question 12

What are the multiple roles being managed when providing professional evidence

Answer 12

maintaining the wellbeing of their client and providing the court with accurate information