Ethics Flashcards
Five principles
Autonomy-notion of independence, encourage clients to exercise freedom of choice and behavior; Non-maleficence-above all, do no harm, most critical principle, avoid actions or intentions that may put client at risk; Beneficence -do good, contribute to clients well-being; Justice-treating others equally, but in relation to their differences; Fidelity-trusting nature of the therapeutic relationship, honor commitment and obligation to clients
Ethical Problem-solving
Define the problem emotionally or intellectually, apply ASCA ethical standards and law, consider students chronological and developmental levels, consider the setting and parental rights and minors rights, apply moral principles, determine potential courses of action and consequences, evaluate selected action, consult, implement course of action
Confidentiality
Refers to a clients right to privacy in the practice of counseling, counselors are ethically and morally obligated to maintain a minor clients confidentiality, except in circumstances of harm to self/others, abuse, court order, or when client has given written permission to share; legal obligation to the parent or guardian
Filtered confidential information
give info to teachers or administrators who are allies in supporting students, about what they need to know in order to help the student; true and accurate and is shared in a sensitive and caring manner
Confidentiality related to divorce
Every effort to provide information to both parents that is objective and respectful, unless prohibited by court system
Confidentiality in case of restraining orders
Be aware of any restraining orders that may exist to ensure information is shared only with those legally eligible to receive the information
Confidentiality of counselor related electronic communication
Email has been considered in legal cases to be an educational record, need to take appropriate and reasonable measures for maintaining confidentiality of student information and educational record stored or transmitted through use of electronic devices
Harm to self or others
Duty to protect and a duty to warn in cases of harm to self or others/property, may warrant more then just parent notification, may involve other families or police; if harm comes to a student as a result of withholding information, school concert maybe held legally responsible for those inactions; consult!
Informed consent
Not legally obligated to obtain parental permission, but school policies may require to obtain parental consent, in writing
Student records/counseling notes
Case notes are not part of the students academic record (sole possession records); Case notes need to be stored in a secure location and maintained for several years, keep until student transitions to next level, transfers to another school, or graduates; Notes on child abuse, suicide, sexual harassment, violence may be needed by a court of law; case notes are accessible with a subpoena for court order; if parents are demanding access to case notes, explain ethical obligation to the student and discuss what would be in the best interest of their child
FERPA
Legal mandate, as well as ethical, safeguarding the rights of students and parents in relation to educational records; protects privacy of student records and provide parents with rights pertaining to record inspection, correction, copying, and general consent to be released
Dual relationships
Avoid dual relationships that might impair objectivity and increase the risk of harm to students, when dual relationships are unavoidable, examine professional and ethical behavior by asking, whose needs are being met by my behavior? Am I doing this for personal gain/reasons?
Research
Issues to consider-obtaining parental and student informed consent, confidentiality of assessment data, culture and gender bias in the selection of measures, withholding treatment, providing treatment for all students in experimental groups
