Ethics IHS

Question 1

STANDARD 1

Answer 1

Human service professionals recognize and build on client and community strengths.

Question 2

STANDARD 2

Answer 2

Human service professionals obtain informed consent to provide services to clients at the beginning of the helping relationship. Clients should be informed that they may withdraw consent at any time except where denied by court order and should be able to ask questions before agreeing to the services. Clients who are unable to give consent should have those who are legally able to give consent for them review an informed consent statement and provide appropriate consent.

Question 3

STANDARD 3 & 4

Answer 3

Human service professionals protect the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality except when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others when agency guidelines state otherwise or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship. If it is suspected that danger or harm may occur to the client or to others as a result of a client’s behavior, the human service professional acts in an appropriate and professional manner to protect the safety of those individuals. This may involve, but is not limited to, seeking consultation, supervision, and/or breaking the confidentiality of the relationship.

Question 4

STANDARD 5

Answer 4

Human service professionals recognize that multiple relationships may increase the risk of harm to or exploitation of clients and may impair their professional judgment. When it is not feasible to avoid dual or multiple relationships, human service professionals should consider whether the professional relationship should be avoided or curtailed.

Question 5

STANDARD 6

Answer 5

Sexual or romantic relationships with current clients are prohibited. Before engaging in sexual or romantic relationships with former clients, friends, or family members of former clients, human service professionals carefully evaluate potential exploitation or harm and refrain from entering into such a relationship.

Question 6

STANDARD 7

Answer 6

Human service professionals ensure that their values or biases are not imposed upon their clients.

Question 7

STANDARD 8 & STANDARD 9

Answer 7

Human service professionals protect the integrity, safety, and security of client records. Client information in written or electronic form that is shared with other professionals must have the client’s prior written consent except in the course of professional supervision or when legally obliged or permitted to share such information.
When providing services through the use of technology, human service professionals take precautions to ensure and maintain confidentiality and comply with all relevant laws and requirements regarding storing, transmitting and retrieving data. In addition, human service professionals ensure that clients are aware of any issues and concerns related to confidentiality, service issues, and how technology might negatively or positively impact the helping relationship.

Question 8

STANDARD 10

Answer 8

Human service professionals provide services without discrimination or preference in regards to age, ethnicity, culture, race, ability, gender, language preference, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or other historically oppressed groups.

Question 9

STANDARD 11

Answer 9

Human service professionals are knowledgeable about the cultures and communities within which they practice. They are aware of multiculturalism in society and its impact on the community as well as individuals within the community. They respect the cultures and beliefs of individuals and groups.

Question 10

STANDARD 12

Answer 10

Human service professionals are aware of local, state, and federal laws. They advocate for change in regulations and statutes when such legislation conflicts with ethical guidelines and/or client rights. Where laws are harmful to individuals, groups, or communities, human service professionals consider the conflict between the values of obeying the law and the values of serving people and may decide to initiate social action.

Question 11

STANDARD 13 & STANDARD 14

Answer 11

Human service professionals stay informed about current social issues as they affect clients and communities. If appropriate to the helping relationship, they share this information with clients, groups, and communities as part of their work.
Human service professionals are aware of social and political issues that differentially affect clients from diverse backgrounds.

Question 12

STANDARD 15

Answer 12

Human service professionals provide a mechanism for identifying client needs and assets, calling attention to these needs and assets, and assisting in planning and mobilizing to advocate for those needs at the individual, community, and societal level when appropriate to the goals of the relationship.

Question 13

STANDARD 16

Answer 13

Human service professionals advocate for social justice and seek to eliminate oppression. They raise awareness of the underserved populations in their communities and with the legislative system.

Question 14

STANDARD 17

Answer 14

Human service professionals accurately represent their qualifications to the public. This includes, but is not limited to, their abilities, training, education, credentials, academic endeavors, and areas of expertise. They avoid the appearance of misrepresentation or impropriety and take immediate steps to correct it if it occurs.

Question 15

STANDARD 18

Answer 15

Human service professionals describe the effectiveness of treatment programs, interventions and treatments, and/or techniques accurately, supported by data whenever possible.

Question 16

STANDARD 19

Answer 16

Human service professionals avoid duplicating another professional’s helping relationship with a client. They consult with other professionals who are assisting the client in a different type of relationship when it is in the best interest of the client to do so. In addition, human services professionals seek ways to actively collaborate and coordinate with other professionals when appropriate.

Question 17

STANDARD 20

Answer 17

When human service professionals have a conflict with a colleague, they first seek out the colleague in an attempt to manage the problem. If this effort fails, the professional then seeks the assistance of supervisors, consultants, or other professionals in efforts to address the conflict.

Question 18

STANDARD 21

Answer 18

Human service professionals respond appropriately to unethical and problematic behavior of colleagues. Usually, this means initially talking directly with the colleague and if no satisfactory resolution is achieved, reporting the colleague’s behavior to supervisory or administrative staff.

Question 19

STANDARD 22

Answer 19

All consultations between human service professionals are kept private unless to do so would result in harm to clients or communities.