HCA Module 07 - Ethics and Boundaries Flashcards
What are ethics?
Ethics refer to decisions about right and wrong behavior. They also refer to rules that a group agrees to. As a Certified Peer Counselor, you will be responsible for following guidelines similar to ethics for counselors.
It will be important to learn and follow these guidelines! You should receive help with these skills from your supervisor.
What are boundaries?
Boundaries are different for peers because we have a different kind of working relationship. Our real expertise comes from our shared life experiences, not from clinical education. A key characteristic of peer support is this connection from experience.
It is sometimes difficult to work in these relationships when there might be professional limits, or boundaries. When you are working for an agency, there may be specific rules about interactions with peers. Although we may have individual opinions about boundary questions, it is important to always know and follow agency rules.
What are some ethical standards that peer supporter should be aware of?
There are several ethical standards that a peer supporter should be aware of. A few of these are related to:
* Confidentiality,
* Relationships,
* Diagnosing,
* and Drugs or Alcohol.
Tell me more about confidentiality in that context.
It is not acceptable to share information about those we serve with anyone except those at your agency directly involved with the person’s services, or your supervisor.
For any other discloser the person must sign a Release of Information (ROI.)
Note that in Washington State, youth ages 13 and older have some of the same rights to confidentiality although there are some exceptions.
Expect to learn more about confidentiality upon employment.
For example,
* Do not look at files out of curiosity.
* Do not talk to people you serve when in the community unless they acknowledge you first.
* Don’t discuss another peer by name with another peer supporter (or anyone else outside the treatment team).
Tell me more about relationships in that context.
It is never acceptable to have any kind of romantic or dating relations with someone you serve. This is a VERY IMPORTANT boundary! This prohibition includes talking dirty, flirting, kissing, inappropriate touching, flirting in chat rooms or on social media or making an understanding you will have a relationship when services end.
You are legally allowed to have a romantic relationship with a peer 2 years after services end, but only if it is expected that services will not begin again. It is best to completely avoid these situations.
You cannot fully focus on your helping role in these situations. The peer always gets hurt by your lack of focus on your role, and you will likely lose your job and credential.
Tell me more about diagnosing in that context.
It is very important to keep within the boundaries of the peer role. This can be called “staying in your lane.” When you go outside these boundaries, you put your job in jeopardy and harm the peers you work with.
Some important boundaries are:
1. Never suggest or discuss a diagnosis. This is a purely medical topic that the peer should discuss with their doctor.
2. Never discuss medications. If a peer wants to discuss medications, help them write a list of questions for their doctors. Do not share your own experiences with medications.
3. Do not recommend alternative therapies. Do not share ones that you find helpful. This type of discussion can get in the way of treatment and is unethical. These are three examples of when it is not appropriate to share your story or personal experiences.
Tell me more about drugs/alcohol in that context.
- Peer counselors should not use drugs or alcohol with peers they serve.
- Peer counselors should not buy drugs or alcohol from or for peers. This includes prescriptions and over the counter medications.
- Never share medications with a peer.
What are some typical boundaries you may find working in an agency?
Typical boundaries you would find working in an agency are:
* Not giving out your personal phone number.
* Not meeting with the peer outside of work activities.
* Not discussing, or at least over-sharing your own current challenges and medical issues.
* Absolutely not forming a romantic or sexual relationship.
* Hiring a peer, buying things from them, or working for them (this includes
babysitting).
Why should dual relationships should be avoided?
A dual relationship is when you know a peer in more than one setting. Working with a family member, a neighbor, a church member, or person you do business with is a dual relationship.
They cannot always be avoided, but you should always consult your supervisor if this situation comes up.
Are peer counselors mandatory reporters in Washington State?
Employed peer counselors are mandatory reporters in Washington State. After you are employed, you must report some situations if you learn about them, whether you learn about them at work or at home.
What is the definition of Child Abuse or Neglect?
“Child abuse or neglect shall mean the injury, sexual abuse, or negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health, welfare and safety are harmed thereby.”
What is the definition of physical abuse?
A physically abused child is one who has sustained non-accidental physical injury or injuries such as: bruises, burns, fractures, bites, internal injuries, auditory, dental, ocular, or brain damage, etc. Injuries sustained may be permanent or temporary.
What is the definition of Mental Injury?
A child who has been injured mentally is one who sustains damage to intellectual, emotional or psychological functioning which is clearly attributable to the non- accidental acts or omissions of the parent or guardian.
*Examples of parental or caretaker behavior include a pattern of rejecting, isolating, ignoring, corrupting, or terrorizing a child.
What is the definition of Sexual Abuse?
There is a wide range of sexual offenses defined in the Washington state criminal code involving children, such as: indecent liberties, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, sexual exploitation of a minor, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, rape of a child, and rape.
What is the definition of Neglect?
Negligent treatment or maltreatment also is a clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare and safety.
Neglect might include:
* Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, emotional nurturing or health care.
* Failure to provide adequate supervision
* Abandonment
* Exploitation
* Reckless Endangerment
