E.T.H.I.C. A Framework for Managing Dilemmas In Peer & Prevention Programming www.ncada-stl.org Presented by: Marilyn Bader, L.H.D.; MACSAPP Private non-profit & United Way agency Education, prevention, advocacy, community development, assessment & referrals www.ncada-stl.org Peer program professionals Networking, training, certification, consultation www.peerprogramprofessionals.org Explore issues & dilemmas professionals face working with prevention programs Utilize a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas Engage in dialogue about ethical situations we encounter 1
Values Ethics Business Ethics Constituency Dilemma Inner standards to motivate actions, by which we judge behavior (ours & others) System of principles of conduct based on moral values Rules, standards, codes, or principles that provide guidelines for morally right behavior & truthfulness in workplace situations Group or individual affected by decisions, actions or policies of business Situation has no clear right or good solution Community/society obligation Competence Compliance with the law Confidentiality Cooperation with certifying board Dignity and worth of the person Human relationships Integrity Non-discrimination i i Non-malfeasance Service Social Justice THINK: Have you ever had difficulty trying to determine which segment(s) of the code take precedence over others? What is the priority when the principles are actually at odds with each other? Examine Think Hypothesize Identify Consult Based on Elaine Congress, 2000; What social workers should know about ethics: understanding and resolving practice dilemmas. Advances in Social Work, 1, 1-25 2
What is best for the client? What is the intent of this action? What are the legal ramifications of this situation? Is anything inappropriate, immoral, unprofessional, unethical or illegal? What facts bear investigating? Does this bear further investigation? What are my values, society s values? Whose values are right if my values conflict with the client s? Scenario Humorous? One of the participants in a training makes several off color comments. Some of them have been slights related to gender or nationality. Most of the group laughs but you feel very uncomfortable about what was said. What is the impact in the short term? Long term? What would happen if I did nothing? Is there monetary value, reputation, or manipulation involved? What s the culture of the environment related to the dilemma? (Ex: what s the culture of selfdisclosure in our organization or field?) Is there precedence and what should I avoid or replicate? 3
Scenario Social Media Friend Several of your students have commented on a posting you have on Facebook. While you did not friend them, somehow they were still able to view your home page. What are the potential outcomes: best case scenario; worst case scenario? What would be the worst headline in the news tomorrow if this situation came to light? What do I want to role-model in this situation? What would a parent, teacher, principal, or official say about what you are doing or were asked to do? Do I need legal advice in this situation? Scenario Presentation Slides You are attending a workshop for CEU s given by a colleague working for another organization. You recognize several slides from a similar presentation you gave not long ago. 4
Is there a policy or law that governs this area? Is documentation required or would it be wise to do so? What are the boundaries and expectations that will guide my choice? Who would benefit from this situation? Who might be harmed? What is my obligation and to whom? Scenario Sneaking Out You have been informed by another teen you work with that their friend (another peer helper in the program) has been sneaking out at night to meet their boy/girlfriend. This person further divulges that the person has already had a previous pregnancy/std scare. What would the Code of Ethics say to guide this decision? What is our agency s/organization s/school s policy in this area? What would my supervisor say? What would the legal system say? How does my conscious guide this? (What s your gut reaction?) What referral sources would be of assistance in this case? 5
Scenario Reference Check You receive a call asking for a reference check since you are listed as a reference for a current staff member. (SURPRISE!) The supervisor is NOT aware the person is looking. Timing is important as this is a busy time & losing a staff would be difficult. The person is not working up to potential, not a strong team member & their re-positioning would be a good thing for your team. A co-worker is spending a lot of time on the internet on sites and topics non-work related. How will you handle this using the ETHIC framework? A student/teen from one of your programs seems to be following a staff member around. It almost feels like she s stalking him. This is a socially awkward young person but the staff member is feeling very uncomfortable. The workshop you re attending is awful! You have to complete an evaluation. To complicate matters, there are only about 10 of you at the event so you re aware that the leader will probably be able to identify your evaluation. It is hosted by a group that provides funding for your program. How honest should you be? 6
Subscribe to & be familiar with your Code. Keep accurate documentation. Utilize good supervision. Understand your job description. Table of organization. Organization s policies. Have adequate professional liability insurance. Accept limitations. Work within your professional scope of experience. Avoid dual relationships with clients & staff. Continue your professional growth. Congress, Elaine, 2000. What Social Workers Should Know About Ethics: Understanding & Resolving Practice Dilemma. Advances in Social Work, 1, 1-25. Reamer, Frederic G. The Social Work Ethics Casebook. NASW Press. 2009. Thompson, Mel. Teach Yourself Ethics. McGraw- Hill Com., Inc. 2006. Weinstein, Bruce. Is It Still Cheating If I Don t Get Caught? Roaring Brook Press. 2009. 7
Please ask questions via chat. NAPPP Programmatic Standards www.peerprogramprofessionals.org NCADA www.ncada-stl.org www.internationalcredentialing.org www.youthlightbooks.com 8