Discuss the role that human service professionals have in protecting client rights. Is the moral or legal obligation more important? National Organization for Human Service Education Council for Standards in Human Service Education Preamble Human services is a profession developing in response to and in anticipation of the direction of human needs and human problems in the late twentieth century. Characterized particularly by an appreciation of human beings in all of their diversity, human services offer assistance to its clients within the context of their community and environment. Human service professionals and those who educate them, regardless of whether they are students, faculty or practitioners, promote and encourage the unique values and characteristics of human services. In so doing, human service professionals and educators uphold the integrity and ethics of the profession, partake in constructive criticism of the profession, promote client and community well-being, and enhance their own professional growth. The ethical guidelines presented are a set of standards of conduct which the human service professionals and educators consider in ethical and professional decision making. It is hoped that these guidelines will be of assistance when human service professionals and educators are challenged by difficult ethical dilemmas. Although ethical codes are not legal documents, they may be used to assist in the adjudication of issues related to ethical human service behavior. Section I—Standards of Human Service Professionals Human service professionals function in many ways and carry out many roles. They enter into professional-client relationships with individuals, families, groups and communities who are all referred to as “clients” in these standards. Among their roles are caregiver, case manager, broker, teacher/educator, behavior changer, consultant, outreach professional, mobilizer, advocate, community planner, community change organizer, evaluator and administrator (SREB, 1967). The following standards are written with these multifaceted roles in mind. The Human Service Professional’s Responsibility to Clients negotiate with clients the purpose, goals, and nature of the helping relationship prior to its onset as well as inform clients of the limitations of the proposed relationship. respect the integrity and welfare of the client at all times. Each client is treated with respect, acceptance, and dignity. protect the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality except when such confidentiality would cause harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Professionals inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship. 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 seeking consultation, supervision, and/or breaking the confidentiality of the relationship. protect the integrity, safety, and security of client records. All written client information that is shared with other professionals, except in the course of professional supervision, must have the client’s prior written consent. aware that in their relationships with clients power and status are unequal. Therefore, they recognize that dual or multiple relationships may increase the risk of harm to, or exploitation of, clients, and may impair their professional judgment. However, in some communities and situations it may not be feasible to avoid social or other nonprofessional contact with clients. Human service professionals support the trust implicit in the helping relationship by avoiding dual
relationships that may impair professional continued 9781133795445, An Introduction to Human Services, Marianne Woodside – © Cengage Learning. judgment, increase the risk of harm to clients or lead to exploitation. clients are not considered to be in the best interest of the client and are prohibited. Sexual relationships with previous clients are considered dual relationships and are addressed in Statement 6 (above). is protected by human service professionals. They recognize the client’s right to receive or refuse services. and build on client strengths. The Human Service Professional’s Responsibility to the Community and Society 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. keep informed about current social issues as they affect the client and the community. They share that information with clients, groups, and community as part of their work. understand the complex interaction between individuals, their families, the communities in which they live, and society. act as advocates in addressing unmet client and community needs. Human service professionals provide a mechanism for identifying unmet client needs, calling attention to these needs, and assisting in planning and mobilizing to advocate for those needs at the local community level. represent their qualifications to the public accurately. describe the effectiveness of programs, treatments, and/or techniques accurately. advocate for the rights of all members of society, particularly those who are members of minorities and groups at which discriminatory practices have historically been directed. provide services without discrimination or preference based on age, ethnicity, culture, race, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. 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 individuals and groups, their cultures and beliefs. are aware of their own cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values, recognizing the potential for impact on their relationships with others. are aware of sociopolitical issues that differentially affect clients from diverse backgrounds. seek the training, experience, education, and supervision necessary to ensure their effectiveness in working with culturally diverse client populations. The Human Service Professional’s Responsibility to Colleagues 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. has a conflict with a colleague, he or she first seeks out the colleague in an attempt to manage the problem. If necessary, the professional then seeks the assistance of supervisors, consultants, or other professionals in efforts to manage the problem. respond appropriately to unethical behavior of colleagues. Usually this means initially talking directly with the colleague and, if no resolution is forthcoming, reporting the colleague’s behavior to supervisory or administrative staff and/or to the professional organization( s) to which the colleague belongs. human service professionals are kept confidential continued 9781133795445, An Introduction to Human Services, Marianne Woodside – © Cengage Lea