forget the eagles- are you as smart as a buzzard? how to avoid becoming ethical roadkill

Forget the Eagles-Are You As Smart as a

Buzzard?

How to Avoid Becoming Ethical Roadkill

First Things First:

• In Texas, there are vultures-Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures-but Buzzard has a nice “ring” to it-so we’ll call them buzzards

• In reality, our noble Bald Eagle is a member of the buteo or buzzard family-so we are in good company

What Are Ethics?

• Broad guidelines for responsible practice

Why Ethics??

• Ethics protect the welfare of society

• Ethics protect the integrity of the profession

Buzzards Know…

Buzzards can teach us a lot about the foundational principles of ethical behavior

Are You as Smart as a Buzzard?

• Buzzards do not kill anything.

• Non-maleficence-do no harm

• ACA Code A.4.a

• ASCA Preamble, A.1


• Buzzards do a good thing-cleaning up our world.

• Beneficence- Do good.

• ACA Code-A.1a-1e

• ASCA Code-A.1


• Buzzards respect each other’s independence and that of others.

• Autonomy: Respect independence.

• ACA Code-C.5

• ASCA Code-A.1-a-e


• Buzzards take turns and share what they have found.

• Justice: Be Fair

• ACA Code-C.5

• ASCA Code-Preamble, E.2


• Buzzards can always be relied upon to do their job, no matter how big it is.

• Fidelity: Be trustworthy.

• ACA Code-B,C

• ASCA Code-A-E


• Buzzards are not afraid to take on a messy, smelly job. (Because they know they are qualified to do it.)

• Recognize limitations in training and technique and seek continuing education to further our skills.

• ACA Code Section C-C-1,C-2,C-4, E-2, F-2• ASCA Code-A.6e,A.9a,E.1a,d,e,f,g E.2a,b,c


• Buzzards rely on others who have needed skills.

• Make referrals when necessary. ACA Code-A.9b, A.11

• ASCA Code-A.5


• Buzzards work in teams based on the size of the job.

• Consult with other counselors on a regular basis. (geese)

• ACA Code-C.2.e, D.2,B.8• ASCA Code-C.2b,c,d,e,C.3b,D.2a,F.2b


• Buzzards do one thing and do it well.

• Avoid dual relationships (cats and rats)

• ACA Code A.5,A.6,A.7

• ASCA Code A.4


• Buzzards are always trying to improve-to get to the “top”.

• Strive towards “aspirational” ethics-the best of the best

• ACA Code: Sections A-H- Introductions

• ASCA Code-Preamble,A-G


• Buzzards aren’t afraid to change. (ants)

• When new ethical guidelines are published, make it a point to review them and become familiar with the differences.

• ACA Code-Section H

• ASCA code-Section E


• Buzzards are aware that danger always threatens.

• Know common areas of ethical violations.

• Know your weaknesses

• Stay current (>55)


• Buzzards work only in daylight so they can see and be seen (and stay safe!)

• NEVER practice without adequate liability insurance that is yours alone-do not rely solely on your employer

• ASCA membership confers insurance!

• TAC membership-Legal Care

• AIM insurance


• Buzzards provide warnings if there is danger. (beavers, prairie dogs)

• In Texas, when a person is a danger to self or others, may notify police, law enforcement personnel, medical facility, MHMR

• ACA Code B.2.a, B.2.b

A.9.c

• ASCA Code A.7

Ethical Dilemma• Heather has been referred to you because she

was overheard saying that she was going to take her dad’s gun and blow her brains out. You immediately call Heather in and she assures you that she did not mean it and was just venting. You have Heather fill out a “no-harm” contract, then call her mother to tell her of Heather’s statement, to inform her of the contract, and to let her know that you do not think she needs to come and get Heather. You have Heather put on her contract the name of someone she can reach out to, and she lists another student at the school. Have you adequately discharged your duty to Heather and her parents?


• Buzzards are very safety conscious.

• Review your own ethical guidelines on a regular basis-be aware of dangerous situations.

• All Sections-ACA Code

• All Sections-ASCA Code

Ethical Dilemma• You are a school counselor who has a good

relationship with your principal except in one area. Your principal is adamant that she be the only one on campus to make reports to CPS. While your principal has reported all of the cases you have passed on, some remarks she has made about CPS lead you to believe that she may not always report, if she feels that the district can work with the family in a more productive way that CPS. Can you ethically comply with this policy, since abuse cases are being reported?


• Buzzards do not attack their own kind.

• Support other counselors-provide guidance when necessary-report ethical violations. (dolphins, geese)

• ACA Code Sections D, H

• ASCA Code-Sections F, G


• Buzzards take time to take care of themselves.

• Continuing education and maintaining your mental health is YOUR responsibility.

• ACA Code-C.2.f,C.2.g

• ASCA Code-Section E


• Buzzards always have someone waiting in the wings when they retire.

• Have a specific, written plan for the transfer of your clients in case of emergency, death or retirement.

• ACA Code C.2.h

• ASCA Code C.2.f

Guide to Ethical Decision Making

• Identify the Problem

• Apply the Code of Ethics

• Determine the Dimensions of the Problem

• Brainstorm Options/Consult

• Consider Choices/Consequences

• Evaluate Selected Course

• Implement Chosen Course

• Reflect• Forester-Miller& Davis, 1996

Steps to Reduce Risk • Listen to anyone who suggests

dissatisfaction• HEAR direct or implied complaints• Review all file contents and history and be

sure it makes sense or can be explained• Study the complaint process and

procedures-do not answer a letter without consulting your administration an the school district attorney

Steps to Reduce Risk, cont.

• Offer a conference or casual mediation if appropriate

• Make adequate time available for the client to fully express the problem.

• Admit nothing! Do not react without thinking it over

• Call attorney• Anonymously (before you are in trouble)

• Call licensing board• Call professional association• Call malpractice carrier hot-line

MORE Risk Reduction

• Keep records current at all times

• If a team approach is used, document team interactions

• Use consultation with difficult clients, and document it in your notes

• Keep client records as long as required by law (may vary by district)

• Support procedures with history

MORE Risk Reduction• Document your recommendations and the

client’s response to them (compliance, noncompliance)

• Before discussing a client’s treatment, be sure you have a signed release

• Document the presence or absence of suicidal/homicidal ideation or intent-indicate the action taken based on legal statute

• Keep sole-possession notes simple and objective

Ethical Dilemma

• If I am keeping personal notes on my student caseload and then decide to leave my position, are the notes the property of the school or are they mine to take and/or dispose of?

• SOLE POSSESSION NOTES– A memory aid– No accessible or shared in any form– Private, created solely by the person possessing them– Observations and professional opinions onlySLIPPERY SLOPEEven when school counselors manage to meet the criteria

of sole possession records, these records can still be subpoenaed in most states.(Stone)

forget the eagles- are you as smart as a buzzard? how to avoid becoming ethical roadkill

Documents

e asca code

c asca code

c slide

aca codeb

b slide

best aca code

rats aca code

harm aca code