ethics and youth rights. the consciousness of youth rights cook county, illinois, 1899 - first...

Ethics and Youth RightsEthics and Youth Rights

The Consciousness of Youth The Consciousness of Youth RightsRights• COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, 1899 - FIRST COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, 1899 - FIRST

JUVENILE SYSTEMJUVENILE SYSTEM– BASED ON ENGLISH SYSTEMBASED ON ENGLISH SYSTEM– TREAT CHILDREN DIFFERENTLY THAN ADULTSTREAT CHILDREN DIFFERENTLY THAN ADULTS– REHABILITATIVE NOT PUNITIVEREHABILITATIVE NOT PUNITIVE

• LEGAL SAFEGUARDS UNNECESSARY SINCE LEGAL SAFEGUARDS UNNECESSARY SINCE NOT A PUNITIVE SYSTEMNOT A PUNITIVE SYSTEM

• DUE TO REHABILITATIVE NATURE, A. DUE TO REHABILITATIVE NATURE, A. BROADER BASE OF NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS BROADER BASE OF NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS WERE CONSIDEREDWERE CONSIDERED

The Consciousness of Youth The Consciousness of Youth RightsRights• EARLY 1900's SOCIETY'S ATTITUDE CHANGEDEARLY 1900's SOCIETY'S ATTITUDE CHANGED• YOUTH BEGAN TO BE PLACED IN JAILS AND YOUTH BEGAN TO BE PLACED IN JAILS AND

DETENTION TO AWAIT DISPOSITIONDETENTION TO AWAIT DISPOSITION• 1960's REALIZED A MAJOR CONTRAST TO 1960's REALIZED A MAJOR CONTRAST TO

ORIGINAL IDEALSORIGINAL IDEALS– NO LEGAL PROTECTION SIMILAR TO ADULTSNO LEGAL PROTECTION SIMILAR TO ADULTS– NO REAL REHABILITATIVE TREATMENTNO REAL REHABILITATIVE TREATMENT

• YOUTH RIGHTS ISSUE EXPLODED INTO SOCIETY'S YOUTH RIGHTS ISSUE EXPLODED INTO SOCIETY'S CONSCIOUSNESS RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CONSCIOUSNESS RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS BECAME THE ALTERNATIVEPROGRAMS BECAME THE ALTERNATIVE

Rights Vs PrivilegesRights Vs Privileges

• A A RIGHTRIGHT IS DISTINGUISHED FROM A IS DISTINGUISHED FROM A PRIVILEGE IN THAT IT IS NEVER PRIVILEGE IN THAT IT IS NEVER SOMETHING A YOUTH CAN EARN OR SOMETHING A YOUTH CAN EARN OR LOSE.LOSE.

• A A PRIVILEGEPRIVILEGE (SNACKS, GOING TO A (SNACKS, GOING TO A SHOW, ETC.) CAN BE EARNED SHOW, ETC.) CAN BE EARNED DEPENDENT UPON BEHAVIOR.DEPENDENT UPON BEHAVIOR.

Children's Rights When Children's Rights When ViolatedViolated

• Staff Person Didn't Know BetterStaff Person Didn't Know Better

• Unaware of Existing Laws, Unaware of Existing Laws, Regulations Regulations

• Staff Was Not Trained or PreparedStaff Was Not Trained or Prepared

Basic RightsBasic Rights

• MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD LIVING IN A MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD LIVING IN A FACILITYFACILITY

• THE RIGHTS ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED PRIVILEGES THE RIGHTS ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED PRIVILEGES TO BE CONTINGENT UPON APPROPRIATE OR TO BE CONTINGENT UPON APPROPRIATE OR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS:INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS:– Room equipped with sufficient lightingRoom equipped with sufficient lighting– Clothing to meet seasonal needsClothing to meet seasonal needs– Access to clean beddingAccess to clean bedding– Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, daily shower, etc.) Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, daily shower, etc.) – Daily change of underwear and socksDaily change of underwear and socks– Writing materialsWriting materials– Necessary medical treatment (also includes eyeglasses, etc.) Necessary medical treatment (also includes eyeglasses, etc.) – Access to books, magazinesAccess to books, magazines– General correspondence privileges,General correspondence privileges,

– Religion - right to attend or not attend religious services Religion - right to attend or not attend religious services – Three nutritious meals a dayThree nutritious meals a day– Receiving and sending of mailReceiving and sending of mail

• Outgoing mail not censoredOutgoing mail not censored• Incoming mail inspected in presence of child for contraband Incoming mail inspected in presence of child for contraband • Censorship of incoming mail condoned if done for a specifiedCensorship of incoming mail condoned if done for a specified

– Education must be providedEducation must be provided– Parents and foster parents right to visit and telephoneParents and foster parents right to visit and telephone– Unrestricted access to child by attorneyUnrestricted access to child by attorney– Ability to retain personal property (consistent with Ability to retain personal property (consistent with

treatment)treatment)– Opportunities to exerciseOpportunities to exercise– Appropriate interaction with opposite sex.Appropriate interaction with opposite sex.

Children’s Right do Include:Children’s Right do Include:

• Right to treatmentRight to treatment

• Least restrictive alternativeLeast restrictive alternative

• Individual treatment plansIndividual treatment plans

• Staff with trainingStaff with training

Emotional and serious behavior Emotional and serious behavior problems which can lead to youth problems which can lead to youth rights violationsrights violations

• Verbal and Physical Aggression Against StaffVerbal and Physical Aggression Against Staff

• Verbal and Physical Aggression Against Verbal and Physical Aggression Against PeersPeers

• Property DamageProperty Damage

• Self Inflicted InjurySelf Inflicted Injury

• Total Refusal to Comply with RulesTotal Refusal to Comply with Rules

• Chronic ViolationsChronic Violations

• Natural Children IssuesNatural Children Issues

Physical RestraintPhysical Restraint

• Potential of Extreme Harm to SelfPotential of Extreme Harm to Self

• Potential of Extreme Harm to Potential of Extreme Harm to OthersOthers

• Extensive Property Destruction Extensive Property Destruction

Behavior control procedures, Behavior control procedures, violating youth rightsviolating youth rights

• CORPORAL PUNISHMENTCORPORAL PUNISHMENT

• SECLUSION and ISOLATION SECLUSION and ISOLATION

• PHYSICAL RESTRAINTPHYSICAL RESTRAINT

• FOOD RESTRICTIONFOOD RESTRICTION

• FORCED WORKFORCED WORK

• FORCED MEDICATIONFORCED MEDICATION

ConfidentialityConfidentiality

• MUST MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF ANY INFORMATION MUST MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF ANY INFORMATION RECEIVED IN CONFIDENCE.RECEIVED IN CONFIDENCE.– INFORMATION ONLY DISCUSSED WITH PERSONS CONCERNED WITH INFORMATION ONLY DISCUSSED WITH PERSONS CONCERNED WITH

CASE.CASE.– INFORMATION ONLY DISCUSSED FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES.INFORMATION ONLY DISCUSSED FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES.

• REPORTS, RECORDS-AND OTHER INFORMATION MAINTAINED REPORTS, RECORDS-AND OTHER INFORMATION MAINTAINED SECURELY.SECURELY.

• MUST INSURE THAT CONFIDENTIALITY IS MAINTAINED BY ALL.MUST INSURE THAT CONFIDENTIALITY IS MAINTAINED BY ALL.• CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REVEALED ONLY IF:CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REVEALED ONLY IF:

– INDIVIDUAL HAS GIVEN CONSENTINDIVIDUAL HAS GIVEN CONSENT– CLEAR AND IMMINENT DANGER CLEAR AND IMMINENT DANGER – LEGAL COMPULSIONLEGAL COMPULSION

• MUST INFORM CONSUMERS OF:MUST INFORM CONSUMERS OF:– THEIR RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITYTHEIR RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY– THE LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITYTHE LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY– THE POTENTIAL RISKSTHE POTENTIAL RISKS

Ethics in Practical Ethics in Practical ApplicationApplication• "Basic rights" is a term used to cover a wide variety of client rights "Basic rights" is a term used to cover a wide variety of client rights

that can best be defined as minimum requirements for a child living in that can best be defined as minimum requirements for a child living in a facility.a facility.

• AA right is distinguished from a privilege in that it is never something a right is distinguished from a privilege in that it is never something a youth can earn or lose.youth can earn or lose.

• A privilege (free time on grounds, going to a show, etc.) can be A privilege (free time on grounds, going to a show, etc.) can be earned or not earned dependent of behavior.earned or not earned dependent of behavior.

• The courts have established that when children are placed outside The courts have established that when children are placed outside the home through the legal process the purpose of such placement the home through the legal process the purpose of such placement must be for treatment not punishment..must be for treatment not punishment..

• The following rights are listed as guidelines of all National Teaching The following rights are listed as guidelines of all National Teaching Family Associate members and employees of Utah Youth Village. Any Family Associate members and employees of Utah Youth Village. Any questions about youth rights should be checked out with program questions about youth rights should be checked out with program consultant or administrators consultant or administrators beforebefore any action is taken. Violation of any action is taken. Violation of any youth right has potentially serious legal consequences for all of any youth right has potentially serious legal consequences for all of us and could lead to termination of employment.us and could lead to termination of employment.

• Working within the guidelines of these basic rights prompts effective Working within the guidelines of these basic rights prompts effective human care and helps to develop good relationships with our youth.human care and helps to develop good relationships with our youth.

• All youth have the right to basic care and treatment (Fifth and Sixth All youth have the right to basic care and treatment (Fifth and Sixth Amendments and Wyatt V. Stickney) (Gary W. vs. State of LA (19 ed.)Amendments and Wyatt V. Stickney) (Gary W. vs. State of LA (19 ed.)

• All youth have the right to regular and adequate:All youth have the right to regular and adequate:• SleepSleep• RestRest• Clean beddingClean bedding• Comfortable bedComfortable bed

– We cannot:We cannot:• Interrupt or restrict a normal night of sleep.Interrupt or restrict a normal night of sleep.• Restrict the use of a bed and bedding.Restrict the use of a bed and bedding.

– We can:We can:• Promote the use of regular bedtimes and wake up times, according to age.Promote the use of regular bedtimes and wake up times, according to age.• Monitor when sleep occurs (e.g., no naps).Monitor when sleep occurs (e.g., no naps).

• All youth have the right to regular and adequate All youth have the right to regular and adequate • Access to outdoorsAccess to outdoors• Physical ExercisePhysical Exercise• Light, warmth and ventilationLight, warmth and ventilation

– We cannot:We cannot:• Restrict a youth from ever being out of doors.Restrict a youth from ever being out of doors.• Place him in a dark room as punishment. Place him in a dark room as punishment.

– We can:We can:• Monitor when he goes out of doors.Monitor when he goes out of doors.

• All youth have the right to:All youth have the right to:• Personal supplies and possessionsPersonal supplies and possessions• Space for personal belongingsSpace for personal belongings• Normal, accepted dress items Normal, accepted dress items

– We cannot:We cannot:• Use clothing, as a privilege.Use clothing, as a privilege.• Confiscate any personal item of clothing.Confiscate any personal item of clothing.• Prohibit him from having the basic clothing necessities (even if he has Prohibit him from having the basic clothing necessities (even if he has

no earnings or allowance).no earnings or allowance).• Confiscate his possessions.Confiscate his possessions.• Restrict him from ever using his possessions Restrict him from ever using his possessions

– We can:We can:• Have a youth participate in the purchasing of his clothing.Have a youth participate in the purchasing of his clothing.• Monitor the use of his clothing (e.g., appropriateMonitor the use of his clothing (e.g., appropriate dress for the occasion).dress for the occasion).• Confiscate dangerous possessions (e.g., knives or guns).Confiscate dangerous possessions (e.g., knives or guns).• Monitor when and under what circumstances possession can be used Monitor when and under what circumstances possession can be used

(e.g., radios must be kept low and turned off at bedtime). Any (e.g., radios must be kept low and turned off at bedtime). Any confiscated property sent to parents. confiscated property sent to parents.

• No youth should own a TVNo youth should own a TV• All youth have the right to a well-balanced, All youth have the right to a well-balanced,

nutritional and appealing diet.nutritional and appealing diet.– We cannot:We cannot:

• Restrict meals.Restrict meals.• Have a youth eat a meal of less quality than other youth.Have a youth eat a meal of less quality than other youth.• Cause a youth to eat less than three meals per day.Cause a youth to eat less than three meals per day.

– We can:We can:• Have a youth fix own meal (if late).Have a youth fix own meal (if late).• Have a youth eat later than other youths (for disruptive Have a youth eat later than other youths (for disruptive

table behavior).table behavior).• Have a youth eat a specially prepared meal of good quality Have a youth eat a specially prepared meal of good quality

(if he misses regular meal).(if he misses regular meal).

• All youth have the right to physical safety, hygiene and sanitation All youth have the right to physical safety, hygiene and sanitation including:including:

• Access to daily showers or bathAccess to daily showers or bath• Regular laundryRegular laundry• Hygiene materialsHygiene materials• Toilet useToilet use• Hot waterHot water

– We cannot:We cannot:• Restrict access to the above.Restrict access to the above.• Deny a youth normal personal supplies.Deny a youth normal personal supplies.• Place a youth in an unsafe living environment. Place a youth in an unsafe living environment.

– We can:We can:• Have aHave a youth wash own sheets, blankets, etc.youth wash own sheets, blankets, etc.• Contribute to the purchase of personal supplies.Contribute to the purchase of personal supplies.• Require a youth to take a daily shower or bath.Require a youth to take a daily shower or bath.

• All youth have the right to proper treatment on a individual basis All youth have the right to proper treatment on a individual basis in the least restrictive alternative.in the least restrictive alternative.

• All youth have the right to an individual treatment plan that affords the All youth have the right to an individual treatment plan that affords the individual a reasonable chance to acquire and maintain those life skills that individual a reasonable chance to acquire and maintain those life skills that enable him to cope as effectively as his own capacities permit with the enable him to cope as effectively as his own capacities permit with the demands ofdemands of his own person and on his own environment and to raise the his own person and on his own environment and to raise the levels of his physical mental, and social efficiency (Gary W. vslevels of his physical mental, and social efficiency (Gary W. vs. . State ofState of LA, LA, 1976).1976).

Individual treatment plans must be in writing and specify goals, short-term Individual treatment plans must be in writing and specify goals, short-term objectives, treatment strategy and person responsible for implementation.objectives, treatment strategy and person responsible for implementation.– We cannot place a youth on a token economy system immediately We cannot place a youth on a token economy system immediately

upon placement.upon placement.– We must provide an opportunity for an individualized assessment We must provide an opportunity for an individualized assessment

period upon placement.period upon placement.• All youth, within the limits of availability and his/her special needs and All youth, within the limits of availability and his/her special needs and

problems, must be treated in that environment that. most closely problems, must be treated in that environment that. most closely resembles the inherent freedom, flexibility and surroundings associated resembles the inherent freedom, flexibility and surroundings associated with the natural home.with the natural home.– We cannot impose physical restraint or other more restrictive We cannot impose physical restraint or other more restrictive

treatment or behavior management procedures unless more positive, treatment or behavior management procedures unless more positive, less restrictive procedures (use of teaching-family model technology) less restrictive procedures (use of teaching-family model technology) have been attempted and failed.have been attempted and failed.

• Inherent in the right to treatment is the implication Inherent in the right to treatment is the implication that appropriately selected and trained staff are that appropriately selected and trained staff are necessary to carry out an effective and humane necessary to carry out an effective and humane treatment program. (Morales vs. Turman, 1974.treatment program. (Morales vs. Turman, 1974.– Probably the single most important factor in safe-guar ding client Probably the single most important factor in safe-guar ding client

rights involves the selection and training rights involves the selection and training of of direct child care staff.direct child care staff.– Scope and content of staff training will be largely determined by Scope and content of staff training will be largely determined by

sophistication of treatment responsibilities to be assumed by the sophistication of treatment responsibilities to be assumed by the direct care staff, client responsibilities and needs and intents or direct care staff, client responsibilities and needs and intents or goals of treatment. Most programs, however, should include:goals of treatment. Most programs, however, should include:

• Attention to the treatment model specified in procedural terms.Attention to the treatment model specified in procedural terms.• Detailed description of program components and how they will be Detailed description of program components and how they will be

applied to program clients.applied to program clients.• Complete explanation of staff duties and responsibilities as related to Complete explanation of staff duties and responsibilities as related to

the overall delivery of client services.the overall delivery of client services.

• Client rights should be enumerated and defined Client rights should be enumerated and defined and the legal and ethical responsibilities of staff and the legal and ethical responsibilities of staff regarding those rights.regarding those rights.

• Staff training should include description of kinds Staff training should include description of kinds of situations likely to be encountered as well as of situations likely to be encountered as well as a repertoire of procedures for dealing effectively a repertoire of procedures for dealing effectively with the range of client problems.with the range of client problems.

• Staff training should be a continuing education Staff training should be a continuing education process, i.e., staff should receive routine process, i.e., staff should receive routine training and updating as federal and state training and updating as federal and state legislation changes.legislation changes.

All youth have the right to confidentiality and informed consent All youth have the right to confidentiality and informed consent (National Health Act, 1979).(National Health Act, 1979).

• All youth have the right to knowledge of and disagreement with All youth have the right to knowledge of and disagreement with material in his file.material in his file.– We cannot:We cannot:

• Prohibit a youth from seeing the contents of his file.Prohibit a youth from seeing the contents of his file.• Force a youth to sign any statement indicating agreement with a Force a youth to sign any statement indicating agreement with a

treatment plan or progress report.treatment plan or progress report.– We can:We can:

• Be present when he reads his file.Be present when he reads his file.• Tell him that we Tell him that we suggestsuggest he not read certain items that might be he not read certain items that might be

disconcerting.disconcerting.• Keep only present information in the home file (e.g., keel social histories Keep only present information in the home file (e.g., keel social histories

in the main office file).in the main office file).• Have youth sign indicating they have read a treatment plan or progress Have youth sign indicating they have read a treatment plan or progress

report.report.

• All youth have a right to disagree with information in file and All youth have a right to disagree with information in file and can add a formalized statement to this effect to the file.can add a formalized statement to this effect to the file.

All youth have the right to social contacts (Sixth Amendment).All youth have the right to social contacts (Sixth Amendment).• A. All youth have the right to communicate with others - A. All youth have the right to communicate with others -

parent or guardians, social agencies, probation officers, parent or guardians, social agencies, probation officers, lawyers.lawyers.– We cannot:We cannot:

• Restrict him from telephoning or writing to any of the above.Restrict him from telephoning or writing to any of the above.• Seclude him in his room alone.Seclude him in his room alone.• Say he cannot talk to anyone for long periods of time.Say he cannot talk to anyone for long periods of time.

– We can:We can:• Monitor when he communicates. with the above.Monitor when he communicates. with the above.• Have him remain in one part of the house (dining room table) Have him remain in one part of the house (dining room table)

where he is likely to come into contact with others.where he is likely to come into contact with others.• Monitor the conditions under which he communicates with others Monitor the conditions under which he communicates with others

(e.g., only when you are also present, "Please tall: to me in 10 (e.g., only when you are also present, "Please tall: to me in 10 minutes after you calm down.")minutes after you calm down.")

• Use phone contacts with peers as a privilege.Use phone contacts with peers as a privilege.

• All youth have the right to interact with other peopleAll youth have the right to interact with other people– We cannot:We cannot:

• Restrict a youth from talking to others.Restrict a youth from talking to others.• Restrict other youth from talking to an individual.Restrict other youth from talking to an individual.• Restrict youth from interaction with members of the opposite sex. Restrict youth from interaction with members of the opposite sex. • We can supervise and monitor how and when a youth interacts (e.g., "When you We can supervise and monitor how and when a youth interacts (e.g., "When you

stop arguing, you can play Football.")stop arguing, you can play Football.")• Monitor specific interactions between youth (e.g., "Wall, away when Johnny Monitor specific interactions between youth (e.g., "Wall, away when Johnny

makes threats.")makes threats.")

• Insure that youth have reasonable and regular opportunities for access Insure that youth have reasonable and regular opportunities for access to mass communication and information (radio, TV, reading materials).to mass communication and information (radio, TV, reading materials).– We We cannot:cannot:

• Fail to deliver mail or phone calls.Fail to deliver mail or phone calls.• Make all TV viewing contingent upon behavior.Make all TV viewing contingent upon behavior.

– We can:We can:• Monitor TV viewing.Monitor TV viewing.• Monitor reading materialsMonitor reading materials

All youth have the right to privacy.All youth have the right to privacy.• All youth have the right to time to be alone.All youth have the right to time to be alone.

– We cannot:We cannot:• Restrict all free time.Restrict all free time.

• Observe a youth at all times unless he is dangerous Observe a youth at all times unless he is dangerous to himself or others.to himself or others.

• Have Have routineroutine searches of belongings, person or room searches of belongings, person or room without probable cause.without probable cause.

– We can:We can:• Monitor when free time can occur (e.g., "You can go Monitor when free time can occur (e.g., "You can go

to your room when homework is completed.")to your room when homework is completed.")

• Search a youth or his room when his health and Search a youth or his room when his health and welfare or that of others is at issue (e.g., drugs or welfare or that of others is at issue (e.g., drugs or knives.)knives.)

• All youth have the right to respect of body and person - no All youth have the right to respect of body and person - no physical abuse or humiliation.physical abuse or humiliation.– We cannot:We cannot:

• Spank, hit, push or grab any youth - no closed hand contact.Spank, hit, push or grab any youth - no closed hand contact.• Restrain a youth except when his actions are dangerous to himself or Restrain a youth except when his actions are dangerous to himself or

others.others.• Promote the use of labels, such as "queer", "liar", "thief", as a consequence Promote the use of labels, such as "queer", "liar", "thief", as a consequence

of an act.of an act.• Post signs on a youth or his possession, such as "i am a thief."Post signs on a youth or his possession, such as "i am a thief."

– We can:We can:• Restrain a youth when he is behaving in a manner dangerous to himself or Restrain a youth when he is behaving in a manner dangerous to himself or

others or actual extensive property damage.others or actual extensive property damage.• Discuss and determine consequences for the behavior of an individual at Discuss and determine consequences for the behavior of an individual at

family meeting.family meeting.• Include other youths in the treatment program for an individual (e.g., report Include other youths in the treatment program for an individual (e.g., report

problem behaviors to staff).problem behaviors to staff).

• All youth have the right to the lest restrictive alternatives.All youth have the right to the lest restrictive alternatives.• All youth have the right to have all of his privileges most of the All youth have the right to have all of his privileges most of the

time.time.

– We cannot:We cannot:• Place a youth on lengthy restrictions with no resource to earning any Place a youth on lengthy restrictions with no resource to earning any

privilege - (positive correction). privilege - (positive correction). • Sub - can earn privileges.Sub - can earn privileges.

– We can:We can:• Monitor which privileges are available and when they can be enjoyed. We Monitor which privileges are available and when they can be enjoyed. We

suggest any total restriction above 4 days be checked with your suggest any total restriction above 4 days be checked with your consultant/program director.consultant/program director.

• All youth have the right to leave a program to return home – UM is voluntary All youth have the right to leave a program to return home – UM is voluntary placement.placement.– 1.We cannot:1.We cannot:

• Physically restrain a youth from leaving the home.Physically restrain a youth from leaving the home.• Deny the youth's wishes to leave the program if he has options.Deny the youth's wishes to leave the program if he has options.

– 2.We can.2.We can.• Encourage a youth to stay.Encourage a youth to stay.• Monitor both the time and the means by which he leaves (e.g., we will Monitor both the time and the means by which he leaves (e.g., we will

contact parents and caseworkers and try to arrange a staffing for next contact parents and caseworkers and try to arrange a staffing for next week)week)

• Contact local police and caseworker to notify then, of youth leaving the Contact local police and caseworker to notify then, of youth leaving the program/home without permission.program/home without permission.

VII. All youth have the right to be free from VII. All youth have the right to be free from "involuntary servitude" (13th Amendment)"involuntary servitude" (13th Amendment)

• All youth have the right to not be given All youth have the right to not be given meaningless work – like digging a hole and meaningless work – like digging a hole and filling it back up, writing "I must not steal", filling it back up, writing "I must not steal", 500 times, etc.500 times, etc.– We cannot:We cannot:

• Restrict the use of tools normally appropriate for a job Restrict the use of tools normally appropriate for a job (e.g., clean the floor with the toothbrush instead of a (e.g., clean the floor with the toothbrush instead of a mop).mop).

– We can:We can:• Monitor, the appropriate use of tools and appliances (e.g., Monitor, the appropriate use of tools and appliances (e.g.,

"Since no one is rinsing dishes before putting them in the "Since no one is rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, we'll do them by hand.")dishwasher, we'll do them by hand.")

Ethics Standards TestEthics Standards TestAnswer ETHICAL by the question if you feel the situation was Answer ETHICAL by the question if you feel the situation was

handled ethically, and a UNETHICAL if it was handled handled ethically, and a UNETHICAL if it was handled unethically.unethically.

1.1. To aid in building a relationship with a black youth, a Family To aid in building a relationship with a black youth, a Family Teacher frequently jokes about blacks to relate to the youth.Teacher frequently jokes about blacks to relate to the youth.

2.2. The Family Teachers let their youth make a different ethnic The Family Teachers let their youth make a different ethnic meal each week.meal each week.

3.3. The Family Teachers routinely put all new youth that come to The Family Teachers routinely put all new youth that come to their home on a token economy.their home on a token economy.

4.4. A youth repeatedly turned up his radio full blast, and the A youth repeatedly turned up his radio full blast, and the Family Teachers took it and kept it in their office to help the Family Teachers took it and kept it in their office to help the youth learn.youth learn.

5.5. The Family Teachers required each youth to wash his/her own The Family Teachers required each youth to wash his/her own sheets.sheets.

6.6. To protect the youths' personal property from getting stolen, To protect the youths' personal property from getting stolen, the Family Teachers locked the clothes, etc. in individual youth the Family Teachers locked the clothes, etc. in individual youth lockers and kept the keys.lockers and kept the keys.

7.7. The Family Teachers required each youth to go to school every The Family Teachers required each youth to go to school every school day.school day.

8.8. The Family Teachers occasionally involve other youth in the home in The Family Teachers occasionally involve other youth in the home in the individual treatment plans of a specific child, as part of the self-the individual treatment plans of a specific child, as part of the self-government system.government system.

9.9. The Family Teachers frequently invited the school teachers of their The Family Teachers frequently invited the school teachers of their youth for dinner.youth for dinner.

10.10. A Family Teacher may occasionally restrict a youth from talking to A Family Teacher may occasionally restrict a youth from talking to another youth unless the Family Teacher was also present.another youth unless the Family Teacher was also present.

11.11. A youth who threatened to run away was physically restrained by a A youth who threatened to run away was physically restrained by a Family Teacher holding her.Family Teacher holding her.

12.12. A youth who was breaking furniture in the home was physically A youth who was breaking furniture in the home was physically restrained by the Family Teachers.restrained by the Family Teachers.

13.13. As a consequence, the youth in a home were required to scrub down As a consequence, the youth in a home were required to scrub down the bathrooms with tooth brushes.the bathrooms with tooth brushes.

14.14.A youth who skipped school and missed lunch returns home, and the A youth who skipped school and missed lunch returns home, and the Family Teachers refuse to let her have lunch since she had an Family Teachers refuse to let her have lunch since she had an opportunity to get one. opportunity to get one.

15.15. A youth who came home late from football practice gets a sandwich and salad A youth who came home late from football practice gets a sandwich and salad for dinner since the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans were all for dinner since the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans were all gone from dinner.gone from dinner.

16.16. A youth who threatened to run away was locked in his room.A youth who threatened to run away was locked in his room.17.17. A youth who consistently disrupts dinner is required to eat later than the rest of A youth who consistently disrupts dinner is required to eat later than the rest of

the youths.the youths.18.18. A youth disagrees with certain information in his file and writes a formalized A youth disagrees with certain information in his file and writes a formalized

statement to this effect. The Family Teachers puts this statement in his file.statement to this effect. The Family Teachers puts this statement in his file.19.19. A youth who threatened to run away was stopped because the Family Teachers A youth who threatened to run away was stopped because the Family Teachers

kept all her shoes.kept all her shoes.20.20. A Family Teacher required a youth to pay for long distance tele phone calls to his A Family Teacher required a youth to pay for long distance tele phone calls to his

mother, due to the excessive expense.mother, due to the excessive expense.21.21. A youth is restricted to the dining room table because of inap propriate behavior.A youth is restricted to the dining room table because of inap propriate behavior.22.22. The Family Teachers routinely searched youth when they returned from home The Family Teachers routinely searched youth when they returned from home

visit.visit.23.23. To help a youth who had returned after running away, the Family Teachers To help a youth who had returned after running away, the Family Teachers

restricted him from all privileges. restricted him from all privileges. 24.24. A Family Teacher is concerned about a youth he had previously worked with, and A Family Teacher is concerned about a youth he had previously worked with, and

asks the new Family Teacher how the youth is doing - the new Family Teacher asks the new Family Teacher how the youth is doing - the new Family Teacher explains in detail that the youth is doing well, but did have some problems with explains in detail that the youth is doing well, but did have some problems with drugs.drugs.

TRUE OR FALSETRUE OR FALSE25.25. Juveniles are afforded the same rights by the Bill of Rights of the U. S. Juveniles are afforded the same rights by the Bill of Rights of the U. S.

Constitution as adults.Constitution as adults.26.26. All children have the right to be loved and nurtured.All children have the right to be loved and nurtured.27.27. All research findings should discuss the limitations of the data and an All research findings should discuss the limitations of the data and an

alternative hypothesis.alternative hypothesis.28.28. All research projects must be approved by the Program Director.All research projects must be approved by the Program Director.29.29. Before a youth or Family Teacher can be video taped for evaluation Before a youth or Family Teacher can be video taped for evaluation

purposes, they must sign an informed consent form.purposes, they must sign an informed consent form.30.30. If a youth signs an informed consent agreeing to participate in a special If a youth signs an informed consent agreeing to participate in a special

research project, he must complete the research.research project, he must complete the research.31.31. To insure that an individual youth receives consistent treatment in the To insure that an individual youth receives consistent treatment in the

home and in school, all treatment and background information must be home and in school, all treatment and background information must be shared with his school teacher.shared with his school teacher.

32.32. If a youth does not have the capacity to understand informed consent, If a youth does not have the capacity to understand informed consent, consent must also be obtained from her parents or legal guardian.consent must also be obtained from her parents or legal guardian.

33.33. A youth has the right to consult with others before signing any informed A youth has the right to consult with others before signing any informed consent.consent.

34.34.If a Family Teacher suspects someone of abusing children, he/she is If a Family Teacher suspects someone of abusing children, he/she is legally responsible to report it to the proper authorities.legally responsible to report it to the proper authorities.

35.35.A youth's rights can be earned or lost according to his/her be havior.A youth's rights can be earned or lost according to his/her be havior.36.36.Natural parents have the right to spank their own children.Natural parents have the right to spank their own children.37.37.If a youth is completely disrupting other youths' dinner, he/she can be If a youth is completely disrupting other youths' dinner, he/she can be

sent to bed without dinner by a Family Teacher.sent to bed without dinner by a Family Teacher.38.38.A Family Teacher can prohibit a youth from taking a nap during group A Family Teacher can prohibit a youth from taking a nap during group

activity.activity.39.39.A Family Teacher can monitor what a youth wears, i.e., no jeans to A Family Teacher can monitor what a youth wears, i.e., no jeans to

church.church.40.40.A youth has the right to call her parents whenever she wants.A youth has the right to call her parents whenever she wants.41.41.All consent forms must be dated and time limited.All consent forms must be dated and time limited.42.42.It is contrary to youth rights and discriminatory-to require different bed It is contrary to youth rights and discriminatory-to require different bed

times for different ages of children.times for different ages of children.43.43.It is mandatory to release confidential information if there is clear and It is mandatory to release confidential information if there is clear and

imminent danger to others.imminent danger to others.44.44.If a person is suspected of abusing children he/she may be fired and/or If a person is suspected of abusing children he/she may be fired and/or

prosecuted.prosecuted.

Resource MaterialResource Material

Code of EthicsCode of Ethics

We will protect children in our care from abuse or maltreatment,We will protect children in our care from abuse or maltreatment,experimentation, economic exploitation, malnutrition and unsafe environments;experimentation, economic exploitation, malnutrition and unsafe environments;

and shall bring to account adults who thwart that purpose.and shall bring to account adults who thwart that purpose.We will utilize fully our professional skills in striving to obtain for each childWe will utilize fully our professional skills in striving to obtain for each child

the permanence of a family life.the permanence of a family life.We will obtain or provide for children who are physically or mentally illWe will obtain or provide for children who are physically or mentally ill

the best therapeutic care available to us.the best therapeutic care available to us.We will provide every We will provide every opportunity opportunity for children to learnfor children to learn

and to develop whatever talents they may possess.and to develop whatever talents they may possess.We will accord children in our care full respect as individuals,We will accord children in our care full respect as individuals,

the full rights guaranteed all citizens of the United States, while teaching themthe full rights guaranteed all citizens of the United States, while teaching themto respect the rights of others.to respect the rights of others.

We will respect the uniqueness of each child's race, culture and religionWe will respect the uniqueness of each child's race, culture and religionwhile attempting to instill a sense of self-worth, individuality,while attempting to instill a sense of self-worth, individuality,and the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship.and the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship.

We will nurture in each child the spiritual ethics appropriate to theirWe will nurture in each child the spiritual ethics appropriate to theirbackground and religious heritage.background and religious heritage.

We will serve only those children for whom our service is appropriateWe will serve only those children for whom our service is appropriateand will plan carefully and realistically with, and for, each child and,and will plan carefully and realistically with, and for, each child and,

when available, with the mily of the child.when available, with the mily of the child.We will strive to enhance the talents, techniques and compassionWe will strive to enhance the talents, techniques and compassion

of adults in our employ.of adults in our employ.We will use our knowledge and influence, as advocates for children,We will use our knowledge and influence, as advocates for children,to improve social conditions and develop resources beneficial to childrento improve social conditions and develop resources beneficial to children

and to the strengthening of American family life.and to the strengthening of American family life.We will review constantly our services for relevance and effectivenessWe will review constantly our services for relevance and effectiveness

and shall strive to provide society and the community with child care servicesand shall strive to provide society and the community with child care servicesappropriate to their needs.appropriate to their needs.

We will represent our services, fiscal affairs and intentions honestly and openly. We will represent our services, fiscal affairs and intentions honestly and openly.

Standards of Ethical Standards of Ethical Conduct of theConduct of the

National Teaching-Family National Teaching-Family AssociationAssociation

• TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS– Background Background – Preamble Preamble

• SECTION I: STANDARDSSECTION I: STANDARDS– Part 1: Basic Standards of Professional ConductPart 1: Basic Standards of Professional Conduct– Part 2: Treatment Standards Part 2: Treatment Standards – Part 3: Research Standards Part 3: Research Standards – Part 4: Standards Concerning the Training and Evaluation of Part 4: Standards Concerning the Training and Evaluation of

Treatment Providers Treatment Providers – Part 5: Standards Concerning Informed Consent Part 5: Standards Concerning Informed Consent – Part 6: Standards Concerning Confidentiality Part 6: Standards Concerning Confidentiality

• SECTION II: ETHICS COMMITTEE FUNCTIONSSECTION II: ETHICS COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS– Part A: Committee Responsibilities Part A: Committee Responsibilities – Part 8: Statement of Purpose and Scope Part 8: Statement of Purpose and Scope – Part C: Committee Review Procedures Part C: Committee Review Procedures – Part D: Committee Records Part D: Committee Records ::

STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT OF THE NATIONAL TEACHING-FAMILY STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT OF THE NATIONAL TEACHING-FAMILY ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION

The preparation of these standards was undertaken by the chairperson of the The preparation of these standards was undertaken by the chairperson of the Association's first Ethics Committee, Dr. Curtis J. Braukmann, and was Association's first Ethics Committee, Dr. Curtis J. Braukmann, and was based upon several sources. These sources include: the informal principles based upon several sources. These sources include: the informal principles of conduct that guided, and emerged from, the early development of the of conduct that guided, and emerged from, the early development of the Teaching-Family approach; the group deliberations of the representatives Teaching-Family approach; the group deliberations of the representatives of the Teaching-Family training sites who formed NaTFA; and the review of of the Teaching-Family training sites who formed NaTFA; and the review of ethical behavior and guidelines published by various professional ethical behavior and guidelines published by various professional organizations.organizations.

To obtain further information concerning these standards or to suggest To obtain further information concerning these standards or to suggest modifications, contact the present chairperson of the NaTFA Ethics modifications, contact the present chairperson of the NaTFA Ethics Committee.Committee.

Ed Watson 1987Ed Watson 1987Ted Blevins 1986Ted Blevins 1986David Smart 1985David Smart 1985

Paul Gilford 1983, 1984Paul Gilford 1983, 1984Neil Galoway 1982Neil Galoway 1982

Dean Fixsen 1980. 1981Dean Fixsen 1980. 1981Curtis Braukmann 1978, 1979Curtis Braukmann 1978, 1979

meeting to CCR for approval. t2. Ethics Committee — Ed Theissmeeting to CCR for approval. t2. Ethics Committee — Ed TheissMSC to change paragraph #224 (Item 4) about medications in the MSC to change paragraph #224 (Item 4) about medications in the

Standards of Ethical Conduct: "Members recognize the diverse needs Standards of Ethical Conduct: "Members recognize the diverse needs of residents in their care. Administering medications for the purpose of residents in their care. Administering medications for the purpose of controlling behaviors or for the convenience of staff are not of controlling behaviors or for the convenience of staff are not condoned. When indicated by case assessment that such condoned. When indicated by case assessment that such pharmaceuticals are necessary and in the best interest of the client. pharmaceuticals are necessary and in the best interest of the client. members will advocate for minimal dosages that are consistently members will advocate for minimal dosages that are consistently monitored. (Discussion: Drugs are never used for behavior control, monitored. (Discussion: Drugs are never used for behavior control, restraint, or punishment. Medications will only be used when autho restraint, or punishment. Medications will only be used when autho rized by a licensed physician and adminis tered strictly to prescription rized by a licensed physician and adminis tered strictly to prescription instructions. Medications will be maintained under lock and key and instructions. Medications will be maintained under lock and key and logged to document frequency and dosage of use."logged to document frequency and dosage of use."

MSC to add five questions to the triennial site application to review the MSC to add five questions to the triennial site application to review the ethical prac tices of the sponsor site.ethical prac tices of the sponsor site.

MSC that the Ethics Committee will revise the Policy and Procedure MSC that the Ethics Committee will revise the Policy and Procedure 3000: Ethics Committee to prepare for the Mid-Year meet ing.3000: Ethics Committee to prepare for the Mid-Year meet ing.

MSC to accept the Ethics Committee Report.MSC to accept the Ethics Committee Report.

Background for standards of Background for standards of Ethical Conduct of the Ethical Conduct of the

National teaching-Family National teaching-Family AssociationAssociation

Standards of Ethical Conduct of the National Teaching-Family Association have been set forth in Standards of Ethical Conduct of the National Teaching-Family Association have been set forth in this document to aid members in the individual and collective maintenance of high this document to aid members in the individual and collective maintenance of high standards of ethical conduct. These standards are applicable to the activities of all standards of ethical conduct. These standards are applicable to the activities of all members, and pertain to activities in such realms as (1) treatment, (2) training of treat ment members, and pertain to activities in such realms as (1) treatment, (2) training of treat ment providers, (3) research and (4) administration of research and training projects. Adherence providers, (3) research and (4) administration of research and training projects. Adherence to the standards is a membership requirement. We ask each prospective member to sign an to the standards is a membership requirement. We ask each prospective member to sign an affirmation of the Standards before joining the Association (this affirmation is part of the affirmation of the Standards before joining the Association (this affirmation is part of the application form). This formalizes each member's commitment to advanc ing the highest application form). This formalizes each member's commitment to advanc ing the highest standards of professional practice.standards of professional practice.

In abiding by the Standards, the member views his obligations in as wide a context as the In abiding by the Standards, the member views his obligations in as wide a context as the situation re quires. The decisions required by these standards must depend upon common situation re quires. The decisions required by these standards must depend upon common sense and sound pro fessional judgment. In situations in which there is a possibility that an sense and sound pro fessional judgment. In situations in which there is a possibility that an activity may be in conflict with the standards or in which two or more principles appear to activity may be in conflict with the standards or in which two or more principles appear to dictate incompatible courses of action in a given situation, the individual is responsible for dictate incompatible courses of action in a given situation, the individual is responsible for weighing all the information available. considering alternatives and choosing an weighing all the information available. considering alternatives and choosing an appropriate. balanced course of action that is compatible with the welfare of the client and appropriate. balanced course of action that is compatible with the welfare of the client and of society at large, and that is consistent with the Standard's spirit and intent. In situations of society at large, and that is consistent with the Standard's spirit and intent. In situations involving minimal risks and demands on clients, members might seek ethical advice from involving minimal risks and demands on clients, members might seek ethical advice from colleagues and other appropriate advisors. In in stances in which intended or actual practice colleagues and other appropriate advisors. In in stances in which intended or actual practice is sig nificantly incompatible with the standards, or in any other is sig nificantly incompatible with the standards, or in any other way way presents a serious presents a serious ethical delimma, the Ethics Committee of the Sponsor Site or of the National Association ethical delimma, the Ethics Committee of the Sponsor Site or of the National Association should be contacted. For example, if a member is aware of foreseeable situa tions, or of should be contacted. For example, if a member is aware of foreseeable situa tions, or of proposed or actual policies or procedures, that are likely to pose unavoidable confilets proposed or actual policies or procedures, that are likely to pose unavoidable confilets among these various standards. then the member(s) involved are responsible for describing among these various standards. then the member(s) involved are responsible for describing such situations, policies, orsuch situations, policies, or procedures procedures to the National Ethics Committee for consideration to the National Ethics Committee for consideration and review.and review.

• When a member violates these ethical standards or otherwise When a member violates these ethical standards or otherwise engages engages in any in any illegal, corrupt, or un ethical behavior which would affect a client or the integrity of illegal, corrupt, or un ethical behavior which would affect a client or the integrity of the Association, then other members directly the Association, then other members directly aware aware of such activities should make of such activities should make reasonable, informal attempts to correct the situa tion. That failing, the conduct reasonable, informal attempts to correct the situa tion. That failing, the conduct should be brought to the attention of the Ethics Committee of the local Sponsor Site should be brought to the attention of the Ethics Committee of the local Sponsor Site or of the Association.or of the Association.

• The standards are divided into six parts: Part 1, Basic Standards of Professional The standards are divided into six parts: Part 1, Basic Standards of Professional Conduct; Part 2. Treatment Standards; Part 3. Research Standards: Part Conduct; Part 2. Treatment Standards; Part 3. Research Standards: Part 4. 4. Standards Concerning the Training and Evaluation of Treatment Providers; Part 5. Standards Concerning the Training and Evaluation of Treatment Providers; Part 5. Standards Concerning Informed Consent: and Part 6. Standards Concerning Standards Concerning Informed Consent: and Part 6. Standards Concerning Confidentiality. Within several of these Parts are standards calling for review of Confidentiality. Within several of these Parts are standards calling for review of procedures and programs by ap propriate local standing or ad hoc committees procedures and programs by ap propriate local standing or ad hoc committees (boards) concerned with participant rights and with ethics. In this regard, each (boards) concerned with participant rights and with ethics. In this regard, each Sponsor Site will submit to the Ethics Committee information concerning which Sponsor Site will submit to the Ethics Committee information concerning which board(s) will review procedures (e.g., an In stitutional Review Board for reviewing board(s) will review procedures (e.g., an In stitutional Review Board for reviewing research sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services). If a research sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services). If a member is in doubt as to what con stitutes the appropriate review committee, the member is in doubt as to what con stitutes the appropriate review committee, the member should contact the directors of the local Sponsor Site or the Association's member should contact the directors of the local Sponsor Site or the Association's National Ethics Committee.National Ethics Committee.

• These standards should be evaluated and, as necessary, revised in light of future These standards should be evaluated and, as necessary, revised in light of future experience. re search data, ethical arguments, and legislative and judicial actions. experience. re search data, ethical arguments, and legislative and judicial actions. Such revisions should remain con sistent with the Standards' original spirit and Such revisions should remain con sistent with the Standards' original spirit and intent.intent.

Standards of ethical conduct Standards of ethical conduct of the national teaching-of the national teaching-

family associationfamily association

PreamblePreamble• Members Members of the of the National Teaching-Family National Teaching-Family

Association Association respect respect the the dignity, dignity, individuality, and worth individuality, and worth of each of each person person and value and value the the preservation and pro tection preservation and pro tection of fundamental human of fundamental human rights. rights. They are They are dedicated to promoting, dedicated to promoting, with with out out discrimination, discrimination, the the well-being and well-being and best best interests interests of of the consumers the consumers of their of their services, colleagues. and services, colleagues. and society in society in general. They are general. They are committed committed to to providing providing professional service characterized by professional service characterized by competence, compassion, competence, compassion, and integrity.and integrity.

Section I: StandardsSection I: Standards• Part 1. Basic Standards of Professional ConductPart 1. Basic Standards of Professional Conduct• In professional activities, members respect and protect (and avoid any action that will violate. diminish, or In professional activities, members respect and protect (and avoid any action that will violate. diminish, or

otherwise infringe upon) the legal and civil rights of others.otherwise infringe upon) the legal and civil rights of others.• Members accord informed choice, confident iality, due process, and protection from physical and mental Members accord informed choice, confident iality, due process, and protection from physical and mental

harm to their clients, con sumers, colleagues, supervisees, employees, trainees, and research participants.harm to their clients, con sumers, colleagues, supervisees, employees, trainees, and research participants.• Members refuse to participate in, condone, or be party to practices or policy which result in illegal or Members refuse to participate in, condone, or be party to practices or policy which result in illegal or

otherwise unjustifiable discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, otherwise unjustifiable discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, physical handicap, political affiliation, or socio-economic status.physical handicap, political affiliation, or socio-economic status.

• Members have a clear responsibility to remain informed on relevant legal and ethical issues and criteria: Members have a clear responsibility to remain informed on relevant legal and ethical issues and criteria: relevant federal, state, local and agency regulations: and relevant professional standards of practice. relevant federal, state, local and agency regulations: and relevant professional standards of practice. (Discussion: There would, of course, be no duty to anticipate un foreseeable developments in regard to (Discussion: There would, of course, be no duty to anticipate un foreseeable developments in regard to such regulations and standards.)such regulations and standards.)

• Members duly exercise that reasonable degree of requisite skill, knowledge, and care ordinarily possessed Members duly exercise that reasonable degree of requisite skill, knowledge, and care ordinarily possessed and exercised by mem bers under similar circumstances.and exercised by mem bers under similar circumstances.

• Members take steps to keep abreast of current practices and values, and seek consultation. continuing Members take steps to keep abreast of current practices and values, and seek consultation. continuing training, and performance evalu ation whenever professional activity is en hanced thereby.training, and performance evalu ation whenever professional activity is en hanced thereby.

• Members take reasonable precautions against situations where personal interests, personal problems, Members take reasonable precautions against situations where personal interests, personal problems, external pressures, or conflicts of interest interfere with free and objective exer cise of professional external pressures, or conflicts of interest interfere with free and objective exer cise of professional judgment, skills, and re sponsibilities. (Discussion: In this regard. if members are providing services on a judgment, skills, and re sponsibilities. (Discussion: In this regard. if members are providing services on a for-profit basis, members must inform all relevant con sumers of the for-profit nature of the services, for-profit basis, members must inform all relevant con sumers of the for-profit nature of the services, before they participate in the services. Due care must be taken to ensure that profit making activities or before they participate in the services. Due care must be taken to ensure that profit making activities or interests in no way detract from the quality of services provided. There should be no undue. excessive, or interests in no way detract from the quality of services provided. There should be no undue. excessive, or otherwise inappropriate profit-making. as judged by ac cepted practice and local community standards.)otherwise inappropriate profit-making. as judged by ac cepted practice and local community standards.)

• Members attempt to preserve requisite con ditions for development and maintenance of sound Members attempt to preserve requisite con ditions for development and maintenance of sound relationships with consumers of their Services; they treat consumers with courtesy, consideration, and relationships with consumers of their Services; they treat consumers with courtesy, consideration, and respect: they are honest. open, and responsive to consumers; and at tempt to terminate a relationship respect: they are honest. open, and responsive to consumers; and at tempt to terminate a relationship when it is reasonably clear a consumer is not benefiting from it.when it is reasonably clear a consumer is not benefiting from it.

• In collaborative or supervisory relationships. members take the necessary time to provide In collaborative or supervisory relationships. members take the necessary time to provide reasonable and timely feedback and to insure able, careful, ethical, and otherwise ap propriate reasonable and timely feedback and to insure able, careful, ethical, and otherwise ap propriate conduct of professional responsibilities.conduct of professional responsibilities.

• In educational relationships, members attempt to be full and objective in their instruction. to In educational relationships, members attempt to be full and objective in their instruction. to provide consultation and practical experience where appropriate, and to teach others to take provide consultation and practical experience where appropriate, and to teach others to take into account ethical issues and different-s among individuals in carrying out their profes sional into account ethical issues and different-s among individuals in carrying out their profes sional activities.activities.

• Members present information to consumers. colleagues, and society in a full, fair, and ac curate Members present information to consumers. colleagues, and society in a full, fair, and ac curate manner to thus aid others in forming their own judgments, opinions. and choicesmanner to thus aid others in forming their own judgments, opinions. and choices

• Members accurately represent their skills. education, and experience. and correct any Members accurately represent their skills. education, and experience. and correct any misrepresentation of any member's profes sional qualifications or associations.misrepresentation of any member's profes sional qualifications or associations.

• Members do not misrepresent themselves or the Association through unsupported claims. of Members do not misrepresent themselves or the Association through unsupported claims. of superiority, nor do they display any membership or association in a manner that falsely implies superiority, nor do they display any membership or association in a manner that falsely implies sponsorship or qualifica tions. (Discussion: Members only use the words "Teaching-Family" in sponsorship or qualifica tions. (Discussion: Members only use the words "Teaching-Family" in labeling their programs if those programs are formally associated with NaTFA. Thus if a site labeling their programs if those programs are formally associated with NaTFA. Thus if a site [developing or sponsor] loses its formal association with NaTFA it should not con tinue to use the [developing or sponsor] loses its formal association with NaTFA it should not con tinue to use the term "Teaching-Family" in labeling their programs. Also, if a site is associated with some homes term "Teaching-Family" in labeling their programs. Also, if a site is associated with some homes that are con sidered as part of that site for NaTFA pur poses and with some homes that are not so that are con sidered as part of that site for NaTFA pur poses and with some homes that are not so considered, then the latter programs should not be called "Teaching-Family" programs. Members considered, then the latter programs should not be called "Teaching-Family" programs. Members not only follow this guideline. but encourage [and educate] others, including non-members, to do not only follow this guideline. but encourage [and educate] others, including non-members, to do so as well. Non-members as well as members are seen as responsible in this regard, because it so as well. Non-members as well as members are seen as responsible in this regard, because it is generally ac cepted that it is unethical to claim, or to seem to claim, affiliations or is generally ac cepted that it is unethical to claim, or to seem to claim, affiliations or endorsements that do not exist.)endorsements that do not exist.)

• Members seek to support the viability, rights. and reputation of professional organizations in Members seek to support the viability, rights. and reputation of professional organizations in which they are employees or members and first seek necessary change in such organizations which they are employees or members and first seek necessary change in such organizations through constructive action within the organizations through constructive action within the organizations

• In professional presentations of their work, members give appropriate credit (e.g.. joint In professional presentations of their work, members give appropriate credit (e.g.. joint authorship, acknowledgement, footnote state ments, or other appropriate means) to those authorship, acknowledgement, footnote state ments, or other appropriate means) to those who have substantially contributed to the work. (Discussion: See, for example, the who have substantially contributed to the work. (Discussion: See, for example, the PublePublecation cation Manual of the American Psychological Manual of the American Psychological Assdcrahon.) ,Assdcrahon.) ,

• 116. Members respect the responsibilities and areas of concern of other members and 116. Members respect the responsibilities and areas of concern of other members and work cooperatively with them to meet objectives of the Association. (Discussion: Members work cooperatively with them to meet objectives of the Association. (Discussion: Members avoid personnel recruitment practices that may have adverse effects on treatment par avoid personnel recruitment practices that may have adverse effects on treatment par ticipants, and members promote timely educational discussions among the parties ticipants, and members promote timely educational discussions among the parties directly involved concerning ethical recruit ment practices and specific recruitment and directly involved concerning ethical recruit ment practices and specific recruitment and transition plans during all recruitment endeavors. For example, members encour• age transition plans during all recruitment endeavors. For example, members encour• age direct care personnel that they are hiring to give sufficient [e.g., three months) notice so direct care personnel that they are hiring to give sufficient [e.g., three months) notice so as to disrupt on-going treatment as little as possible.)as to disrupt on-going treatment as little as possible.)

• Part 2. Treatment StandardsPart 2. Treatment Standards• Members provide adequate, proper, humane, individualized treatment that is planned. re Members provide adequate, proper, humane, individualized treatment that is planned. re

spectful of personal integrity, sensitive to cultural differences, the least restrictive spectful of personal integrity, sensitive to cultural differences, the least restrictive necessary, in line with prevailing community standards, and designed to foster individual necessary, in line with prevailing community standards, and designed to foster individual competencies.competencies.

• Members attempt to provide a treatment living environment that is as natural, Members attempt to provide a treatment living environment that is as natural, normalized, and family-style as possible and encourage the building of close family normalized, and family-style as possible and encourage the building of close family relationships characterized by concern, respect, fun, trust, understanding, honesty, relationships characterized by concern, respect, fun, trust, understanding, honesty, sympathy, and affection.sympathy, and affection.

• Members work to insure treatment participants the same rights as any other U.S. citizen. Members work to insure treatment participants the same rights as any other U.S. citizen. In this regard, members insure participants as much freedom of movement, normality, In this regard, members insure participants as much freedom of movement, normality, inde pendence of choice, and personal life re sponsibility as possible without endangering inde pendence of choice, and personal life re sponsibility as possible without endangering the health and welfare of the participant or others.the health and welfare of the participant or others.

• Members provide participants with direction, assistance, and support to help them acquire the Members provide participants with direction, assistance, and support to help them acquire the intellectual and emotional skills necessary to achieve individual aspirations and to cope intellectual and emotional skills necessary to achieve individual aspirations and to cope effectively in our society. In this regard, members provide information, counseling, and day-to-effectively in our society. In this regard, members provide information, counseling, and day-to-day skill development in social, self help, independent living, recreational, and day skill development in social, self help, independent living, recreational, and vocational/academic skills. Further, members conduct themselves in a manner which pro vides vocational/academic skills. Further, members conduct themselves in a manner which pro vides appropriate models for the participants according to community norms.appropriate models for the participants according to community norms.

• In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Informed Consent, members obtain In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Informed Consent, members obtain consent from participants and, where appropriate, parents or guardians for participation in the consent from participants and, where appropriate, parents or guardians for participation in the treatment program. (Discussion: The Association's general con sent standards as well as those treatment program. (Discussion: The Association's general con sent standards as well as those specific to treatment are contained in Part 5 of these Standards.)specific to treatment are contained in Part 5 of these Standards.)

• Members insure the participant's right to a wholesome, safe, clean, pleasant, and digni fying Members insure the participant's right to a wholesome, safe, clean, pleasant, and digni fying treatment environment. In this regard they provide (and do not restrict or make con tingent) treatment environment. In this regard they provide (and do not restrict or make con tingent) regular regular and adequate: sleep; rest: clean bedding; comfortable bed: access to out doors: physical and adequate: sleep; rest: clean bedding; comfortable bed: access to out doors: physical exercise: light: warmth; ventilation: personal supplies: space for personal belongings and exercise: light: warmth; ventilation: personal supplies: space for personal belongings and activities: physical safety; hygiene and sanitation (including access to daily showers or bath, activities: physical safety; hygiene and sanitation (including access to daily showers or bath, regular laundry, hygienic materials, toilet use. and hot water): well-balanced, nutritional, and ap regular laundry, hygienic materials, toilet use. and hot water): well-balanced, nutritional, and ap pealing diet: and normal, accepted dress itemspealing diet: and normal, accepted dress items

• Members insure that each participant has an individualized, mutually agreed upon, written Members insure that each participant has an individualized, mutually agreed upon, written treatment plan that is based on careful assess ment of the participant's strengths and weak treatment plan that is based on careful assess ment of the participant's strengths and weak nesses and that is developed with input from the participant and the participant's parents or nesses and that is developed with input from the participant and the participant's parents or guardians. The plan should be developed early within program participation. should be re viewed guardians. The plan should be developed early within program participation. should be re viewed and revised periodically on the basis of progress and renegotiation, should be kept confidential and revised periodically on the basis of progress and renegotiation, should be kept confidential and privileged, and, as soon as possible, should include plans relative to the participant's post-and privileged, and, as soon as possible, should include plans relative to the participant's post-treatment situation. The plan should specify long-term and short-term goals that: are realistic: treatment situation. The plan should specify long-term and short-term goals that: are realistic: are for the participant's benefit: relate to specific behaviors that are individualized: and reflect are for the participant's benefit: relate to specific behaviors that are individualized: and reflect community norms. The plan should also specify the procedures to be employed to meet each community norms. The plan should also specify the procedures to be employed to meet each objective and the termination criteria. Short-term goals should be consistent with, and facilitative objective and the termination criteria. Short-term goals should be consistent with, and facilitative of. long term goals.of. long term goals.

• Members seek to develop, secure, and main tain appropriate out-of-program and post Members seek to develop, secure, and main tain appropriate out-of-program and post program living environments, and to this end, and where possible and advisable, program living environments, and to this end, and where possible and advisable, work closely and meet regularly with parents or surrogates to inform them of the work closely and meet regularly with parents or surrogates to inform them of the participant's progress, counsel and train them on methods of child rearing, and participant's progress, counsel and train them on methods of child rearing, and implement the parti cipant's reintegration into the natural home or other appropriate implement the parti cipant's reintegration into the natural home or other appropriate community settings.community settings.

• Members accord participants adequate and appropriate educational opportunities in Members accord participants adequate and appropriate educational opportunities in ac cordance with the participant's best interest, state laws, and community norms.ac cordance with the participant's best interest, state laws, and community norms.

• Members meet regularly and remain in close contact with participants' teachers Members meet regularly and remain in close contact with participants' teachers and/or employers and/or referral agencies to facilitate and keep abreast of and/or employers and/or referral agencies to facilitate and keep abreast of participants' progress in school and employment settings. When prob lems arise in participants' progress in school and employment settings. When prob lems arise in these settings, members work cooperatively with appropriate personnel to attempt to these settings, members work cooperatively with appropriate personnel to attempt to solve those problems. Members shall remain in contact with participants' referral solve those problems. Members shall remain in contact with participants' referral agencies.agencies.

• Members represent the participant's best interests and advocate for them in Members represent the participant's best interests and advocate for them in situations involving: decision-making processes outside the group-home that directly situations involving: decision-making processes outside the group-home that directly effect the parti cipant; the removal of the participant from the program; and/or the effect the parti cipant; the removal of the participant from the program; and/or the temporary exercise of control over the participant by another agency. In such temporary exercise of control over the participant by another agency. In such situations, members monitor the procedures, attempt to insure that the participant situations, members monitor the procedures, attempt to insure that the participant and parent or guardian is informed of guaranteed rights (including, where ap and parent or guardian is informed of guaranteed rights (including, where ap propriate, right to counsel and/or an ad vocate), attempt to encourage the least re propriate, right to counsel and/or an ad vocate), attempt to encourage the least re strictive alternative course of action, and at tempt to secure for the participant and strictive alternative course of action, and at tempt to secure for the participant and his or her representative the opportunity to be fully heard.his or her representative the opportunity to be fully heard.

• Members seek for their participants any necessary medical or dental treatment and Members seek for their participants any necessary medical or dental treatment and take steps to insure that such treatment is immediate and of high. quality: take steps to insure that such treatment is immediate and of high. quality: (Discussion: When a reasonable question arises as to whether or not a given behavior (Discussion: When a reasonable question arises as to whether or not a given behavior or condition is a result of a physical problem, members should obtain certification or condition is a result of a physical problem, members should obtain certification from a physician before extended attempts to treat the problem as non-physical.)from a physician before extended attempts to treat the problem as non-physical.)

• Members provide reasonable and regular op portunities for participants to engage in Members provide reasonable and regular op portunities for participants to engage in the following activities and insure that such op portunities are free from restraint, the following activities and insure that such op portunities are free from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, reprisal, or undue in fluence: (i) participation in interference, coercion, discrimination, reprisal, or undue in fluence: (i) participation in decisions that affect disciplinary processes. daily life patterns, and participants' lives, decisions that affect disciplinary processes. daily life patterns, and participants' lives, including decisions con cerning regulations and policies; (ii) ex planations of their own including decisions con cerning regulations and policies; (ii) ex planations of their own actions; (iii) expres sions of dissatisfactions and grievances and (iv) recommendations actions; (iii) expres sions of dissatisfactions and grievances and (iv) recommendations for changes. (Discus sion: Members provide a scheduled opportuni ty for youth for changes. (Discus sion: Members provide a scheduled opportuni ty for youth participation in such activities by employment of family-conference type meetings on participation in such activities by employment of family-conference type meetings on a frequent, regular basis. Sug gested procedures for the conduct of such meetings are a frequent, regular basis. Sug gested procedures for the conduct of such meetings are contained in The contained in The Teaching Family Handbook.)Teaching Family Handbook.)

• Members seek to provide a supportive setting in which participants can learn to Members seek to provide a supportive setting in which participants can learn to accept re sponsibility for their own actions and, where appropriate, those of other accept re sponsibility for their own actions and, where appropriate, those of other participants. This includes the opportunity for participants to participate (under participants. This includes the opportunity for participants to participate (under conditions in which they have volunteered. are specifically trained and adequately and conditions in which they have volunteered. are specifically trained and adequately and closely supervised. have demonstrated humane judgment, and in which their closely supervised. have demonstrated humane judgment, and in which their judgments and actions are subject to careful ongoing review and approval) in the judgments and actions are subject to careful ongoing review and approval) in the determination of fair, reasonable, and justified consequences for fellow participants: determination of fair, reasonable, and justified consequences for fellow participants: the re porting of serious rule violations of other participants, and the supervision of the re porting of serious rule violations of other participants, and the supervision of routine activities of other participants.routine activities of other participants.

• Members insure that participants have reasonable, regular opportunities for com Members insure that participants have reasonable, regular opportunities for com munication with others (e.g., parents. same and opposite-sex peers, counsel, public of munication with others (e.g., parents. same and opposite-sex peers, counsel, public of ficials, agency personnel) through visits, tele phone. the mail, and other means of ficials, agency personnel) through visits, tele phone. the mail, and other means of contact. Furthermore. members insure that participants have reasonable and regular contact. Furthermore. members insure that participants have reasonable and regular opportunities for access to mass communication and informa tion (e.g., radio, opportunities for access to mass communication and informa tion (e.g., radio, television, reading material). (Discussion: Thus, for example, members can not fail to television, reading material). (Discussion: Thus, for example, members can not fail to deliver mail or phone calls nor can they make all television viewing contingent upon deliver mail or phone calls nor can they make all television viewing contingent upon resident behavior. Here. reasonable access to television news and educational resident behavior. Here. reasonable access to television news and educational programs should be routinely available.)programs should be routinely available.)

• While members are aware of the need to pro vide adequate supervision, they respect While members are aware of the need to pro vide adequate supervision, they respect participants' right to privacy and do not without due cause seek access to personal participants' right to privacy and do not without due cause seek access to personal information concerning participants or conduct searches of their person, belongings or information concerning participants or conduct searches of their person, belongings or room. Members do not read participants' mail and do not, with out informed consent, room. Members do not read participants' mail and do not, with out informed consent, permit public display of the participants' pictures or names either in association with permit public display of the participants' pictures or names either in association with the program or in any manner with some likelihood of adverse effects.the program or in any manner with some likelihood of adverse effects.

• Members protect the right of participants to the free exercise of religious, political, or Members protect the right of participants to the free exercise of religious, political, or other philosophical belief, including attendance at services, and do not impose other philosophical belief, including attendance at services, and do not impose religious or political attitudes or prayers. (Discussion: If specific religious behaviors are religious or political attitudes or prayers. (Discussion: If specific religious behaviors are required by the board or funding support of a program. then such a situation needs to required by the board or funding support of a program. then such a situation needs to be clearly specified in the informed consent.)be clearly specified in the informed consent.)

• Members insure that treatment-associated risks (whether physical. psychological, Members insure that treatment-associated risks (whether physical. psychological, socio logical, or other) are outweighed by potential benefits to the participant and that socio logical, or other) are outweighed by potential benefits to the participant and that such bene fits stand in a reasonable relationship to the demands made upon him or such bene fits stand in a reasonable relationship to the demands made upon him or her.her.

• Members protect participants from physical or psychological discomfort, harm, or danger. Members protect participants from physical or psychological discomfort, harm, or danger. Prohibitions include mental cruelty. emotional cruelty and intentional emotional stress Prohibitions include mental cruelty. emotional cruelty and intentional emotional stress (e.g., humiliating, shaming, frightening), hazardous procedures, and physically intrusive (e.g., humiliating, shaming, frightening), hazardous procedures, and physically intrusive pro cedures (e.g., corporal punishment, chemotherapy).pro cedures (e.g., corporal punishment, chemotherapy).

• Members do not employ corporal punishment or other aversive stimulation (whether Members do not employ corporal punishment or other aversive stimulation (whether tactile, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, or visual), but rather employ more humane ways of tactile, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, or visual), but rather employ more humane ways of inter acting and fostering goals of education, train ing. and socialization.inter acting and fostering goals of education, train ing. and socialization.

• Members provide treatment that is the least restrictive necessary and avoid excessive. Members provide treatment that is the least restrictive necessary and avoid excessive. arbitrary, or otherwise undue restrictions on the activities of participants. Those arbitrary, or otherwise undue restrictions on the activities of participants. Those reasonable and limited restrictions that are employed are described in the informed reasonable and limited restrictions that are employed are described in the informed consent, and are used where more positive and less intrusive alternatives are either consent, and are used where more positive and less intrusive alternatives are either exhausted or would be clearly ineffective. where the procedures would be in the best exhausted or would be clearly ineffective. where the procedures would be in the best interest of the participant. and where the benefits clearly outweigh the harms. (Discussion: interest of the participant. and where the benefits clearly outweigh the harms. (Discussion: The issue of whether or not a treatment environment — such as a group home — The issue of whether or not a treatment environment — such as a group home — represents the least restrictive alter native for a potential participant is an issue that needs represents the least restrictive alter native for a potential participant is an issue that needs to be discussed and weighed by a duly constituted admissions committee.)to be discussed and weighed by a duly constituted admissions committee.)

• Members avoid the use of physical restraint except under emergency conditions where Members avoid the use of physical restraint except under emergency conditions where there is a clear and imminent threat to the physical safety and well-being of the par there is a clear and imminent threat to the physical safety and well-being of the par ticipant or others or where there is actual extensive property damage. Such restraint is the ticipant or others or where there is actual extensive property damage. Such restraint is the minimal (least restrictive) necessary. is used only during the acute episode. is not of a minimal (least restrictive) necessary. is used only during the acute episode. is not of a mechanical or chemical nature, and is not used for punishment or staff convenience. Any mechanical or chemical nature, and is not used for punishment or staff convenience. Any use of restraint will be documented in the participant's file, with specification of date, time, use of restraint will be documented in the participant's file, with specification of date, time, and nature of inappropriate behavior, surrounding conditions, and length of restraint and nature of inappropriate behavior, surrounding conditions, and length of restraint episode. Instances of repeated or extended constraint episodes should be reported to the episode. Instances of repeated or extended constraint episodes should be reported to the Association Sponsor Site and are subject to review Association Sponsor Site and are subject to review

• Members avoid secluding or confining participants. If under extreme conditions the Members avoid secluding or confining participants. If under extreme conditions the least restrictive alternative for the immediate protection of the participant or others least restrictive alternative for the immediate protection of the participant or others is the temporary restriction of a participant's ac tivities to a given room, the room will is the temporary restriction of a participant's ac tivities to a given room, the room will not be locked and frequent observations of the participant will be made. Members not be locked and frequent observations of the participant will be made. Members will not have rooms specifically for the purpose of confining participants, and no form will not have rooms specifically for the purpose of confining participants, and no form of con finement is ever used as a form of punishment. (Discussion: Temporary and of con finement is ever used as a form of punishment. (Discussion: Temporary and infrequent ex clusion of a participant from an environment or activities might infrequent ex clusion of a participant from an environment or activities might represent a least restrictive option under certain conditions. Such ex clusion should be represent a least restrictive option under certain conditions. Such ex clusion should be brief, mild, and evaluated as to its effectiveness. Examples here include asking a brief, mild, and evaluated as to its effectiveness. Examples here include asking a young child to sit out of an activity for a brief period and asking a participant to young child to sit out of an activity for a brief period and asking a participant to temporarily leave a situation in which there appears to be danger of confrontation. In temporarily leave a situation in which there appears to be danger of confrontation. In the latter case, a participant might be asked to go to his room and given a specific the latter case, a participant might be asked to go to his room and given a specific re-entry be havior and an invitation to engage in that behavior within a reasonable re-entry be havior and an invitation to engage in that behavior within a reasonable time period.) time period.)

• Members do not provide or condone the use of drugs or other medication for other Members do not provide or condone the use of drugs or other medication for other than physical problems and then only with written informed consent; a written, than physical problems and then only with written informed consent; a written, signed physician's prescription or recommendation; adequate safeguards (e.g., lock signed physician's prescription or recommendation; adequate safeguards (e.g., lock and key) against un authorized access; and careful records of use. Thus, drugs or and key) against un authorized access; and careful records of use. Thus, drugs or other medication are never used for behavior control or restraint, for punish ment, or other medication are never used for behavior control or restraint, for punish ment, or otherwise for the convenience of the staff. (Discussion: If a participant is under going otherwise for the convenience of the staff. (Discussion: If a participant is under going drug therapy under the auspices of an authorized outside agency, members should drug therapy under the auspices of an authorized outside agency, members should strongly advocate for (i) quantities that do not unnecessarily interfere with the strongly advocate for (i) quantities that do not unnecessarily interfere with the participant's ability to act and think to his or her full potential, and (ii) termination of participant's ability to act and think to his or her full potential, and (ii) termination of chemical treatment at earliest reasonable date.) chemical treatment at earliest reasonable date.)

• Members protect participants from work that is not related to Members protect participants from work that is not related to treatment. no therapeutic, meaningless, or not related to family-treatment. no therapeutic, meaningless, or not related to family-living activities typical to a natural household. Participants are living activities typical to a natural household. Participants are not asked to engage in work for the primary benefit of another, not asked to engage in work for the primary benefit of another, unless they volunteer and are paid minimum wage. (Dis cussion: unless they volunteer and are paid minimum wage. (Dis cussion: Specifically prohibited here is no voluntary, unpaid personal work Specifically prohibited here is no voluntary, unpaid personal work for members such as cleaning the member's room or baby sitting for members such as cleaning the member's room or baby sitting his or her own children. Also prohibited is repetitive, meaningless his or her own children. Also prohibited is repetitive, meaningless work or activity as a form of punishment.)work or activity as a form of punishment.)

• Members insure that the procedures and pro grams they employ Members insure that the procedures and pro grams they employ are reviewed by appropriate standing or ad hoc committees are reviewed by appropriate standing or ad hoc committees (boards) concerned with participant rights and the ethics of (boards) concerned with participant rights and the ethics of treatment. 227 In accordance with the Association's Standards treatment. 227 In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Confidentiality. mem bers employ proper and Concerning Confidentiality. mem bers employ proper and reasonable con fidentiality safeguards to protect the con reasonable con fidentiality safeguards to protect the con fidentiality of information obtained relative to treatment fidentiality of information obtained relative to treatment participants. (Discussion: The Association's general standards on participants. (Discussion: The Association's general standards on confi dentiality as well as those specific to treatment are confi dentiality as well as those specific to treatment are contained in Part 6 of these Standards,)contained in Part 6 of these Standards,)

• Part 3. Research StandardsPart 3. Research Standards• Members attempt to select areas of research that are of immediate relevance to Members attempt to select areas of research that are of immediate relevance to

human and social problems and/or that advance the understanding of significant human and social problems and/or that advance the understanding of significant aspects of human experience and behavior. (Discussion: Ideally, members' aspects of human experience and behavior. (Discussion: Ideally, members' research should relate directly to the welfare of the individuals involved or of indi research should relate directly to the welfare of the individuals involved or of indi viduals participating in similar or future pro grams. Members insure that viduals participating in similar or future pro grams. Members insure that participants in their research efforts are not overused in research unrelated to their participants in their research efforts are not overused in research unrelated to their welfare solely because of administrative convenience of availability.welfare solely because of administrative convenience of availability.

• As researchers, members use methods that are appropriate to the objectives of the As researchers, members use methods that are appropriate to the objectives of the research, select research, select areas areas in which they have sufficient competence, and insure they in which they have sufficient competence, and insure they have adequate facilities for the conduct of the research.have adequate facilities for the conduct of the research.

• Members plan their research to minimize the possibility of misleading findings, and Members plan their research to minimize the possibility of misleading findings, and re main alert to and attempt to moderate pres sures that may distort findings. They re main alert to and attempt to moderate pres sures that may distort findings. They discuss the limitations of their data and reasonable alternative hypotheses, discuss the limitations of their data and reasonable alternative hypotheses, especially where their research may considerably affect policy or practice. In especially where their research may considerably affect policy or practice. In publishing reports of their re search they never suppress disconfirming data. publishing reports of their re search they never suppress disconfirming data. Members take credit only for the research they have actually done.Members take credit only for the research they have actually done.

• In planning and *conducting research, members act in accordance with and thus In planning and *conducting research, members act in accordance with and thus avoid action that interferes or is incompatible with the spirit of the standards put avoid action that interferes or is incompatible with the spirit of the standards put forth in the other parts of this document (e.g., Treatment Standards).forth in the other parts of this document (e.g., Treatment Standards).

• In planning and conducting research, members act in accordance with In planning and conducting research, members act in accordance with other ap plicable standards, regulations, and laws. (Dis cussion: By way other ap plicable standards, regulations, and laws. (Dis cussion: By way of examples, members who belong to the American Psychological of examples, members who belong to the American Psychological Associa tion adhere to that organization's research guidelines and Associa tion adhere to that organization's research guidelines and ethical principles and members conducting research supported by the ethical principles and members conducting research supported by the De partment of Health and Human Services ad here to that agency's De partment of Health and Human Services ad here to that agency's regulations concerning the protection of human subjects.)regulations concerning the protection of human subjects.)

• 306. Members use research procedures that result in subject 306. Members use research procedures that result in subject treatment that is proper, humane, respectful of personal integrity, treatment that is proper, humane, respectful of personal integrity, and the least restrictive necessary. Research participants are and the least restrictive necessary. Research participants are encouraged encouraged to express their opinions and dissatisfactions and to to express their opinions and dissatisfactions and to suggest changes.suggest changes.

• Members undertake research only if the risks to those involved are Members undertake research only if the risks to those involved are minor and stand in a reasonable relationship to the benefits (in cluding minor and stand in a reasonable relationship to the benefits (in cluding the avoidance of a greater harm) likely to accrue to the subject and to the avoidance of a greater harm) likely to accrue to the subject and to the public in general. Members use the safest procedures that are the public in general. Members use the safest procedures that are consistent with sound research design and request only that time and consistent with sound research design and request only that time and inconvenience of subjects that is justified by the importance of the inconvenience of subjects that is justified by the importance of the research, even if no more than minimal risk is involved.research, even if no more than minimal risk is involved.

• Members do not undertake research that is in compatable with, or significantly Members do not undertake research that is in compatable with, or significantly interruptive of. expected services in a human service relationship. Further, they interruptive of. expected services in a human service relationship. Further, they do not undertake research that involves: physical or mental stress. harm, or do not undertake research that involves: physical or mental stress. harm, or danger; deprivation or re striction of rights (e.g., to communication, privacy, danger; deprivation or re striction of rights (e.g., to communication, privacy, nutritional diet. light, warmth, sleep, safety): physically intrusive procedures; nutritional diet. light, warmth, sleep, safety): physically intrusive procedures; par ticipant seclusion: deception, or administra tion of drugs for control, restraint, par ticipant seclusion: deception, or administra tion of drugs for control, restraint, or punishment.or punishment.

• Members do not undertake research forv personal gain that they would Members do not undertake research forv personal gain that they would otherwise refuse to do because of the harmful purpose it would serve.otherwise refuse to do because of the harmful purpose it would serve.

• Compensation to research volunteers should never be such as to constitute Compensation to research volunteers should never be such as to constitute undue induce ment. When potential research participants have such strong undue induce ment. When potential research participants have such strong 'needs that they have little freedom to reject incentives related to these needs, 'needs that they have little freedom to reject incentives related to these needs, an investigator should never use such incentives without first securing ethical an investigator should never use such incentives without first securing ethical advice.advice.

• Members insure that the research they under take is reviewed by appropriate Members insure that the research they under take is reviewed by appropriate standing or ad hoc committees (boards) concerned with par ticipant rights and standing or ad hoc committees (boards) concerned with par ticipant rights and the ethics of research.the ethics of research.

• In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Informed Consent, In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Informed Consent, members obtain informed consent from par ticipants and, where appropriate, members obtain informed consent from par ticipants and, where appropriate, parents and guardians for participation in the treatment program. (Discussion: parents and guardians for participation in the treatment program. (Discussion: The Association's general consent standards as well as those specific to The Association's general consent standards as well as those specific to research are contained in Part 5 of these standards.) research are contained in Part 5 of these standards.)

• In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Confidentiality, mem bers In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Confidentiality, mem bers employ proper and reasonable safe guards to preserve the confidentiality of in employ proper and reasonable safe guards to preserve the confidentiality of in formation obtained through the research. (Dis cussion: The Association's general formation obtained through the research. (Dis cussion: The Association's general standards on confidentiality as well as those specific to research are contained in Part standards on confidentiality as well as those specific to research are contained in Part 6 of these standards.)6 of these standards.)

• Part 4. Standards Concerning the Training and Evaluation of Treatment Part 4. Standards Concerning the Training and Evaluation of Treatment ProvidersProviders

• Members involved in the training and evalu ation of treatment providers give Members involved in the training and evalu ation of treatment providers give appropriate and sufficient direction, advice, and feedback to the providers and appropriate and sufficient direction, advice, and feedback to the providers and adequately and regularly monitor their performance in order to facilitate the adequately and regularly monitor their performance in order to facilitate the professional growth of the providers and help them be responsive to consumer professional growth of the providers and help them be responsive to consumer needs.needs.

• Through integrated programs of academic study and supervised practice, members Through integrated programs of academic study and supervised practice, members care fully teach legal, ethical, and treatment con cepts and procedures to trainees in care fully teach legal, ethical, and treatment con cepts and procedures to trainees in order to facilitate their delivery of quality, ethical treatment.order to facilitate their delivery of quality, ethical treatment.

• Members involved in training and evaluating treatment providers work to insure that Members involved in training and evaluating treatment providers work to insure that con sumers of the treatment services are receiving proper, ethical treatment. In this con sumers of the treatment services are receiving proper, ethical treatment. In this regard, the members work to insure that direct par ticipants in the treatment activities regard, the members work to insure that direct par ticipants in the treatment activities are treated in full accord with each of the Association's Treatment Standards (see are treated in full accord with each of the Association's Treatment Standards (see Part 2 of these Standards). (Discussion: In this regard, for example, members insure Part 2 of these Standards). (Discussion: In this regard, for example, members insure that each treatment participant has an appropriate up dated treatment plan.)that each treatment participant has an appropriate up dated treatment plan.)

• Members involved in training and evaluating treatment providers act in accord with Members involved in training and evaluating treatment providers act in accord with formal Association policy for such activities.formal Association policy for such activities.

• Members involved in the training and evalu ation of treatment providers make Members involved in the training and evalu ation of treatment providers make appropriate and periodic consumer evaluation information on provider performance appropriate and periodic consumer evaluation information on provider performance 'available to those individuals and agencies that are responsible for (I) 'available to those individuals and agencies that are responsible for (I) administering the treatment program with which the provider is associated as well administering the treatment program with which the provider is associated as well as (ii) referring potential participants to the program. Members are obligated to as (ii) referring potential participants to the program. Members are obligated to insure that adequate interpretation accompanies the sharing of this information.insure that adequate interpretation accompanies the sharing of this information.

• Members involved in training and evaluating treatment providers insure that Members involved in training and evaluating treatment providers insure that certification of the providers under the auspices of the Association is based on the certification of the providers under the auspices of the Association is based on the quality of their performance as formally evaluated by the consumers of the quality of their performance as formally evaluated by the consumers of the providers' services.providers' services.

• In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Informed Consent, In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Informed Consent, members obtain informed consent from par ticipants for participation in training and members obtain informed consent from par ticipants for participation in training and evaluation. (Discussion: The Association's general consent standards as well as evaluation. (Discussion: The Association's general consent standards as well as those specific to training and evaluation are con tained in Part 5 of these Standards.)those specific to training and evaluation are con tained in Part 5 of these Standards.)

• In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Confidentiality, mem In accordance with the Association's Standards Concerning Confidentiality, mem bers employ proper and reasonable safe guards to preserve the confidentiality of in bers employ proper and reasonable safe guards to preserve the confidentiality of in formation obtained relative to those individuals participating in training and formation obtained relative to those individuals participating in training and evaluation. (Dis cussion: The Association's general Standards on Confidentiality as evaluation. (Dis cussion: The Association's general Standards on Confidentiality as well as those specific to training and evaluation are contained in Part 6 of these well as those specific to training and evaluation are contained in Part 6 of these Standards.)Standards.)

• As trainers, members have the responsibility of not only assisting the trainee in As trainers, members have the responsibility of not only assisting the trainee in securing remedial assistance. but also screening from the training program those securing remedial assistance. but also screening from the training program those trainees who are unable to provide competent services.trainees who are unable to provide competent services.

• Members, when agreeing to provide services that omit one or more of the Teaching-Members, when agreeing to provide services that omit one or more of the Teaching-Family Model components, shall make explicit written agree ments with those persons Family Model components, shall make explicit written agree ments with those persons or agencies agreeing to receive such services, stipulating that the services to be or agencies agreeing to receive such services, stipulating that the services to be received by those persons or agencies are not to be considered Teaching-Family received by those persons or agencies are not to be considered Teaching-Family Model ser vices; and further assure through the same ex plicit written agreements, Model ser vices; and further assure through the same ex plicit written agreements, that those persons or agencies agreeing to receive such services shall not represent that those persons or agencies agreeing to receive such services shall not represent themselves to be receiving Teach ing-Family Model services or to be Teaching. Family themselves to be receiving Teach ing-Family Model services or to be Teaching. Family Model homes. or programs. (Discussion: In some cases members must provide a Model homes. or programs. (Discussion: In some cases members must provide a modified training workshop for foster parents or houseparents to satisfy the terms of modified training workshop for foster parents or houseparents to satisfy the terms of an overall contract for services in a state, yet post-workshop consultation or an overall contract for services in a state, yet post-workshop consultation or performance evaluation is not per mitted because of cost or distance. The omission of performance evaluation is not per mitted because of cost or distance. The omission of these important components would warrant the explicit written agreement called for these important components would warrant the explicit written agreement called for in this paragraph to prevent any possible confusion be tween what the member does in this paragraph to prevent any possible confusion be tween what the member does with Teaching Family homes and what the member does with other types of cart)with Teaching Family homes and what the member does with other types of cart)

• Part 5. Standards Concerning Informed ConsentPart 5. Standards Concerning Informed Consent• In according the right to give or withhold in formed consent to potential direct In according the right to give or withhold in formed consent to potential direct

participants in their professional activities (e.g., clients, trainees, and research participants in their professional activities (e.g., clients, trainees, and research participants), members take reasonable steps to insure that conditions would permit participants), members take reasonable steps to insure that conditions would permit competent, informed, and voluntary consent to be given by the par ticipants and/or competent, informed, and voluntary consent to be given by the par ticipants and/or their legal representatives.their legal representatives.

• Members make clear that they are inviting mutual agreement of the parties Members make clear that they are inviting mutual agreement of the parties concerned. and attempt to provide clear, accurate, and full descriptions of relevant concerned. and attempt to provide clear, accurate, and full descriptions of relevant procedures. ob jectives, risks, and benefits.procedures. ob jectives, risks, and benefits.

• Members permit no exploitation of special needs or vulnerabilities nor any overt or Members permit no exploitation of special needs or vulnerabilities nor any overt or In direct element of force, fraud, deceit. duress, overreaching, or other ulterior In direct element of force, fraud, deceit. duress, overreaching, or other ulterior form of con straint or coercion.form of con straint or coercion.

• In obtaining informed consent, members do not use exculpatory language through In obtaining informed consent, members do not use exculpatory language through which the participant or representative is made to waive, or appear to waive, any which the participant or representative is made to waive, or appear to waive, any legal rights.legal rights.

• Members insure and make clear that consent may be withdrawn at any time Members insure and make clear that consent may be withdrawn at any time without preju dice or unpleasant consequences.without preju dice or unpleasant consequences.

• To insure the adequacy of their consent procedures, members present the To insure the adequacy of their consent procedures, members present the procedures to the appropriate board for review.procedures to the appropriate board for review.

• Members obtain appropriate consent for treat ment, training, and research Members obtain appropriate consent for treat ment, training, and research participation from each participant older than seven, unless in the opinion of the participation from each participant older than seven, unless in the opinion of the appropriate review board, the participant is incapable of consent. If the participant appropriate review board, the participant is incapable of consent. If the participant is under the age of 18 or is in capable of understanding the situation and . making is under the age of 18 or is in capable of understanding the situation and . making appropriate judgments, consent is also obtained from the parent's), legal appropriate judgments, consent is also obtained from the parent's), legal guardian's), or other legally-authorized, independent third-party representative of guardian's), or other legally-authorized, independent third-party representative of the participant's interests. (Discussion: Any proposed variance from this guideline the participant's interests. (Discussion: Any proposed variance from this guideline shall only be undertaken following formal approval of the appropriate review shall only be undertaken following formal approval of the appropriate review board or where existing state statutes specifically provide different criteria. For board or where existing state statutes specifically provide different criteria. For example, while the age at which parental con sent is no longer required is 18 in example, while the age at which parental con sent is no longer required is 18 in most stales. it is currently (1978) 19 in three states [Alaska. Nebraska, and most stales. it is currently (1978) 19 in three states [Alaska. Nebraska, and Wyoming] and 21 in two [Missouri and Mississippi].)Wyoming] and 21 in two [Missouri and Mississippi].)

• Members provide participants and their re presentatives with the necessary information for informed Members provide participants and their re presentatives with the necessary information for informed consent through use of written forms that contain comprehensible, non technical, and objective consent through use of written forms that contain comprehensible, non technical, and objective language aimed at the level of the party involved. Where helpful. these Corms are read aloud to the language aimed at the level of the party involved. Where helpful. these Corms are read aloud to the party. In all cases they are explained and all questions are answered. Agreement is indicated by party. In all cases they are explained and all questions are answered. Agreement is indicated by signature on the form. The party is told that he or she may take time to think over or consult with signature on the form. The party is told that he or she may take time to think over or consult with others regarding the consent before signing. (Discussion: In order to document and insure that the others regarding the consent before signing. (Discussion: In order to document and insure that the party involved understood well what was being consented to, members obtaining consent might ask party involved understood well what was being consented to, members obtaining consent might ask the party to manifest his or her knowledge by. for example. answering written or oral questions the party to manifest his or her knowledge by. for example. answering written or oral questions concerning the various conditions being con sented to. 11 is often good practice to con duct informed concerning the various conditions being con sented to. 11 is often good practice to con duct informed consent sessions in the presence of a witness who would then also sign the form.)consent sessions in the presence of a witness who would then also sign the form.)

• In obtaining informed consent, members provide the following:In obtaining informed consent, members provide the following:• descriptions of objectives and rationales:descriptions of objectives and rationales:

– a fair explanation of procedures (pro grams) including, where known, their typical frequency and duration:a fair explanation of procedures (pro grams) including, where known, their typical frequency and duration:– an indication of available, reasonable. appropriate alternative procedures (pro grams) that would be an indication of available, reasonable. appropriate alternative procedures (pro grams) that would be

advantageous:advantageous:– a statement on the rights of participant and of parent or guardian:a statement on the rights of participant and of parent or guardian:– an explanation of how progress is to be evaluated: an explanation of how progress is to be evaluated: – a description of procedures to be used to preserve confidentiality:a description of procedures to be used to preserve confidentiality:– a description of what benefits might be expected, reviewing previous results where appropriate:a description of what benefits might be expected, reviewing previous results where appropriate:– a description of what collateral dis comforts or risks of injury (psychological, physical, or social) might be expected, a description of what collateral dis comforts or risks of injury (psychological, physical, or social) might be expected,

reviewing previous results where appropriate;reviewing previous results where appropriate;– an explanation of procedures for with drawing consent and/or terminating the procedures (program);an explanation of procedures for with drawing consent and/or terminating the procedures (program);

• explanations of data collection, including types of data to be collected and from what sources, explanations of data collection, including types of data to be collected and from what sources, length of time data to be retained, who is to have access to data, plans for use of data in length of time data to be retained, who is to have access to data, plans for use of data in publications, and when data will be destroyed.publications, and when data will be destroyed.

• . In addition to including the elements described in the above . In addition to including the elements described in the above standards, members provide the following information in standards, members provide the following information in seeking informed consent for treatment: eligibility criteria for seeking informed consent for treatment: eligibility criteria for the program; the selection process (in cluding selection the program; the selection process (in cluding selection committee make-up and function); description of each committee make-up and function); description of each treatment element: probable length of stay (provide range); treatment element: probable length of stay (provide range); description of the training, consul tation, and evaluation description of the training, consul tation, and evaluation activities that will be conducted relative to the performance activities that will be conducted relative to the performance of the treatment providers.of the treatment providers.

• 511. In addition to including the elements described in the 511. In addition to including the elements described in the above standards, members provide the following information above standards, members provide the following information in seeking informed consent for research: statement that in seeking informed consent for research: statement that participation in treatment or training is not contingent upon participation in treatment or training is not contingent upon participation in the research; eligibility criteria for participation in the research; eligibility criteria for participation in the research; description of all experimental participation in the research; description of all experimental procedures; and description of probable length of research.procedures; and description of probable length of research.

• Part 6. Standards Concerning ConfidentialityPart 6. Standards Concerning Confidentiality• Members make due provision for the maintenance of the confidentiality of any in formation Members make due provision for the maintenance of the confidentiality of any in formation

that has been obtained in the course of their professional activities. They take due that has been obtained in the course of their professional activities. They take due precautions against the accidental or malicious release of confidential information and the precautions against the accidental or malicious release of confidential information and the use of such information to the detri ment of any individual. They maintain reports, records, use of such information to the detri ment of any individual. They maintain reports, records, and other information under con ditions of security (e.g., locked files), and make provisions and other information under con ditions of security (e.g., locked files), and make provisions for the ultimate disposition of such material in a manner that maintains confidentiality.for the ultimate disposition of such material in a manner that maintains confidentiality.

• Members insure that privacy and confi dentiality are maintained by all persons they supervise Members insure that privacy and confi dentiality are maintained by all persons they supervise or who are in the employ or volunteer service of the agency or office in which they work.or who are in the employ or volunteer service of the agency or office in which they work.

• Information received in confidence by a member shall not be forwarded to another person or Information received in confidence by a member shall not be forwarded to another person or agency without the client's express permission.agency without the client's express permission.

• Information received in confidence is revealed only after the most careful deliberation and Information received in confidence is revealed only after the most careful deliberation and only if one or more of the following conditions are met:only if one or more of the following conditions are met:

– the individual has given consent;the individual has given consent;– there is a clear and imminent danger to the client, to others or to society; orthere is a clear and imminent danger to the client, to others or to society; or– there exists proper legal compulsion.there exists proper legal compulsion.

• Under such conditions, only necessary, rele vant, and verifiable information is to be re leased Under such conditions, only necessary, rele vant, and verifiable information is to be re leased and then only to appropriate profes sional workers or public authorities. Reason able attempts and then only to appropriate profes sional workers or public authorities. Reason able attempts should be made to insure that these latter individuals maintain the con fidentiality of the should be made to insure that these latter individuals maintain the con fidentiality of the information. Under con ditions of legal compulsion, as in a court or legislative inquiry, ethical information. Under con ditions of legal compulsion, as in a court or legislative inquiry, ethical considerations may dictate that members raise question of adequate need for disclosure, considerations may dictate that members raise question of adequate need for disclosure, right to dissent, and the possibility of providing information that is relevant to the legal right to dissent, and the possibility of providing information that is relevant to the legal question at hand, but that is as disassociated from individuals to the extent possible.question at hand, but that is as disassociated from individuals to the extent possible.

• Individuals who are asked by members in the course of their professional activities to pro vide personal Individuals who are asked by members in the course of their professional activities to pro vide personal information should be informed in advance about the purposes of information gathering and about limits information should be informed in advance about the purposes of information gathering and about limits of confidentiality. They should subsequently be informed of ex ternal conditions requiring reporting of in of confidentiality. They should subsequently be informed of ex ternal conditions requiring reporting of in formation to someone else.formation to someone else.

• Information obtained in treatment and training and evaluation activities is discussed only for professional Information obtained in treatment and training and evaluation activities is discussed only for professional purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with the case. To the extent possible and where purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with the case. To the extent possible and where reasonable, the anonymity of the individuals concerned is protected in such discussions through reasonable, the anonymity of the individuals concerned is protected in such discussions through withholding of name and personal identifying data. Where profes sional discussions and communications withholding of name and personal identifying data. Where profes sional discussions and communications with relevant others concerning participants is standard, accepted practice, the individual participant must with relevant others concerning participants is standard, accepted practice, the individual participant must be fully informed concerning this practice prior to providing information. Care must be taken to insure that be fully informed concerning this practice prior to providing information. Care must be taken to insure that the third parties involved respect the confidentiality of the. information. (Discussion: In regard to providing the third parties involved respect the confidentiality of the. information. (Discussion: In regard to providing treatment services, members may need to share information with those assisting in the treatment, or treatment services, members may need to share information with those assisting in the treatment, or providing training or consultation concerning treatment. Par ticipants should be so informed in accord with providing training or consultation concerning treatment. Par ticipants should be so informed in accord with this standard.)this standard.)

• Every effort should be made to avoid undue invasion of privacy and sensitive data are only collected if Every effort should be made to avoid undue invasion of privacy and sensitive data are only collected if necessary.necessary.

• Reports or other materials are only presented when the identity of each involved person is so disguised Reports or other materials are only presented when the identity of each involved person is so disguised that no identification is possible unless the client or responsible authority has reviewed the materials, is that no identification is possible unless the client or responsible authority has reviewed the materials, is informed of the ex tent of risk, and has explicitly agreed to pre sentation or publication.informed of the ex tent of risk, and has explicitly agreed to pre sentation or publication.

• Records concerning participants in treatment are confidential. (Discussion: Files of youths in treatment Records concerning participants in treatment are confidential. (Discussion: Files of youths in treatment should not go beyond the group home or "follow" the youth. A parent or guardian may believe that they should not go beyond the group home or "follow" the youth. A parent or guardian may believe that they have the right to see the files. There should be agreement from the beinning with the parties involved as have the right to see the files. There should be agreement from the beinning with the parties involved as to what information will/will not be available in such a case. If in addition to the information and materials to what information will/will not be available in such a case. If in addition to the information and materials in a participant's files that arise from the program in which he or she is cur rently participating, there are in a participant's files that arise from the program in which he or she is cur rently participating, there are materials provided by other agencies, access to the latter materials should only occur with express materials provided by other agencies, access to the latter materials should only occur with express approval of those other agencies.)approval of those other agencies.)

• Members conducting research collect only relevant and necessary information, share the data only with Members conducting research collect only relevant and necessary information, share the data only with authorized personnel and only for authorized purposes, expunge indi vidualized data once the research is authorized personnel and only for authorized purposes, expunge indi vidualized data once the research is completed, and utilize codes rather than names where possible (with the codes kept securely and completed, and utilize codes rather than names where possible (with the codes kept securely and distinctly separate from the data).distinctly separate from the data).

Section II: National Ethics Committee Section II: National Ethics Committee FunctionsFunctions• Part A: Committee ResponsibilitiesPart A: Committee Responsibilities

– The National Ethics Committee shall be a stand ing committee of the National The National Ethics Committee shall be a stand ing committee of the National Teaching Family Association.Teaching Family Association.

– The purpose of the National Ethics Committee shall be to develop and implement The purpose of the National Ethics Committee shall be to develop and implement standards, policies, and procedures concerning the ethical conduct of Association standards, policies, and procedures concerning the ethical conduct of Association members.members.

– The National Ethics Committee shall report to the Council of Representatives and the The National Ethics Committee shall report to the Council of Representatives and the Execu tive Committee of the National Teaching Family Association.Execu tive Committee of the National Teaching Family Association.

– The Council of Representatives of the National Teaching-Family Association shall The Council of Representatives of the National Teaching-Family Association shall have the authority to approve and periodically review the policies, action, advice, have the authority to approve and periodically review the policies, action, advice, and counsel of the National Ethics Committee.and counsel of the National Ethics Committee.

– An annual report of the National Ethics Com mittee and any interim reports required An annual report of the National Ethics Com mittee and any interim reports required by Council shall be filed with the Secretary of the National Teaching-Family by Council shall be filed with the Secretary of the National Teaching-Family Association.Association.

– The National Ethics Committee shall propose revisions in the standards and in the The National Ethics Committee shall propose revisions in the standards and in the commit tee's policies and procedures as the need for such revisions becomes commit tee's policies and procedures as the need for such revisions becomes apparent. The com mittee shall conduct a thorough review of standards, policies, and apparent. The com mittee shall conduct a thorough review of standards, policies, and procedures every five years. To be adopted, any revisions must be approved by the procedures every five years. To be adopted, any revisions must be approved by the Council of Representatives.Council of Representatives.

– The National Ethics Committee shall keep minutes of all actions and decisions.The National Ethics Committee shall keep minutes of all actions and decisions.– The make-up of the Committee and its opera tion shall conform to the guidelines The make-up of the Committee and its opera tion shall conform to the guidelines

specified in the Association's Bylaws.specified in the Association's Bylaws.– The Committee will establish and maintain liaison with the ethics committees of The Committee will establish and maintain liaison with the ethics committees of

individual Sponsor Sites.individual Sponsor Sites.

• Part B: Statement of Purpose and ScopePart B: Statement of Purpose and Scope• The National Ethics Committee has as a primary concern the ethical conduct of all National Teaching Family The National Ethics Committee has as a primary concern the ethical conduct of all National Teaching Family

Association members. In this regard, it is re sponsible for the development and necessary up dating of Association members. In this regard, it is re sponsible for the development and necessary up dating of Standards of Ethical conduct and for the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures Standards of Ethical conduct and for the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures designed to facilitate the behavior of members. The objective of the committee with re gard to the individual designed to facilitate the behavior of members. The objective of the committee with re gard to the individual member shall be to provide constructive education rather than to punish. The committee will encourage member shall be to provide constructive education rather than to punish. The committee will encourage continuing constructive communication between itself and members as a means of safeguarding the rights continuing constructive communication between itself and members as a means of safeguarding the rights and welfare of individuals who are participants in activities involv ing Association members.and welfare of individuals who are participants in activities involv ing Association members.

• The committee will have several responsibilities. Among them will be the review of formal complaints against The committee will have several responsibilities. Among them will be the review of formal complaints against members concerning alleged unethical activity of a serious nature. If practice is found to unjustifiably diverge members concerning alleged unethical activity of a serious nature. If practice is found to unjustifiably diverge from, or generally fails to comply with, the Standards of Ethical Conduct (expecially after notification and an from, or generally fails to comply with, the Standards of Ethical Conduct (expecially after notification and an opportunity to rectify the situation) the committee shall have the power to recommend to the Council of opportunity to rectify the situation) the committee shall have the power to recommend to the Council of Representa tives the suspension and/or expulsion of the offend ing member(s) and/or program(s).Representa tives the suspension and/or expulsion of the offend ing member(s) and/or program(s).

• The committee must be alert to the possibility that Association members may, quite unintentionally, The committee must be alert to the possibility that Association members may, quite unintentionally, introduce unnecessary or unacceptable hazards, or fail to provide adequate safeguards in their practice. This introduce unnecessary or unacceptable hazards, or fail to provide adequate safeguards in their practice. This is particularly true if the member's activities involve relatively new and untried procedures. In this regard, is particularly true if the member's activities involve relatively new and untried procedures. In this regard, the committee shall evaluate new procedures or policies and render judgment as to their ethical the committee shall evaluate new procedures or policies and render judgment as to their ethical acceptability and propriety. The committee should be prepared at all times to provide advice and counsel to acceptability and propriety. The committee should be prepared at all times to provide advice and counsel to staff developing new projects or activities, contemplating revision of ongoing projects. preparing to submit staff developing new projects or activities, contemplating revision of ongoing projects. preparing to submit proposals for consideration by the committee, or revising disap proved proposals.proposals for consideration by the committee, or revising disap proved proposals.

• Problems of an ethical nature encountered by any Association Committees or by Council can be re ferred to Problems of an ethical nature encountered by any Association Committees or by Council can be re ferred to the National Ethics Committee. The com mittee may also be requested to review the ethical acceptability of the National Ethics Committee. The com mittee may also be requested to review the ethical acceptability of any research sponsored by the Association.any research sponsored by the Association.

• All committee reviews are to be conducted with objectivity and in a manner designed to ensure the exercise All committee reviews are to be conducted with objectivity and in a manner designed to ensure the exercise of independent judgment of the members. Its decisions should be in accord with spirit of the standards. Its of independent judgment of the members. Its decisions should be in accord with spirit of the standards. Its decisions, as well as the ethical standards themselves, may not be construed in any manner or sense that decisions, as well as the ethical standards themselves, may not be construed in any manner or sense that would be abrogate. supersede, or moderate more restrictive applicable law or precedential legal decisions.would be abrogate. supersede, or moderate more restrictive applicable law or precedential legal decisions.

• Part C: Committee Review ProceduresPart C: Committee Review Procedures• The National Ethics Committee of the Association is concerned with ethical issues of general The National Ethics Committee of the Association is concerned with ethical issues of general

concern to the Association. Any major ethical allegations against a training site will be reviewed by concern to the Association. Any major ethical allegations against a training site will be reviewed by the Na tional Ethics Committee. This includes allegations of general or repeated failure to the Na tional Ethics Committee. This includes allegations of general or repeated failure to substantially comply with the standards. The National Ethics Committee will also review allegations substantially comply with the standards. The National Ethics Committee will also review allegations about the ethical mis conduct of members especially when such conduct, if true, would substantially about the ethical mis conduct of members especially when such conduct, if true, would substantially conflict with providing the best care for participants or would adversely affect the reputation of the conflict with providing the best care for participants or would adversely affect the reputation of the Association.Association.

• Reports of minor violations of employees, super visees, trainees, or other members would be dealt Reports of minor violations of employees, super visees, trainees, or other members would be dealt with by local ethics committees of the individual Sponsor Sites. They would be responsible for re with by local ethics committees of the individual Sponsor Sites. They would be responsible for re viewing situations and deciding on action. This Individual Sponsor Site review process might involve viewing situations and deciding on action. This Individual Sponsor Site review process might involve such information collection procedures as phone calls to the persons involved in the report of an such information collection procedures as phone calls to the persons involved in the report of an alleged violation, on-site visits, or complete consumer evaluations, depending on the ethical gravity alleged violation, on-site visits, or complete consumer evaluations, depending on the ethical gravity of the situation involved. Decisions as to courses of action would be made by careful consideration of the situation involved. Decisions as to courses of action would be made by careful consideration of the ethical concerns involved and in accordance with the Association's ethical standards. The of the ethical concerns involved and in accordance with the Association's ethical standards. The individual site committee can of course seek the advice of the National Ethics Committee and its individual site committee can of course seek the advice of the National Ethics Committee and its members con cerning the most appropriate procedures to employ prior to or during any local review. members con cerning the most appropriate procedures to employ prior to or during any local review. If the regional site committee is in doubt as to whether to be working with, or to refer a problem to, If the regional site committee is in doubt as to whether to be working with, or to refer a problem to, the national committee at any time preceding or during its review process. they should contact the the national committee at any time preceding or during its review process. they should contact the national committee for advice.national committee for advice.

• Initiation of reviews.Initiation of reviews. The National Ethics Com mittee may be requested by the Council of Repre The National Ethics Com mittee may be requested by the Council of Repre sentatives, its Executive Committee, or by a local training site to review treatment or research pro sentatives, its Executive Committee, or by a local training site to review treatment or research pro cedures or consider alleged violations. If, in the ab sence of such formal requests, National Ethics cedures or consider alleged violations. If, in the ab sence of such formal requests, National Ethics Com mittee members determine that a review may be called for, the Executive Committee of the Com mittee members determine that a review may be called for, the Executive Committee of the Council of Representatives will be so informed and its advice solicited. In addition. the possibility of Council of Representatives will be so informed and its advice solicited. In addition. the possibility of review by the National Ethics Committee will be discussed with the member(s) involved.review by the National Ethics Committee will be discussed with the member(s) involved.

• Conducting reviews.Conducting reviews. Once a review is initiated safeguards will be maintained to insure that due Once a review is initiated safeguards will be maintained to insure that due process is adhered to in any information gathering and decision making. Individuals and sites process is adhered to in any information gathering and decision making. Individuals and sites directly involved will be kept informed of relevant specifics concerning the review process. They will directly involved will be kept informed of relevant specifics concerning the review process. They will be per mitted the opportunity to provide input into the process as appropriate. Where appropriate. in be per mitted the opportunity to provide input into the process as appropriate. Where appropriate. in formation will be kept in confidence by the commit tee. Any limitations on the confidentiality of in formation will be kept in confidence by the commit tee. Any limitations on the confidentiality of in formation provided by individuals will be adequately described to those individuals. Care will be formation provided by individuals will be adequately described to those individuals. Care will be taken to insure that committee members involved in any review are not doing so under conditions taken to insure that committee members involved in any review are not doing so under conditions in which there are conflicts of interest.in which there are conflicts of interest.

• Whether reviewing procedures or considering alleged violations, the National Ethics Committee will Whether reviewing procedures or considering alleged violations, the National Ethics Committee will carefully gather and examine the relevant in formation, weigh the alternative actions possible, and carefully gather and examine the relevant in formation, weigh the alternative actions possible, and render their recommendations in written form, specifying factual bases underlying conclusions.render their recommendations in written form, specifying factual bases underlying conclusions.

• Committee recommendations as to courses of action following the review process will be shared Committee recommendations as to courses of action following the review process will be shared with the Executive Committee and its reactions sought. Possible actions by the Association as a with the Executive Committee and its reactions sought. Possible actions by the Association as a whole, its Council of Representatives, and/or its Executive Committee that might be taken on the whole, its Council of Representatives, and/or its Executive Committee that might be taken on the basis of the recommendations of the National Ethics Committee are as delineated in the basis of the recommendations of the National Ethics Committee are as delineated in the Association's Bylaws.Association's Bylaws.

• Reviewing policies and procedures.Reviewing policies and procedures. In evaluating proposed or actual policies or procedures, the In evaluating proposed or actual policies or procedures, the National Ethics Committee can ask any member(s) involved to a! provide detailed descriptions and National Ethics Committee can ask any member(s) involved to a! provide detailed descriptions and rationales concerning such policies or procedures and b) describe or propose safeguards (e.g., rationales concerning such policies or procedures and b) describe or propose safeguards (e.g., periodic reviews, staff training) for adequately protecting participants against possible abuse that periodic reviews, staff training) for adequately protecting participants against possible abuse that might be associated with the policies or procedures. After careful consideration of the issues, the might be associated with the policies or procedures. After careful consideration of the issues, the committee shall decide what to recommend concerning the policies and procedures in question. The committee shall decide what to recommend concerning the policies and procedures in question. The committeecould prescribe conditions under which the activity of concern may be conducted, define committeecould prescribe conditions under which the activity of concern may be conducted, define substantial changes which should be brought to its attention, and determine the nature and substantial changes which should be brought to its attention, and determine the nature and frequency of interim review procedures deemed necessary to insure continued acceptable conduct.frequency of interim review procedures deemed necessary to insure continued acceptable conduct.

• Reviewing alleged violations.Reviewing alleged violations. In considering cases of alleged ethical violation by members, the In considering cases of alleged ethical violation by members, the committee shall first attempt to determine if the alleged offense is sufficient to warrant a full review. committee shall first attempt to determine if the alleged offense is sufficient to warrant a full review. This process may involve further communi cation with the complainant. (It should be noted that the This process may involve further communi cation with the complainant. (It should be noted that the committee shall not proceed on the basis of anonymous complaints.) If. in the opinion of the committee shall not proceed on the basis of anonymous complaints.) If. in the opinion of the committee, the conduct alleged in a complaint represents a possible serious violation of the committee, the conduct alleged in a complaint represents a possible serious violation of the standards: the committee shall determine whether to proceed or to refer the complaint to the ap standards: the committee shall determine whether to proceed or to refer the complaint to the ap propriate local Sponsor Site committee. If the committee decides to proceed it shalt ask the propriate local Sponsor Site committee. If the committee decides to proceed it shalt ask the complainant to provide written permission for the committee to identify him/her to the member complainant to provide written permission for the committee to identify him/her to the member against whom the complaint has been made. The committee will then inform the member in writing of against whom the complaint has been made. The committee will then inform the member in writing of the nature of the complaint and request information concerning the facts surrounding the case. The the nature of the complaint and request information concerning the facts surrounding the case. The committee may, if written permission was ob tained, inform the member of the name of the committee may, if written permission was ob tained, inform the member of the name of the complainant. The member shall be asked to respond in 30 days, but failure or delay by the member in complainant. The member shall be asked to respond in 30 days, but failure or delay by the member in responding or lack of cooperation shall not prevent the committee from continuing its investigation. responding or lack of cooperation shall not prevent the committee from continuing its investigation. The member must provide information that is rele vant to the complaint and shall be informed that the The member must provide information that is rele vant to the complaint and shall be informed that the information submitted will become a part of the record and could be used if further proceedings were information submitted will become a part of the record and could be used if further proceedings were to be necessary. If warranted. the committee can also utilize other sources of information avail able to to be necessary. If warranted. the committee can also utilize other sources of information avail able to it, including relevant written reports and documents and statements by relevant consumers. it, including relevant written reports and documents and statements by relevant consumers. colleagues. Supervisors, and others. This process should be carried out in an objective and careful colleagues. Supervisors, and others. This process should be carried out in an objective and careful manner and in such a way as to protect, to the extent possible, the anonymity and reputation of all af manner and in such a way as to protect, to the extent possible, the anonymity and reputation of all af fected parties. If upon completion of its investiga tion, the committee shall decide to dismiss the case, fected parties. If upon completion of its investiga tion, the committee shall decide to dismiss the case, or to attempt an informal disposition, the com mittee shall so inform the Executive Committee and, if or to attempt an informal disposition, the com mittee shall so inform the Executive Committee and, if the Executive Committee concurs, shall inform other relevant (i.e., may have been involved in or in the Executive Committee concurs, shall inform other relevant (i.e., may have been involved in or in formed of the process) members and committees of the association. If on the other hand, the National formed of the process) members and committees of the association. If on the other hand, the National Ethics Committee shall decide to recommend sus pension or expulsion of the member(s) involved, the Ethics Committee shall decide to recommend sus pension or expulsion of the member(s) involved, the procedure for association action in that regard will be as specified in the Bylaws. In making a recom procedure for association action in that regard will be as specified in the Bylaws. In making a recom mendation for suspension or expulsion, the com mittee shall specify: (a) the alleged violation, (b) the mendation for suspension or expulsion, the com mittee shall specify: (a) the alleged violation, (b) the specific principles of the Ethical Standards violated and (c) the specific action recommended by the specific principles of the Ethical Standards violated and (c) the specific action recommended by the National Ethics Committee.National Ethics Committee.

• Part D: Committee RecordsPart D: Committee Records• The permanent files of the National Ethics Com mittee will be maintained by The permanent files of the National Ethics Com mittee will be maintained by

the chairperson of the committee. They will contain: (a) copies of all docu the chairperson of the committee. They will contain: (a) copies of all docu ments presented or required for initial and continu ing review, (b) committee ments presented or required for initial and continu ing review, (b) committee meeting minutes including tomeeting minutes including to

• records of discussions of substantive issues and their resolutions, (c) records of discussions of substantive issues and their resolutions, (c) transmittals on actions, in structions, and conditions resulting from committee transmittals on actions, in structions, and conditions resulting from committee deliberations.deliberations.

• The files will be confidential. Only members of the National Ethics Committee The files will be confidential. Only members of the National Ethics Committee and the Executive Com mittee of the Association will have access and then only and the Executive Com mittee of the Association will have access and then only as necessary to permit sound decision-making. Except as otherwise provided as necessary to permit sound decision-making. Except as otherwise provided by statements in the document by statements in the document or by or by law, information in the records or in law, information in the records or in possession of the committee that is acquired in con nection with its activities possession of the committee that is acquired in con nection with its activities and that refers to or can be identified with particular individuals shall not be and that refers to or can be identified with particular individuals shall not be disclosed without consent of the individuals in volved or of their legally disclosed without consent of the individuals in volved or of their legally authorized representative. Materials on which decisions were based will be authorized representative. Materials on which decisions were based will be destroyed when they are judged to be no longer useful in specific decisions or destroyed when they are judged to be no longer useful in specific decisions or appeals. If records contain sensitive material or are otherwise po tentially appeals. If records contain sensitive material or are otherwise po tentially damaging to individuals, then as much as possible, names shall be deleted or damaging to individuals, then as much as possible, names shall be deleted or summaries used. Summary committee records will be kept of all reviews summaries used. Summary committee records will be kept of all reviews including dates of review and action taken as a result.including dates of review and action taken as a result.

Ethics and Youth RightsEthics and Youth Rights

This training presentation is available for download at:This training presentation is available for download at:www.utahparenting.orgwww.utahparenting.org

© 2007 Utah Youth Village.© 2007 Utah Youth Village.