Minnesota Family-Based Services Association

Family-Based Guidelines for Ethical Boundaries

Approved 9/17/97

Code of Ethics

1. Staff will read and know the Code of Ethics that pertains to their profession and professional licenses. All unlicensed staff will follow the Code of Ethics for unlicensed mental health practitioners.

2. For the purpose of the Minnesota Family-Based Services Association, staff will follow their standard of practice which is required by their own agency's code of ethics and standard of practice.

Billing

3. Staff employed by an agency may not receive direct payment from a client. Billing must be submitted/received by the agency.

Relationships

4. Family-based workers will not form a personal relationship with a former client for two years after the professional relationship is terminated. This includes deliberate personal socializing with former clients. All types of dual relationships including political, religious, business, neighborhood/community etc. must be dealt with carefully. Client confidentiality must be protected. Client cases involving any type of dual relationship must be staffed with your supervisor.

5. Any sexual behavior with clients is prohibited. Any non-sexual touching (hugs, hand patting etc.) will be discussed with the client and in supervision. This pertains to contact also with children; example: parents will be asked permission if it is okay to hold the baby or allow a child on your lap. Permission must be obtained prior to each incident with adults and children. Parents will be the ones putting children in time-outs or any other kind of physical restraints. Exceptions may be situations of role modeling, teaching parents, and curriculum-based work.

Safety

6. If anyone is threatening physical harm to families or staff/worker, follow the safety policy of your agency and seek immediate supervision.

Dress Code

7A. Family-based staff may have a casual dress code. This code implies that the professional will dress appropriately in all situations. Example: wearing professional business attire for court appearances. You are representing yourself and the profession. Suggestive clothes and alcohol/drug related or offensive slogans are not permitted.

B. It is important to be respectful of the family's rules such as taking shoes off at the door, where to have sessions, etc. When in doubt, ask the family. Sessions are to be conducted in common living areas. Any exceptions will be staffed in supervision.

C. Good personal hygiene is to be adhered to by all staff.

Food and Beverage

8A. No alcohol or illicit non-prescribed drugs will be used prior to scheduled appointments.

B. The Family-Based worker will inform the family that sessions will not occur if any family member(s) is/are consuming alcohol or using illicit non-prescription drugs during sessions. The Family-Based worker will reschedule sessions.

C. Buying meals, cokes, etc. will correspond with professional goals or rituals of celebrations. Family-Based worker will obtain parental permission when providing treats. These interactions will be recorded in your case notes.

D. Accepting coffee, meals, cookies, etc. from a client during sessions is respectful. Remember therapeutic intent.

E. Gifts of food are respectful and acceptable. Be aware of cultural values and customs. Family-based staff will not buy, sell or exchange goods or services (including pets) with clients.

Expenditures

9. Expenditures for each family will be approved by your agency and correspond with professional goals.

Transportation

10. Parental permission is required prior to transporting children. Family-Based workers must adhere to agency policies regarding personal car insurance and transporting of clients.

Gifts and Cards

11. Homemade gifts are often offered by families as gestures of pride, acceptance and appreciation. Cards, homemade children's pictures, and drawings are acceptable. These articles are self-esteem building for children to show you their work. Small gifts (under $5) can be accepted if it is therapeutically appropriate. No expensive gifts will be accepted. Be aware of cultural values and customs. All gifts should be reported to your supervisor.

Financial Transactions

12A. It is acceptable to purchase school or community sponsored merchandise such as Girl Scout cookies, Christmas wreaths, coupon books, etc. from clients. Be sure to be fair and equitable when agreeing to do this for each family member. Reasonable attempts must be made to protect client confidentiality. However, Family-Based workers should not sell anything to clients.

B. No money will be lent or borrowed between Family-Based workers and clients.

Personal Issues

13A. If and when Family-Based Service workers are experiencing a personal or family crisis, they will seek appropriate resources to assist them with these issues. Family-Based Service workers will recognize and be aware of how personal issues such as marital problems, physical and mental health problems, death, financial difficulties, and alcohol/drug use will affect the quality of their work. It is the responsibility of the Family-Based workers to address these personal issues in a professional manner by seeking the appropriate intervention/strategy/treatment.

B. It is the Family-Based service worker's responsibility to staff cases in which they are experiencing difficulty such as feeling stuck, angry, losing sleep or dreaming about.

Boundaries in Office

14A. All conversations concerning clients will be done discreetly and privately. Adhere to confidentiality. Be cognizant of the waiting/coffee areas as a busy place where discussing clients is inappropriate.

B When clients want to use the telephone, ensure their privacy by providing a private office to do so.

C. Client identifying information should not be used on cellular phones.

D. Case files will be stored in locked cabinets. Do not leave identifying information in view of another person.

E. Working files will be kept in a secure place locked in the office, at home, in the car etc.

Documentation

15. Case documentation will be kept current according to your agency's policy. Case notes will coincide with the treatment/service plan and billing record.

Supervision

16. When a Family-Based worker is challenged with an ethical or boundary issue, ALWAYS staff with group, seek supervision, and seek direction.

Termination

17. Family-Based Services cases will be terminated based on goal achievement or referral to other resources. Family-Based Service workers will work consistently with the family and referrals system's goals.