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**files (2)**
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– ## ethics-code-2024.pdf
**## Week7Discussio1.docx**
Week 7 Discussion: Practicing Ethics
Practicing ethics is central to your role a HSPP and is essential for the profession as a whole to maintain credibility and trust with service users and the wider public. Practicing ethics can be challenging when two ethical decisions may be in conflict. For example, you have to protect a service user’s right to confidentiality until doing so could cause harm to the service user or others. Knowing if a service user is going to act in a way that may be harmful to themselves or others may require a judgment call based on consultation with colleagues or supervisors. How do you err on the side of caution, when the consequences of either decision may be undesirable: the potential harm or danger the service user could cause to themselves or others; or the violation of confidentiality that could damage the service user’s relationship to the HSPP or other providers?
For this Discussion, you will apply ethical standards to a critical incident and consider how to analyze potential conflicts between ethical standards and legal obligations.
· Review the Learning Resources and Course Announcements.
· Review the Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
· Research news articles from the past year for a critical incident that highlights a situation where an ethical choice may conflict with the legal obligations for HSPPs.
· Choose one of the Ethical Standards found within the NOHS Ethical Standards that relates to the critical incident from the past year.
· Review the Human Services Ethical Decision Model (Eber, 2018,p.34) in the Learning Resources.
By Day 4
**Post a response to the following:**
·
**Briefly describe a critical incident from the news in the past year and how it relates to one of the Ethical Standards found within the NOHS Ethical Standards.**
·
**Explain why the ethical standard could be challenging to apply in the critical incident and how it may conflict with an HSPP’s legal obligations.**
·
**Explain which step in the human services ethical decision model (Eber, 2018) would you find most challenging if you were confronted with a similar situation. In your explanation, include who you would consult to assist in your decision-making process, and whether you think the situation requires you to err on the side of your ethical or legal obligations. Provide a rationale for your choice.**
Eber, P. A. (2018).
[A pedagogical approach to ethical decision making in a human services curriculumLinks to an external site.](http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/assets/Conference/2017%20NOHS%20Proceedings%20Final.pdf), presented at NOHS National Conference. Des Moines, IA, 2017: National Organizations for Human Services.
**Note:** Go to page 34 of the document to find the Human Services Ethical Decision Model.
National Organization for Human Services. (2015).
[Ethical standards for human services professionals.Links to an external site.](https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals)
Tarvydas, V. M., Levers, L. L., & Teahen, P. R. (2017).
[Ethical guidelines for mass trauma and complex humanitarian emergencies.Links to an external site.](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=123715852&site=ehost-live&scope=site&authtype=shib&custid=s6527200) _Journal of Counseling & Development,_ 95(3), 260-268.
**## ethics-code-2024.pdf**
Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
Ethical Standards Subjects
Preamble Responsibility to the Public & Society
Responsibility to Clients Responsibility to Employers
Responsibility to Colleagues Responsibility to Self
Responsibility to the Profession Responsibility to Students
PREAMBLE
The field of human services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human
needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of
problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations. The
human services profession is one which promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not
only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, and
coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.
Ethics Code Purpose:
The purpose of this ethics code is to establish a set of principles and standards to guide decision-making
and conduct for all human services professionals. It serves to safeguard the well-being of clients, uphold
the integrity of the profession, and foster trust and respect in all professional relationships. This code is
designed to promote excellence in service delivery, ensure ethical practice in diverse social contexts, and
address ethical dilemmas with professionalism and moral clarity. By adhering to this code, members
commit to the highest standards of ethical behavior of their field which transcend legal requirements, foster
enduring trust and respect, and advance the principles of human dignity, social justice, and responsible
stewardship of the care placed in them by clients and society towards making profound contributions to
their well-being.
Persons who use this code include members of the National Organization for Human Services, students in
relevant academic degree programs, faculty in those same programs, researchers, administrators,
practitioners, employers, supervisors, and others in community agencies who identify with the human
services field (henceforth all are referred to throughout this code as human service professionals). The
ethical standards are organized according to defined professional domains.
This ethics code emphasizes our unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making, a cornerstone of the
human services profession. This commitment obliges all human service professionals to engage in
continuous reflection, prioritize the welfare and rights of service recipients, and navigate complex ethical
landscapes with diligence and moral clarity. It mandates the seeking of counsel and adherence to
established ethical guidelines when confronting dilemmas, and ensures decisions are made with integrity
and transparency.
RESPONSIBILITY TO CLIENTS
STANDARD 1 Human service professionals recognize and build on client and community strengths.
STANDARD 2 At the beginning of the helping relationship, human service professionals obtain informed
consent for services from clients. Clients should be informed that they may withdraw consent at any time
and can ask questions before agreeing to the services. Clients who are unable to give consent should have
those who are legally responsible for them review an informed consent statement document and provide
appropriate consent. In the case of mandated services, human service professionals explain to clients their
right to consent, including limitations to confidentiality and privacy, and possible consequences from
service refusal.
STANDARD 3 Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except
when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state
otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals
inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship.
STANDARD 4 When a human service professional suspects a client's behavior may endanger themselves
or others, they must take appropriate and professional actions to ensure safety, which may include
consulting, seeking supervision, or, in accordance with state and federal laws, breaching confidentiality.
STANDARD 5 Human service professionals recognize the potential harm and impaired judgment resulting
from dual or multiple relationships with clients. If such relationships cannot be avoided, professionals must
assess whether to limit or forego the professional relationship and make appropriate referrals as needed.
STANDARD 6 Human service professionals must not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with
current clients. In the case of former clients, their friends, or family, professionals must thoroughly assess
any potential harm or exploitative dynamics before considering such relationships.
STANDARD 7 Human service professionals ensure that their values or biases are not imposed upon their
clients.
STANDARD 8 Human service professionals are responsible for safeguarding the integrity, safety, and
security of client records. Client information, whether in written or electronic form, can only be shared with
other professionals with the client's prior written consent, unless required or allowed by law or during
professional supervision.
STANDARD 9 When providing services through the use of technology, human service professionals take
precautions to ensure and maintain confidentiality and comply with all relevant laws and requirements
regarding storing, transmitting, and retrieving data. In addition, human service professionals ensure that
clients are aware of any issues and concerns related to confidentiality, service issues, and how technology
might negatively or positively impact the helping relationship.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC AND SOCIETY
STANDARD 10 Human service professionals are committed to delivering services equitably, ensuring
inclusion and accessibility, and respective diversity by valuing and affirming differences in age, ethnicity,
culture, race, ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, language preference, religion, sexual
orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, and other identities associated with historically marginalized
groups.
STANDARD 11 Human service professionals are knowledgeable about their cultures and communities
within which they practice. They are aware of diversity in society and its impact on the community as well
as individuals within the community. They respect the cultures and beliefs of individuals and groups.
STANDARD 12 Human service professionals have a duty to be informed about relevant local, state, and
federal laws. They bear the responsibility to advocate for amendments or changes in regulations and
statutes when they conflict with the ethical standards and/or the rights of clients.
STANDARD 13 Human service professionals stay informed about current social issues as they affect
clients and communities. If appropriate to the helping relationship, they share this information with clients,
groups, and communities as part of their work.
STANDARD 14 Human service professionals are aware of social and political issues, comprehend their
effects on clients, and recognize how the impact of such issues vary among individuals from diverse
backgrounds.
STANDARD 15 Human service professionals must establish processes to identify client needs and assets,
actively draw attention to them, and facilitate planning and advocacy at individual, community, and societal
levels to address them.
STANDARD 16 Human service professionals advocate for social justice and seek to eliminate oppression.
They raise awareness about systems of discrimination and inequity that affect historically minoritized and
marginalized groups and advocate for systemic change to address these inequalities within their
workplace, communities, and legislative systems.
STANDARD 17 Human service professionals accurately represent the effectiveness of their treatment
programs, interventions, and techniques, substantiating claims with empirical data and/or sound theoretical
inferences whenever feasible.
RESPONSIBILITY TO COLLEAGUES
STANDARD 18 Human service professionals avoid duplicating another professional's helping relationship
with a client. With written permission from their client, human service professionals consult with other
professionals who are assisting the client in a different type of relationship when it is in the best interest of
the client to do so.
STANDARD 19 When human service professionals have a conflict with a colleague, they first seek out the
colleague to manage the problem. If this effort fails, the professional then seeks the assistance of
supervisors, consultants, or other professionals in efforts to address the conflict.
STANDARD 20 Human service professionals have a duty to respond appropriately to unethical behavior of
colleagues. This generally means first discussing the issue directly with the colleague in question, unless
there are extenuating circumstances, such as concerns about repercussions due to an existing power
relationship. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached or extenuating circumstances exist, the professional
should report the colleague's behavior to a supervisor. If the potential unethical behavior is seen as
egregious, then the individual should report the behavior to the colleague’s professional association,
credentialing board, police, and/or other administrators or boards, as appropriate.
STANDARD 21 Clients have a right to information discussed between their helper and other professionals,
except when state or federal law notes otherwise. All information discussed among professionals should be
kept confidential from all others, except when withholding information would lead to harm to clients, others,
or communities.
RESPONSIBILITY TO EMPLOYERS
STANDARD 22 Human service professionals honor their commitments to employers to the fullest extent
possible.
STANDARD 23 Human service professionals participate in efforts to establish and maintain employment
conditions which are conducive to high quality client services. Whenever possible, they assist in evaluating
the effectiveness of the agency through reliable and valid assessment measures.
STANDARD 24 When a conflict arises between fulfilling the responsibility to the employer and the
responsibility to the client, human service professionals work with all involved to manage the conflict.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION
STANDARD 25 Human service professionals seek the training, experience, education, and supervision
necessary to ensure their effectiveness in working with culturally diverse individuals, families, and
communities.
STANDARD 26 Human service professionals provide services only within their expertise and scope of
practice, recognizing the limits to their knowledge and skills.
STANDARD 27 Human service professionals must accurately represent their qualifications,
encompassing, but not limited to, their skills, education, credentials, training, and areas of expertise, to the
client, colleagues, and members of the public. When any intentional or accidental misrepresentation is
discovered, they must take immediate action to rectify the situation.
STANDARD 28 Human service professionals must pursue relevant consultation and supervision to guide
their decision-making in the face of legal, ethical, or other complex dilemmas.
STANDARD 29 Human service professionals promote cooperation across related disciplines, aiming to
enhance professional development and maximize the benefits of inter-professional collaboration for clients
at all levels.
STANDARD 30 Human service professionals are committed to the continued development of the field.
They promote professional association memberships, support research initiatives, foster educational
advancement, advocate for appropriate legislative actions, and engage in other professional development
activities.
STANDARD 31 Human service professionals continually seek out new and effective approaches to
enhance their professional abilities and use techniques that are evidence-based. When practicing
techniques that are experimental or new, they inform clients of the status of such techniques as well as the
possible risks and gain client consent for their usage.
STANDARD 32 Human service professionals engage in research that upholds ethical standards, meets
institutional standards, and maintains scientific integrity. Such research accounts for cross-cultural and
diversity bias and is reported with transparency regarding its limitations.
STANDARD 33 Human service professionals exercise discretion in sharing personal information on social
media, knowing that they reflect the profession of human services. They also reflect on how their public
behavior might impact their personal reputation and the perception of their professional community.
RESPONSIBILITY TO SELF
STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse
backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their
relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
STANDARD 35 Human service professionals are committed to their personal growth and well-being to
ensure they provide the highest quality service to clients. Should they become aware of any physical,
emotional, or psychological impediments to their ability to serve clients effectively, they direct clients to
appropriate alternative services and seek measures for personal remediation of such impediments via
consultation, treatment, or education.
STANDARD 36 Human service professionals are dedicated to lifelong learning, consistently seeking to
enhance their knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.
RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS
STANDARD 37 Human service educators develop and implement teaching methodologies that are
culturally sensitive, using pedagogical approaches that recognize student’s diverse backgrounds and
perspectives.
STANDARD 38 Human service educators commit to fostering equity and inclusion, actively employing
measures to ensure educational accessibility for students of all abilities.
STANDARD 39 Human service educators uphold high standards of scholarship in their academic,
pedagogical, and professional engagements. They remain abreast of developments in the field through
active participation in professional associations, attendance at workshops and conferences, and
engagement in both the review and conduct of research.
STANDARD 40 Human service educators recognize and acknowledge the contributions of students to
their work including, but not limited to, case material, grants, workshops, research, publications, and other
related activities.
STANDARD 41 Human service educators monitor students' field experiences to ensure the quality of the
placement site, the supervisory experience, and that the educational outcomes align with the objectives of
personal, professional, academic, career, and civic development of the student. When students experience
potentially harmful situations during field placements, educators provide appropriate investigations and
respond as necessary to safeguard the student.
STANDARD 42 Human service educators establish and uphold appropriate guidelines regarding student
disclosure of sensitive or personal information. This involves providing students with advance notice of any
activities requiring self-disclosure, offering students the option to opt-out of in-depth self-disclosure when
reasonable, and ensuring that there are processes in place to discuss and debrief these activities.
STANDARD 43 Human service educators acknowledge the inherent power imbalance in their relationships
with students and are committed to defining and upholding clear ethical and professional boundaries. This
commitment includes avoiding any behavior that is demeaning, embarrassing, or exploitative. Human
service educators are dedicated to treating all students with fairness and equity, actively working to
eliminate discrimination in all forms, and ensuring a respectful and inclusive educational environment.
STANDARD 44 Human service educators ensure that students are familiar with, guided by, and held
accountable to the ethical standards and policies established by their academic program or department,
the specific guidelines outlined in the course syllabus by the instructor, the expectations of their advisors,
and the Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.
Copyright © 2024 National Organization for Human Services. All rights reserved. Note: This document may
be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial purposes only. Any reproduction,
modification, distribution, transmission, or commercial use of this document, or any part thereof, without prior
written permission is strictly prohibited.
– Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
– National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
– Preamble
– Responsibility to the Public and Society
– Responsibility to Colleagues
– Responsibility to Employers
– Responsibility to the Profession
– Responsibility to Self
– STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
– Responsibility to Students
**## ethics-code-2024.pdf**
Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
Ethical Standards Subjects
Preamble Responsibility to the Public & Society
Responsibility to Clients Responsibility to Employers
Responsibility to Colleagues Responsibility to Self
Responsibility to the Profession Responsibility to Students
PREAMBLE
The field of human services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human
needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of
problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations. The
human services profession is one which promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not
only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, and
coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.
Ethics Code Purpose:
The purpose of this ethics code is to establish a set of principles and standards to guide decision-making
and conduct for all human services professionals. It serves to safeguard the well-being of clients, uphold
the integrity of the profession, and foster trust and respect in all professional relationships. This code is
designed to promote excellence in service delivery, ensure ethical practice in diverse social contexts, and
address ethical dilemmas with professionalism and moral clarity. By adhering to this code, members
commit to the highest standards of ethical behavior of their field which transcend legal requirements, foster
enduring trust and respect, and advance the principles of human dignity, social justice, and responsible
stewardship of the care placed in them by clients and society towards making profound contributions to
their well-being.
Persons who use this code include members of the National Organization for Human Services, students in
relevant academic degree programs, faculty in those same programs, researchers, administrators,
practitioners, employers, supervisors, and others in community agencies who identify with the human
services field (henceforth all are referred to throughout this code as human service professionals). The
ethical standards are organized according to defined professional domains.
This ethics code emphasizes our unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making, a cornerstone of the
human services profession. This commitment obliges all human service professionals to engage in
continuous reflection, prioritize the welfare and rights of service recipients, and navigate complex ethical
landscapes with diligence and moral clarity. It mandates the seeking of counsel and adherence to
established ethical guidelines when confronting dilemmas, and ensures decisions are made with integrity
and transparency.
RESPONSIBILITY TO CLIENTS
STANDARD 1 Human service professionals recognize and build on client and community strengths.
STANDARD 2 At the beginning of the helping relationship, human service professionals obtain informed
consent for services from clients. Clients should be informed that they may withdraw consent at any time
and can ask questions before agreeing to the services. Clients who are unable to give consent should have
those who are legally responsible for them review an informed consent statement document and provide
appropriate consent. In the case of mandated services, human service professionals explain to clients their
right to consent, including limitations to confidentiality and privacy, and possible consequences from
service refusal.
STANDARD 3 Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except
when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state
otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals
inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship.
STANDARD 4 When a human service professional suspects a client's behavior may endanger themselves
or others, they must take appropriate and professional actions to ensure safety, which may include
consulting, seeking supervision, or, in accordance with state and federal laws, breaching confidentiality.
STANDARD 5 Human service professionals recognize the potential harm and impaired judgment resulting
from dual or multiple relationships with clients. If such relationships cannot be avoided, professionals must
assess whether to limit or forego the professional relationship and make appropriate referrals as needed.
STANDARD 6 Human service professionals must not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with
current clients. In the case of former clients, their friends, or family, professionals must thoroughly assess
any potential harm or exploitative dynamics before considering such relationships.
STANDARD 7 Human service professionals ensure that their values or biases are not imposed upon their
clients.
STANDARD 8 Human service professionals are responsible for safeguarding the integrity, safety, and
security of client records. Client information, whether in written or electronic form, can only be shared with
other professionals with the client's prior written consent, unless required or allowed by law or during
professional supervision.
STANDARD 9 When providing services through the use of technology, human service professionals take
precautions to ensure and maintain confidentiality and comply with all relevant laws and requirements
regarding storing, transmitting, and retrieving data. In addition, human service professionals ensure that
clients are aware of any issues and concerns related to confidentiality, service issues, and how technology
might negatively or positively impact the helping relationship.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC AND SOCIETY
STANDARD 10 Human service professionals are committed to delivering services equitably, ensuring
inclusion and accessibility, and respective diversity by valuing and affirming differences in age, ethnicity,
culture, race, ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, language preference, religion, sexual
orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, and other identities associated with historically marginalized
groups.
STANDARD 11 Human service professionals are knowledgeable about their cultures and communities
within which they practice. They are aware of diversity in society and its impact on the community as well
as individuals within the community. They respect the cultures and beliefs of individuals and groups.
STANDARD 12 Human service professionals have a duty to be informed about relevant local, state, and
federal laws. They bear the responsibility to advocate for amendments or changes in regulations and
statutes when they conflict with the ethical standards and/or the rights of clients.
STANDARD 13 Human service professionals stay informed about current social issues as they affect
clients and communities. If appropriate to the helping relationship, they share this information with clients,
groups, and communities as part of their work.
STANDARD 14 Human service professionals are aware of social and political issues, comprehend their
effects on clients, and recognize how the impact of such issues vary among individuals from diverse
backgrounds.
STANDARD 15 Human service professionals must establish processes to identify client needs and assets,
actively draw attention to them, and facilitate planning and advocacy at individual, community, and societal
levels to address them.
STANDARD 16 Human service professionals advocate for social justice and seek to eliminate oppression.
They raise awareness about systems of discrimination and inequity that affect historically minoritized and
marginalized groups and advocate for systemic change to address these inequalities within their
workplace, communities, and legislative systems.
STANDARD 17 Human service professionals accurately represent the effectiveness of their treatment
programs, interventions, and techniques, substantiating claims with empirical data and/or sound theoretical
inferences whenever feasible.
RESPONSIBILITY TO COLLEAGUES
STANDARD 18 Human service professionals avoid duplicating another professional's helping relationship
with a client. With written permission from their client, human service professionals consult with other
professionals who are assisting the client in a different type of relationship when it is in the best interest of
the client to do so.
STANDARD 19 When human service professionals have a conflict with a colleague, they first seek out the
colleague to manage the problem. If this effort fails, the professional then seeks the assistance of
supervisors, consultants, or other professionals in efforts to address the conflict.
STANDARD 20 Human service professionals have a duty to respond appropriately to unethical behavior of
colleagues. This generally means first discussing the issue directly with the colleague in question, unless
there are extenuating circumstances, such as concerns about repercussions due to an existing power
relationship. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached or extenuating circumstances exist, the professional
should report the colleague's behavior to a supervisor. If the potential unethical behavior is seen as
egregious, then the individual should report the behavior to the colleague’s professional association,
credentialing board, police, and/or other administrators or boards, as appropriate.
STANDARD 21 Clients have a right to information discussed between their helper and other professionals,
except when state or federal law notes otherwise. All information discussed among professionals should be
kept confidential from all others, except when withholding information would lead to harm to clients, others,
or communities.
RESPONSIBILITY TO EMPLOYERS
STANDARD 22 Human service professionals honor their commitments to employers to the fullest extent
possible.
STANDARD 23 Human service professionals participate in efforts to establish and maintain employment
conditions which are conducive to high quality client services. Whenever possible, they assist in evaluating
the effectiveness of the agency through reliable and valid assessment measures.
STANDARD 24 When a conflict arises between fulfilling the responsibility to the employer and the
responsibility to the client, human service professionals work with all involved to manage the conflict.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION
STANDARD 25 Human service professionals seek the training, experience, education, and supervision
necessary to ensure their effectiveness in working with culturally diverse individuals, families, and
communities.
STANDARD 26 Human service professionals provide services only within their expertise and scope of
practice, recognizing the limits to their knowledge and skills.
STANDARD 27 Human service professionals must accurately represent their qualifications,
encompassing, but not limited to, their skills, education, credentials, training, and areas of expertise, to the
client, colleagues, and members of the public. When any intentional or accidental misrepresentation is
discovered, they must take immediate action to rectify the situation.
STANDARD 28 Human service professionals must pursue relevant consultation and supervision to guide
their decision-making in the face of legal, ethical, or other complex dilemmas.
STANDARD 29 Human service professionals promote cooperation across related disciplines, aiming to
enhance professional development and maximize the benefits of inter-professional collaboration for clients
at all levels.
STANDARD 30 Human service professionals are committed to the continued development of the field.
They promote professional association memberships, support research initiatives, foster educational
advancement, advocate for appropriate legislative actions, and engage in other professional development
activities.
STANDARD 31 Human service professionals continually seek out new and effective approaches to
enhance their professional abilities and use techniques that are evidence-based. When practicing
techniques that are experimental or new, they inform clients of the status of such techniques as well as the
possible risks and gain client consent for their usage.
STANDARD 32 Human service professionals engage in research that upholds ethical standards, meets
institutional standards, and maintains scientific integrity. Such research accounts for cross-cultural and
diversity bias and is reported with transparency regarding its limitations.
STANDARD 33 Human service professionals exercise discretion in sharing personal information on social
media, knowing that they reflect the profession of human services. They also reflect on how their public
behavior might impact their personal reputation and the perception of their professional community.
RESPONSIBILITY TO SELF
STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse
backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their
relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
STANDARD 35 Human service professionals are committed to their personal growth and well-being to
ensure they provide the highest quality service to clients. Should they become aware of any physical,
emotional, or psychological impediments to their ability to serve clients effectively, they direct clients to
appropriate alternative services and seek measures for personal remediation of such impediments via
consultation, treatment, or education.
STANDARD 36 Human service professionals are dedicated to lifelong learning, consistently seeking to
enhance their knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.
RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS
STANDARD 37 Human service educators develop and implement teaching methodologies that are
culturally sensitive, using pedagogical approaches that recognize student’s diverse backgrounds and
perspectives.
STANDARD 38 Human service educators commit to fostering equity and inclusion, actively employing
measures to ensure educational accessibility for students of all abilities.
STANDARD 39 Human service educators uphold high standards of scholarship in their academic,
pedagogical, and professional engagements. They remain abreast of developments in the field through
active participation in professional associations, attendance at workshops and conferences, and
engagement in both the review and conduct of research.
STANDARD 40 Human service educators recognize and acknowledge the contributions of students to
their work including, but not limited to, case material, grants, workshops, research, publications, and other
related activities.
STANDARD 41 Human service educators monitor students' field experiences to ensure the quality of the
placement site, the supervisory experience, and that the educational outcomes align with the objectives of
personal, professional, academic, career, and civic development of the student. When students experience
potentially harmful situations during field placements, educators provide appropriate investigations and
respond as necessary to safeguard the student.
STANDARD 42 Human service educators establish and uphold appropriate guidelines regarding student
disclosure of sensitive or personal information. This involves providing students with advance notice of any
activities requiring self-disclosure, offering students the option to opt-out of in-depth self-disclosure when
reasonable, and ensuring that there are processes in place to discuss and debrief these activities.
STANDARD 43 Human service educators acknowledge the inherent power imbalance in their relationships
with students and are committed to defining and upholding clear ethical and professional boundaries. This
commitment includes avoiding any behavior that is demeaning, embarrassing, or exploitative. Human
service educators are dedicated to treating all students with fairness and equity, actively working to
eliminate discrimination in all forms, and ensuring a respectful and inclusive educational environment.
STANDARD 44 Human service educators ensure that students are familiar with, guided by, and held
accountable to the ethical standards and policies established by their academic program or department,
the specific guidelines outlined in the course syllabus by the instructor, the expectations of their advisors,
and the Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.
Copyright © 2024 National Organization for Human Services. All rights reserved. Note: This document may
be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial purposes only. Any reproduction,
modification, distribution, transmission, or commercial use of this document, or any part thereof, without prior
written permission is strictly prohibited.
– Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
– National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
– Preamble
– Responsibility to the Public and Society
– Responsibility to Colleagues
– Responsibility to Employers
– Responsibility to the Profession
– Responsibility to Self
– STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
– Responsibility to Students
**## Week7Discussio1.docx**
Week 7 Discussion: Practicing Ethics
Practicing ethics is central to your role a HSPP and is essential for the profession as a whole to maintain credibility and trust with service users and the wider public. Practicing ethics can be challenging when two ethical decisions may be in conflict. For example, you have to protect a service user’s right to confidentiality until doing so could cause harm to the service user or others. Knowing if a service user is going to act in a way that may be harmful to themselves or others may require a judgment call based on consultation with colleagues or supervisors. How do you err on the side of caution, when the consequences of either decision may be undesirable: the potential harm or danger the service user could cause to themselves or others; or the violation of confidentiality that could damage the service user’s relationship to the HSPP or other providers?
For this Discussion, you will apply ethical standards to a critical incident and consider how to analyze potential conflicts between ethical standards and legal obligations.
· Review the Learning Resources and Course Announcements.
· Review the Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
· Research news articles from the past year for a critical incident that highlights a situation where an ethical choice may conflict with the legal obligations for HSPPs.
· Choose one of the Ethical Standards found within the NOHS Ethical Standards that relates to the critical incident from the past year.
· Review the Human Services Ethical Decision Model (Eber, 2018,p.34) in the Learning Resources.
By Day 4
**Post a response to the following:**
·
**Briefly describe a critical incident from the news in the past year and how it relates to one of the Ethical Standards found within the NOHS Ethical Standards.**
·
**Explain why the ethical standard could be challenging to apply in the critical incident and how it may conflict with an HSPP’s legal obligations.**
·
**Explain which step in the human services ethical decision model (Eber, 2018) would you find most challenging if you were confronted with a similar situation. In your explanation, include who you would consult to assist in your decision-making process, and whether you think the situation requires you to err on the side of your ethical or legal obligations. Provide a rationale for your choice.**
Eber, P. A. (2018).
[A pedagogical approach to ethical decision making in a human services curriculumLinks to an external site.](http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/assets/Conference/2017%20NOHS%20Proceedings%20Final.pdf), presented at NOHS National Conference. Des Moines, IA, 2017: National Organizations for Human Services.
**Note:** Go to page 34 of the document to find the Human Services Ethical Decision Model.
National Organization for Human Services. (2015).
[Ethical standards for human services professionals.Links to an external site.](https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals)
Tarvydas, V. M., Levers, L. L., & Teahen, P. R. (2017).
[Ethical guidelines for mass trauma and complex humanitarian emergencies.Links to an external site.](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=123715852&site=ehost-live&scope=site&authtype=shib&custid=s6527200) _Journal of Counseling & Development,_ 95(3), 260-268.
**## ethics-code-2024.pdf**
Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
Ethical Standards Subjects
Preamble Responsibility to the Public & Society
Responsibility to Clients Responsibility to Employers
Responsibility to Colleagues Responsibility to Self
Responsibility to the Profession Responsibility to Students
PREAMBLE
The field of human services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human
needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of
problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations. The
human services profession is one which promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not
only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, and
coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.
Ethics Code Purpose:
The purpose of this ethics code is to establish a set of principles and standards to guide decision-making
and conduct for all human services professionals. It serves to safeguard the well-being of clients, uphold
the integrity of the profession, and foster trust and respect in all professional relationships. This code is
designed to promote excellence in service delivery, ensure ethical practice in diverse social contexts, and
address ethical dilemmas with professionalism and moral clarity. By adhering to this code, members
commit to the highest standards of ethical behavior of their field which transcend legal requirements, foster
enduring trust and respect, and advance the principles of human dignity, social justice, and responsible
stewardship of the care placed in them by clients and society towards making profound contributions to
their well-being.
Persons who use this code include members of the National Organization for Human Services, students in
relevant academic degree programs, faculty in those same programs, researchers, administrators,
practitioners, employers, supervisors, and others in community agencies who identify with the human
services field (henceforth all are referred to throughout this code as human service professionals). The
ethical standards are organized according to defined professional domains.
This ethics code emphasizes our unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making, a cornerstone of the
human services profession. This commitment obliges all human service professionals to engage in
continuous reflection, prioritize the welfare and rights of service recipients, and navigate complex ethical
landscapes with diligence and moral clarity. It mandates the seeking of counsel and adherence to
established ethical guidelines when confronting dilemmas, and ensures decisions are made with integrity
and transparency.
RESPONSIBILITY TO CLIENTS
STANDARD 1 Human service professionals recognize and build on client and community strengths.
STANDARD 2 At the beginning of the helping relationship, human service professionals obtain informed
consent for services from clients. Clients should be informed that they may withdraw consent at any time
and can ask questions before agreeing to the services. Clients who are unable to give consent should have
those who are legally responsible for them review an informed consent statement document and provide
appropriate consent. In the case of mandated services, human service professionals explain to clients their
right to consent, including limitations to confidentiality and privacy, and possible consequences from
service refusal.
STANDARD 3 Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except
when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state
otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals
inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship.
STANDARD 4 When a human service professional suspects a client's behavior may endanger themselves
or others, they must take appropriate and professional actions to ensure safety, which may include
consulting, seeking supervision, or, in accordance with state and federal laws, breaching confidentiality.
STANDARD 5 Human service professionals recognize the potential harm and impaired judgment resulting
from dual or multiple relationships with clients. If such relationships cannot be avoided, professionals must
assess whether to limit or forego the professional relationship and make appropriate referrals as needed.
STANDARD 6 Human service professionals must not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with
current clients. In the case of former clients, their friends, or family, professionals must thoroughly assess
any potential harm or exploitative dynamics before considering such relationships.
STANDARD 7 Human service professionals ensure that their values or biases are not imposed upon their
clients.
STANDARD 8 Human service professionals are responsible for safeguarding the integrity, safety, and
security of client records. Client information, whether in written or electronic form, can only be shared with
other professionals with the client's prior written consent, unless required or allowed by law or during
professional supervision.
STANDARD 9 When providing services through the use of technology, human service professionals take
precautions to ensure and maintain confidentiality and comply with all relevant laws and requirements
regarding storing, transmitting, and retrieving data. In addition, human service professionals ensure that
clients are aware of any issues and concerns related to confidentiality, service issues, and how technology
might negatively or positively impact the helping relationship.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC AND SOCIETY
STANDARD 10 Human service professionals are committed to delivering services equitably, ensuring
inclusion and accessibility, and respective diversity by valuing and affirming differences in age, ethnicity,
culture, race, ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, language preference, religion, sexual
orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, and other identities associated with historically marginalized
groups.
STANDARD 11 Human service professionals are knowledgeable about their cultures and communities
within which they practice. They are aware of diversity in society and its impact on the community as well
as individuals within the community. They respect the cultures and beliefs of individuals and groups.
STANDARD 12 Human service professionals have a duty to be informed about relevant local, state, and
federal laws. They bear the responsibility to advocate for amendments or changes in regulations and
statutes when they conflict with the ethical standards and/or the rights of clients.
STANDARD 13 Human service professionals stay informed about current social issues as they affect
clients and communities. If appropriate to the helping relationship, they share this information with clients,
groups, and communities as part of their work.
STANDARD 14 Human service professionals are aware of social and political issues, comprehend their
effects on clients, and recognize how the impact of such issues vary among individuals from diverse
backgrounds.
STANDARD 15 Human service professionals must establish processes to identify client needs and assets,
actively draw attention to them, and facilitate planning and advocacy at individual, community, and societal
levels to address them.
STANDARD 16 Human service professionals advocate for social justice and seek to eliminate oppression.
They raise awareness about systems of discrimination and inequity that affect historically minoritized and
marginalized groups and advocate for systemic change to address these inequalities within their
workplace, communities, and legislative systems.
STANDARD 17 Human service professionals accurately represent the effectiveness of their treatment
programs, interventions, and techniques, substantiating claims with empirical data and/or sound theoretical
inferences whenever feasible.
RESPONSIBILITY TO COLLEAGUES
STANDARD 18 Human service professionals avoid duplicating another professional's helping relationship
with a client. With written permission from their client, human service professionals consult with other
professionals who are assisting the client in a different type of relationship when it is in the best interest of
the client to do so.
STANDARD 19 When human service professionals have a conflict with a colleague, they first seek out the
colleague to manage the problem. If this effort fails, the professional then seeks the assistance of
supervisors, consultants, or other professionals in efforts to address the conflict.
STANDARD 20 Human service professionals have a duty to respond appropriately to unethical behavior of
colleagues. This generally means first discussing the issue directly with the colleague in question, unless
there are extenuating circumstances, such as concerns about repercussions due to an existing power
relationship. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached or extenuating circumstances exist, the professional
should report the colleague's behavior to a supervisor. If the potential unethical behavior is seen as
egregious, then the individual should report the behavior to the colleague’s professional association,
credentialing board, police, and/or other administrators or boards, as appropriate.
STANDARD 21 Clients have a right to information discussed between their helper and other professionals,
except when state or federal law notes otherwise. All information discussed among professionals should be
kept confidential from all others, except when withholding information would lead to harm to clients, others,
or communities.
RESPONSIBILITY TO EMPLOYERS
STANDARD 22 Human service professionals honor their commitments to employers to the fullest extent
possible.
STANDARD 23 Human service professionals participate in efforts to establish and maintain employment
conditions which are conducive to high quality client services. Whenever possible, they assist in evaluating
the effectiveness of the agency through reliable and valid assessment measures.
STANDARD 24 When a conflict arises between fulfilling the responsibility to the employer and the
responsibility to the client, human service professionals work with all involved to manage the conflict.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION
STANDARD 25 Human service professionals seek the training, experience, education, and supervision
necessary to ensure their effectiveness in working with culturally diverse individuals, families, and
communities.
STANDARD 26 Human service professionals provide services only within their expertise and scope of
practice, recognizing the limits to their knowledge and skills.
STANDARD 27 Human service professionals must accurately represent their qualifications,
encompassing, but not limited to, their skills, education, credentials, training, and areas of expertise, to the
client, colleagues, and members of the public. When any intentional or accidental misrepresentation is
discovered, they must take immediate action to rectify the situation.
STANDARD 28 Human service professionals must pursue relevant consultation and supervision to guide
their decision-making in the face of legal, ethical, or other complex dilemmas.
STANDARD 29 Human service professionals promote cooperation across related disciplines, aiming to
enhance professional development and maximize the benefits of inter-professional collaboration for clients
at all levels.
STANDARD 30 Human service professionals are committed to the continued development of the field.
They promote professional association memberships, support research initiatives, foster educational
advancement, advocate for appropriate legislative actions, and engage in other professional development
activities.
STANDARD 31 Human service professionals continually seek out new and effective approaches to
enhance their professional abilities and use techniques that are evidence-based. When practicing
techniques that are experimental or new, they inform clients of the status of such techniques as well as the
possible risks and gain client consent for their usage.
STANDARD 32 Human service professionals engage in research that upholds ethical standards, meets
institutional standards, and maintains scientific integrity. Such research accounts for cross-cultural and
diversity bias and is reported with transparency regarding its limitations.
STANDARD 33 Human service professionals exercise discretion in sharing personal information on social
media, knowing that they reflect the profession of human services. They also reflect on how their public
behavior might impact their personal reputation and the perception of their professional community.
RESPONSIBILITY TO SELF
STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse
backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their
relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
STANDARD 35 Human service professionals are committed to their personal growth and well-being to
ensure they provide the highest quality service to clients. Should they become aware of any physical,
emotional, or psychological impediments to their ability to serve clients effectively, they direct clients to
appropriate alternative services and seek measures for personal remediation of such impediments via
consultation, treatment, or education.
STANDARD 36 Human service professionals are dedicated to lifelong learning, consistently seeking to
enhance their knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.
RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS
STANDARD 37 Human service educators develop and implement teaching methodologies that are
culturally sensitive, using pedagogical approaches that recognize student’s diverse backgrounds and
perspectives.
STANDARD 38 Human service educators commit to fostering equity and inclusion, actively employing
measures to ensure educational accessibility for students of all abilities.
STANDARD 39 Human service educators uphold high standards of scholarship in their academic,
pedagogical, and professional engagements. They remain abreast of developments in the field through
active participation in professional associations, attendance at workshops and conferences, and
engagement in both the review and conduct of research.
STANDARD 40 Human service educators recognize and acknowledge the contributions of students to
their work including, but not limited to, case material, grants, workshops, research, publications, and other
related activities.
STANDARD 41 Human service educators monitor students' field experiences to ensure the quality of the
placement site, the supervisory experience, and that the educational outcomes align with the objectives of
personal, professional, academic, career, and civic development of the student. When students experience
potentially harmful situations during field placements, educators provide appropriate investigations and
respond as necessary to safeguard the student.
STANDARD 42 Human service educators establish and uphold appropriate guidelines regarding student
disclosure of sensitive or personal information. This involves providing students with advance notice of any
activities requiring self-disclosure, offering students the option to opt-out of in-depth self-disclosure when
reasonable, and ensuring that there are processes in place to discuss and debrief these activities.
STANDARD 43 Human service educators acknowledge the inherent power imbalance in their relationships
with students and are committed to defining and upholding clear ethical and professional boundaries. This
commitment includes avoiding any behavior that is demeaning, embarrassing, or exploitative. Human
service educators are dedicated to treating all students with fairness and equity, actively working to
eliminate discrimination in all forms, and ensuring a respectful and inclusive educational environment.
STANDARD 44 Human service educators ensure that students are familiar with, guided by, and held
accountable to the ethical standards and policies established by their academic program or department,
the specific guidelines outlined in the course syllabus by the instructor, the expectations of their advisors,
and the Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.
Copyright © 2024 National Organization for Human Services. All rights reserved. Note: This document may
be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial purposes only. Any reproduction,
modification, distribution, transmission, or commercial use of this document, or any part thereof, without prior
written permission is strictly prohibited.
– Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
– National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
– Preamble
– Responsibility to the Public and Society
– Responsibility to Colleagues
– Responsibility to Employers
– Responsibility to the Profession
– Responsibility to Self
– STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
– Responsibility to Students
**## Week7Discussio1.docx**
Week 7 Discussion: Practicing Ethics
Practicing ethics is central to your role a HSPP and is essential for the profession as a whole to maintain credibility and trust with service users and the wider public. Practicing ethics can be challenging when two ethical decisions may be in conflict. For example, you have to protect a service user’s right to confidentiality until doing so could cause harm to the service user or others. Knowing if a service user is going to act in a way that may be harmful to themselves or others may require a judgment call based on consultation with colleagues or supervisors. How do you err on the side of caution, when the consequences of either decision may be undesirable: the potential harm or danger the service user could cause to themselves or others; or the violation of confidentiality that could damage the service user’s relationship to the HSPP or other providers?
For this Discussion, you will apply ethical standards to a critical incident and consider how to analyze potential conflicts between ethical standards and legal obligations.
· Review the Learning Resources and Course Announcements.
· Review the Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
· Research news articles from the past year for a critical incident that highlights a situation where an ethical choice may conflict with the legal obligations for HSPPs.
· Choose one of the Ethical Standards found within the NOHS Ethical Standards that relates to the critical incident from the past year.
· Review the Human Services Ethical Decision Model (Eber, 2018,p.34) in the Learning Resources.
By Day 4
**Post a response to the following:**
·
**Briefly describe a critical incident from the news in the past year and how it relates to one of the Ethical Standards found within the NOHS Ethical Standards.**
·
**Explain why the ethical standard could be challenging to apply in the critical incident and how it may conflict with an HSPP’s legal obligations.**
·
**Explain which step in the human services ethical decision model (Eber, 2018) would you find most challenging if you were confronted with a similar situation. In your explanation, include who you would consult to assist in your decision-making process, and whether you think the situation requires you to err on the side of your ethical or legal obligations. Provide a rationale for your choice.**
Eber, P. A. (2018).
[A pedagogical approach to ethical decision making in a human services curriculumLinks to an external site.](http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/assets/Conference/2017%20NOHS%20Proceedings%20Final.pdf), presented at NOHS National Conference. Des Moines, IA, 2017: National Organizations for Human Services.
**Note:** Go to page 34 of the document to find the Human Services Ethical Decision Model.
National Organization for Human Services. (2015).
[Ethical standards for human services professionals.Links to an external site.](https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals)
Tarvydas, V. M., Levers, L. L., & Teahen, P. R. (2017).
[Ethical guidelines for mass trauma and complex humanitarian emergencies.Links to an external site.](https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=123715852&site=ehost-live&scope=site&authtype=shib&custid=s6527200) _Journal of Counseling & Development,_ 95(3), 260-268.
**## ethics-code-2024.pdf**
Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
Ethical Standards Subjects
Preamble Responsibility to the Public & Society
Responsibility to Clients Responsibility to Employers
Responsibility to Colleagues Responsibility to Self
Responsibility to the Profession Responsibility to Students
PREAMBLE
The field of human services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human
needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of
problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations. The
human services profession is one which promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not
only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, and
coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.
Ethics Code Purpose:
The purpose of this ethics code is to establish a set of principles and standards to guide decision-making
and conduct for all human services professionals. It serves to safeguard the well-being of clients, uphold
the integrity of the profession, and foster trust and respect in all professional relationships. This code is
designed to promote excellence in service delivery, ensure ethical practice in diverse social contexts, and
address ethical dilemmas with professionalism and moral clarity. By adhering to this code, members
commit to the highest standards of ethical behavior of their field which transcend legal requirements, foster
enduring trust and respect, and advance the principles of human dignity, social justice, and responsible
stewardship of the care placed in them by clients and society towards making profound contributions to
their well-being.
Persons who use this code include members of the National Organization for Human Services, students in
relevant academic degree programs, faculty in those same programs, researchers, administrators,
practitioners, employers, supervisors, and others in community agencies who identify with the human
services field (henceforth all are referred to throughout this code as human service professionals). The
ethical standards are organized according to defined professional domains.
This ethics code emphasizes our unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making, a cornerstone of the
human services profession. This commitment obliges all human service professionals to engage in
continuous reflection, prioritize the welfare and rights of service recipients, and navigate complex ethical
landscapes with diligence and moral clarity. It mandates the seeking of counsel and adherence to
established ethical guidelines when confronting dilemmas, and ensures decisions are made with integrity
and transparency.
RESPONSIBILITY TO CLIENTS
STANDARD 1 Human service professionals recognize and build on client and community strengths.
STANDARD 2 At the beginning of the helping relationship, human service professionals obtain informed
consent for services from clients. Clients should be informed that they may withdraw consent at any time
and can ask questions before agreeing to the services. Clients who are unable to give consent should have
those who are legally responsible for them review an informed consent statement document and provide
appropriate consent. In the case of mandated services, human service professionals explain to clients their
right to consent, including limitations to confidentiality and privacy, and possible consequences from
service refusal.
STANDARD 3 Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except
when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state
otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals
inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship.
STANDARD 4 When a human service professional suspects a client's behavior may endanger themselves
or others, they must take appropriate and professional actions to ensure safety, which may include
consulting, seeking supervision, or, in accordance with state and federal laws, breaching confidentiality.
STANDARD 5 Human service professionals recognize the potential harm and impaired judgment resulting
from dual or multiple relationships with clients. If such relationships cannot be avoided, professionals must
assess whether to limit or forego the professional relationship and make appropriate referrals as needed.
STANDARD 6 Human service professionals must not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with
current clients. In the case of former clients, their friends, or family, professionals must thoroughly assess
any potential harm or exploitative dynamics before considering such relationships.
STANDARD 7 Human service professionals ensure that their values or biases are not imposed upon their
clients.
STANDARD 8 Human service professionals are responsible for safeguarding the integrity, safety, and
security of client records. Client information, whether in written or electronic form, can only be shared with
other professionals with the client's prior written consent, unless required or allowed by law or during
professional supervision.
STANDARD 9 When providing services through the use of technology, human service professionals take
precautions to ensure and maintain confidentiality and comply with all relevant laws and requirements
regarding storing, transmitting, and retrieving data. In addition, human service professionals ensure that
clients are aware of any issues and concerns related to confidentiality, service issues, and how technology
might negatively or positively impact the helping relationship.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC AND SOCIETY
STANDARD 10 Human service professionals are committed to delivering services equitably, ensuring
inclusion and accessibility, and respective diversity by valuing and affirming differences in age, ethnicity,
culture, race, ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, language preference, religion, sexual
orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, and other identities associated with historically marginalized
groups.
STANDARD 11 Human service professionals are knowledgeable about their cultures and communities
within which they practice. They are aware of diversity in society and its impact on the community as well
as individuals within the community. They respect the cultures and beliefs of individuals and groups.
STANDARD 12 Human service professionals have a duty to be informed about relevant local, state, and
federal laws. They bear the responsibility to advocate for amendments or changes in regulations and
statutes when they conflict with the ethical standards and/or the rights of clients.
STANDARD 13 Human service professionals stay informed about current social issues as they affect
clients and communities. If appropriate to the helping relationship, they share this information with clients,
groups, and communities as part of their work.
STANDARD 14 Human service professionals are aware of social and political issues, comprehend their
effects on clients, and recognize how the impact of such issues vary among individuals from diverse
backgrounds.
STANDARD 15 Human service professionals must establish processes to identify client needs and assets,
actively draw attention to them, and facilitate planning and advocacy at individual, community, and societal
levels to address them.
STANDARD 16 Human service professionals advocate for social justice and seek to eliminate oppression.
They raise awareness about systems of discrimination and inequity that affect historically minoritized and
marginalized groups and advocate for systemic change to address these inequalities within their
workplace, communities, and legislative systems.
STANDARD 17 Human service professionals accurately represent the effectiveness of their treatment
programs, interventions, and techniques, substantiating claims with empirical data and/or sound theoretical
inferences whenever feasible.
RESPONSIBILITY TO COLLEAGUES
STANDARD 18 Human service professionals avoid duplicating another professional's helping relationship
with a client. With written permission from their client, human service professionals consult with other
professionals who are assisting the client in a different type of relationship when it is in the best interest of
the client to do so.
STANDARD 19 When human service professionals have a conflict with a colleague, they first seek out the
colleague to manage the problem. If this effort fails, the professional then seeks the assistance of
supervisors, consultants, or other professionals in efforts to address the conflict.
STANDARD 20 Human service professionals have a duty to respond appropriately to unethical behavior of
colleagues. This generally means first discussing the issue directly with the colleague in question, unless
there are extenuating circumstances, such as concerns about repercussions due to an existing power
relationship. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached or extenuating circumstances exist, the professional
should report the colleague's behavior to a supervisor. If the potential unethical behavior is seen as
egregious, then the individual should report the behavior to the colleague’s professional association,
credentialing board, police, and/or other administrators or boards, as appropriate.
STANDARD 21 Clients have a right to information discussed between their helper and other professionals,
except when state or federal law notes otherwise. All information discussed among professionals should be
kept confidential from all others, except when withholding information would lead to harm to clients, others,
or communities.
RESPONSIBILITY TO EMPLOYERS
STANDARD 22 Human service professionals honor their commitments to employers to the fullest extent
possible.
STANDARD 23 Human service professionals participate in efforts to establish and maintain employment
conditions which are conducive to high quality client services. Whenever possible, they assist in evaluating
the effectiveness of the agency through reliable and valid assessment measures.
STANDARD 24 When a conflict arises between fulfilling the responsibility to the employer and the
responsibility to the client, human service professionals work with all involved to manage the conflict.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION
STANDARD 25 Human service professionals seek the training, experience, education, and supervision
necessary to ensure their effectiveness in working with culturally diverse individuals, families, and
communities.
STANDARD 26 Human service professionals provide services only within their expertise and scope of
practice, recognizing the limits to their knowledge and skills.
STANDARD 27 Human service professionals must accurately represent their qualifications,
encompassing, but not limited to, their skills, education, credentials, training, and areas of expertise, to the
client, colleagues, and members of the public. When any intentional or accidental misrepresentation is
discovered, they must take immediate action to rectify the situation.
STANDARD 28 Human service professionals must pursue relevant consultation and supervision to guide
their decision-making in the face of legal, ethical, or other complex dilemmas.
STANDARD 29 Human service professionals promote cooperation across related disciplines, aiming to
enhance professional development and maximize the benefits of inter-professional collaboration for clients
at all levels.
STANDARD 30 Human service professionals are committed to the continued development of the field.
They promote professional association memberships, support research initiatives, foster educational
advancement, advocate for appropriate legislative actions, and engage in other professional development
activities.
STANDARD 31 Human service professionals continually seek out new and effective approaches to
enhance their professional abilities and use techniques that are evidence-based. When practicing
techniques that are experimental or new, they inform clients of the status of such techniques as well as the
possible risks and gain client consent for their usage.
STANDARD 32 Human service professionals engage in research that upholds ethical standards, meets
institutional standards, and maintains scientific integrity. Such research accounts for cross-cultural and
diversity bias and is reported with transparency regarding its limitations.
STANDARD 33 Human service professionals exercise discretion in sharing personal information on social
media, knowing that they reflect the profession of human services. They also reflect on how their public
behavior might impact their personal reputation and the perception of their professional community.
RESPONSIBILITY TO SELF
STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse
backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their
relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
STANDARD 35 Human service professionals are committed to their personal growth and well-being to
ensure they provide the highest quality service to clients. Should they become aware of any physical,
emotional, or psychological impediments to their ability to serve clients effectively, they direct clients to
appropriate alternative services and seek measures for personal remediation of such impediments via
consultation, treatment, or education.
STANDARD 36 Human service professionals are dedicated to lifelong learning, consistently seeking to
enhance their knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.
RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS
STANDARD 37 Human service educators develop and implement teaching methodologies that are
culturally sensitive, using pedagogical approaches that recognize student’s diverse backgrounds and
perspectives.
STANDARD 38 Human service educators commit to fostering equity and inclusion, actively employing
measures to ensure educational accessibility for students of all abilities.
STANDARD 39 Human service educators uphold high standards of scholarship in their academic,
pedagogical, and professional engagements. They remain abreast of developments in the field through
active participation in professional associations, attendance at workshops and conferences, and
engagement in both the review and conduct of research.
STANDARD 40 Human service educators recognize and acknowledge the contributions of students to
their work including, but not limited to, case material, grants, workshops, research, publications, and other
related activities.
STANDARD 41 Human service educators monitor students' field experiences to ensure the quality of the
placement site, the supervisory experience, and that the educational outcomes align with the objectives of
personal, professional, academic, career, and civic development of the student. When students experience
potentially harmful situations during field placements, educators provide appropriate investigations and
respond as necessary to safeguard the student.
STANDARD 42 Human service educators establish and uphold appropriate guidelines regarding student
disclosure of sensitive or personal information. This involves providing students with advance notice of any
activities requiring self-disclosure, offering students the option to opt-out of in-depth self-disclosure when
reasonable, and ensuring that there are processes in place to discuss and debrief these activities.
STANDARD 43 Human service educators acknowledge the inherent power imbalance in their relationships
with students and are committed to defining and upholding clear ethical and professional boundaries. This
commitment includes avoiding any behavior that is demeaning, embarrassing, or exploitative. Human
service educators are dedicated to treating all students with fairness and equity, actively working to
eliminate discrimination in all forms, and ensuring a respectful and inclusive educational environment.
STANDARD 44 Human service educators ensure that students are familiar with, guided by, and held
accountable to the ethical standards and policies established by their academic program or department,
the specific guidelines outlined in the course syllabus by the instructor, the expectations of their advisors,
and the Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.
Copyright © 2024 National Organization for Human Services. All rights reserved. Note: This document may
be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial purposes only. Any reproduction,
modification, distribution, transmission, or commercial use of this document, or any part thereof, without prior
written permission is strictly prohibited.
– Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals
– National Organization for Human Services adopted 2024
– Preamble
– Responsibility to the Public and Society
– Responsibility to Colleagues
– Responsibility to Employers
– Responsibility to the Profession
– Responsibility to Self
– STANDARD 34 Human service professionals maintain awareness of their own cultural and diverse backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of these factors on their relationships with others and commit to delivering culturally competent services to all clients.
– Responsibility to Students