Ethics in Victim Services Minnesota Victim Assistance Academy 2019 This presentation is adapted from the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Training OVCTTAC oneday Ethics in Victim Services course ID: 769389
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Ethics in Victim Services Minnesota Victim Assistance Academy 2019
This presentation is adapted from the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Training (OVCTTAC) one-day Ethics in Victim Services course. It is an introduction to ethics in victim services. Jo and Rebecca are not “ethical gurus” or authorities.. Overview and Caveats
Increase self-awareness of how personal values, attitudes, biases, and beliefs influence responses to crime victims. Become familiar with the OVC ethical standards. Be able to identify unethical behaviors and practices. Be able to apply a standard decision-making process when faced with an ethical dilemma. Learning Objectives
What are values, morals, and ethics?
Values: the ideals or beliefs to which an individual or a group aspires.Morals: relate to making decisions between right and wrong. Ethics: articulation of standards of behavior that reflect those values or morals. Definitions
Set of standards based on proven and sound principles of conduct and quality of services. Created from within a profession as a means of articulating what constitutes excellence in the field. What are professional ethics?
Much of the time are complementary. May conflict at times in the professional relationship. When they do, the professional relationship that focuses on the interests of the person being helped should be prioritized. Personal Values v. Professional Ethics
Self-Awareness Inventory Handout and Discussion
OVC’s National Victim Assistance Standards Consortium released model program, competency, and ethical standards in 2003; updated in 2017. Ethical standards for victim assistance providers relate to scope of services, coordinating with the community, direct services, and administration and evaluation. OVC Model Standards
Find a partner at your table. Take a look at the handout listing the ethical standards. Discuss how a few of the standards apply to your own work.Share with your table. Discussion of Ethical Standards
Client autonomy, privacy, and self-determination. Objectivity and abstention from abuse. Honesty and equity of service. Compassion and respect for individuals.Social responsibility and confidentiality.Working within one’s range of competence. Foundations of OVC Ethical Standards
Maintain the interest of the victim while maintaining high professional standards. Do not discriminate. Withhold judgment. Establish and maintain boundaries. Responsibility to victims
Respect and protect the victim’s civil and legal rights. Obey current state and federal laws as well as agency policies. Do not give legal advice to victims. Do not represent yourself as a counselor, therapist, or specialist in a particular victim field unless you have the credentials. Legal and Social Responsibility
Identify potential conflicts of interest and make others aware of those conflicts. Conduct self in a manner that will promote mutual respect. Share knowledge and encourage proficiency and excellence in victim services. Responsibility to Self
Is It Ethical? Handout and Discussion
Take a minute to share with your table an ethical issue you have faced in your job. Common ethical issues often center around: boundary issues multiple relationships confidentialitylegal advocacy v. legal advice professional competence Common Ethical Issues
Assess facts. Identify the ethical standard(s) that applies. Brainstorm at least three courses of action and the consequences of each. Consult peers and/or supervisor.Choose the best option and act.Evaluate: how could this situation be avoided in the future? Ethical Decision-Making Process
Disclosing Victim Scenario Deborah Giles is a victim assistance provider in a prosecutor’s office. For the past five months, Deborah has been working with Paulina Mantegna, a young woman who is a victim of criminal sexual conduct. The case against Paulina’s rapist is about to plead out. A call has been patched through to Deborah’s home phone. As this scenario opens, we hear the phone ring in Deborah’s apartment. After watching the vignette, first identify the ethical issue(s) and then apply the standard decision making process.
Wrap-up and Questions