7 Step Model of Ethical Decision Making
ABS 104 Assignment 2 (15%)
This assignment relates to the following Course Learning Requirements:
- Apply knowledge of clinical standards and practice guidelines as appropriate to both hypothetical and real situations
- Demonstrate knowledge of relevant federal and provincial legislation
- Practice self-evaluation of knowledge and skills and identify areas for professional development
Objective of this Assignment: To assess which ethical guidelines may be violated in the scenario using the 7 step Model for Ethical Decision making and outline potential solutions
Instructions:
Read the following scenario and respond using the 7 Step Model of Ethical Decision Making.
Shawna is a therapist working in a home environment, and the parent has requested that as part of our session we go with them to the grocery store, shopping, and to the child’s swimming lessons. The reason that she wants us to come is that she feels these are problematic times for the family, and would really like some suggestions. Being in new public places can be difficult for the child and often causes him to start screaming. Therefore, she feels that she cannot do the normal things that parents and children do because of this. You know that this would help them function as a normal family and teach the child some skills if you could provide some small suggestions, however, you are worried that this may cause a dual relationship or cross professional boundaries. What would you do?
Template for 7 Step Model
| 7 Step Ethical Decision Making Model – Bailey |
| Step 1: Is this covered by the guidelines?
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| Step 2: What are the risks Involved?
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| Step 3: Who are the players Involved?
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| Step 4: What is the Ethics Contingency Plan?
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| Step 5: The Skills and Clout needed?
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| Step 6: The Implementation Plan?
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| Step 7: The evaluation of outcomes
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Rubric (10%):
Criteria/Level |
Does not meet Requirements |
Meets Requirements |
Exceeds Requirements |
Grade |
| Grading | Grade Range < 50% | Grade Range 50-79% | Grade Range 80%-100% | |
| Step 1 – Address which guidelines are in violation | Did not include all relevant information
Inaccurate information |
Included all pertinent and relevant information.
Demonstrated a superior understanding of the application of the guidelines |
/2 | |
| Step 2 – Outline the risks involved in the scenario
|
Did not include all relevant information
Inaccurate information
|
Included all pertinent and relevant information
|
/2 | |
| Step 3 – Outline of all of the relevant players involved
|
Did not include all relevant information
Inaccurate information
|
Included all pertinent and relevant information
|
/1 | |
| Step 4 – Outline of contingency plan
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Did not include all relevant information
Inaccurate information
|
Included all pertinent and relevant information
|
/1 | |
| Step 5 – Outline of skills and clout needed
|
Did not include all relevant information
Inaccurate information
|
Included all pertinent and relevant information
|
/1 | |
| Step 6 & 7 – Outline plan and how to evaluate outcomes | Did not include all relevant information
Inaccurate information
|
Included all pertinent and relevant information
|
/1 | |
| Quality of writing- Spelling and Grammar | Grammar errors are evident.
Over-use of jargon. Lacked depth and breadth. |
Evidence of grammar errors.
Not well organized. |
Free of grammar errors.
Able to communicate recommendations clearly. Well organized. |
/2 |
ANSWER
| 7 Step Ethical Decision Making Model – Bailey |
| Step 1: Is this covered by the guidelines?
Professional ethical guidelines have advised therapists to avoid crossing professional boundaries and dual relationships wherever possible. All the professionals in the field of therapy are required to comply with the code of ethics. All these codes demand that a therapist should refrain from entering into a dual relationship. This is because dual relationships influence the effectiveness, objectivity, harm, and risk exploration to harm.
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| Step 2: What are the Risks Involved?
The risks involved include the risk of boundary crossing and the risks of ethical violations associated with professional roles. Dual relationship leads to crossing professional boundaries since it has the potential of blurring the boundaries between the client and counselor, increase the potential for exploitation, the client and therapist can have different expectations and lead to a conflict of interest. |
| Step 3: Who are the players involved?
The players involved in the scenario include the parents, therapist, and the child. |
| Step 4: What is the Ethics Contingency Plan?
Since dual relationships cannot be avoided in this scenario, there is a need to take essential professional precautions such as consultation and role clarification to ensure that the judgment is not impaired. Consultations and credible decision-making procedures will be essential before having a full, reasonable, and knowledge of participation in the ongoing intervention.
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| Step 5: The Skills and Clout needed?
In this case, therapeutic skills were needed to evaluate the ethical and boundary skills that pose liability risks and pose malpractice. These are essential in recognizing unavoidable circumstances and challenging boundary issues. |
| Step 6: The Implementation Plan?
Shawn will offer the parents with comprehensive information about dual relationship and crossing boundary issues that arise in therapy. After the consultation, Shawn will explain to the parents the boundaries of our relationship and why it not possible and refer them to another provider |
| Step 7: The evaluation of outcomes
The decision is ethically sound since there is a clear explanation to the parent why it would not be professional to offer suggestions. Offering therapeutic suggestions would lead to the consequences of losing a professional license. Therefore, this decision would protect Shawn and critical players. |
