Ethical issues in community interventions

What do we mean by ethics? Doing no harm Respecting people's as ends, not means Respecting participant's ability to play a role on what they need Respect everyone's human, civil, and legal rights. Doing what is best for everyone Not abusing your position

Why is ethical behavior important in community interventions? Program effectiveness Standing in the community Moral credibility and leadership Professional and legal issues

What are the ethical issues that need to be considered, and how do they play out in community interventions?

1. Confidentiality Program possibilities: No one will have access to records of a participant without her permission Information may be shared among staff members for purposes of consultation Information may be shared with other programs in which the participant is involved Information is submitted to funding sources as documentation of services provided Information is not confidential

2. Consent Consent to sharing of information Informed consent for services, treatment, research, or program conditions Community consent

3. Disclosure Disclosure to participants of the conditions of the program they're in Disclosure of participant information to other individuals, agencies, etc Disclosure of any conflict of interest

4. Competence The organization can accomplish its goals under reasonable circumstances

5. Conflict of interest Point it out to whoever needs to know Eliminate the conflict situation

6. Grossly unethical behavior Sexual relationships, exploit, fraud, discrimination, criminal behavior, etc

7. General ethical responsibilities to funders to staff members to participants to the community