PSY7705 U3D PDF

Preview

Summary

Unit 3 Discussion...

Description

Unit Three Discussion Case Scenarios Element 1.06D Chapter 6 of your Ethics for Behavior Analysts textbook explores different case scenarios related to BACB Ethical Element 1: Responsible Behavior of Behavior Analysts. This discussion focuses on BACB Ethical Code 1.06D, regarding not accepting any gifts from, or giving gifts to, clients. Post a substantive response to the following: Read Case 1.06D from your Ethics for Behavior Analysts textbook. Explain why not accepting gifts is an important element of this ethics code. Then, explain if you have ever been in a situation in which you have been offered a gift. How did you handle this situation? If you have not, explain how you may expect to respond if you are given a gift. Also, are there any exceptions to this rule? What if you are offered water, a cookie, or a picture drawn by a child? Answer:

I worked as a parapro for many years, I have had many wonderful children in the classroom and parents as well. Many times, the students gave me gifts, throughout the year for every holiday or school celebration. I have received everything from chocolates and flowers. On the contrary, the parents of our school PTO along with our administration team will both contribute to our Teacher Appreciation Week goodies all week long. Although we are regularly showered with gifts by students and parents, I do have to say that I have never been given a gift with the intention of receiving special treatment or a certain grade in return. As a BCBA, I can see how not accepting gifts is an important element of the ethics code. Being a BCBA is different than being a teacher. BCBAs have an ethical code that they must abide by and that if not followed appropriately, serious consequences may arise. (Bailey & Burch, 2016) Sometimes parents of clients might feel thankful, just like parents of students, so they may feel that a gift is an expression of their appreciation or gratitude towards the BCBA, not realizing the code that BCBAs have to follow. When a BCBA provides a service, money is being exchanged by the parent and BCBA, or the agency which the BCBA works for. This is considered a professional relationship and a parent might feel that once a gift is given to the BCBA and the BCBA accepts, the BCBA

now owes them a favor. According to Knox et al. (2003), once a gift is accepted by the BCBA, “the therapeutic process is affected.” Conflict may arise if the parent is to ask the BCBA to give special services, falsify documents, or similar requests that go against the BACBs Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. The BCBA may be placed in a bind between returning the favor for the gift and following the BACBs Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, impacting their professional conduct. Even though in some cultures not accepting gifts is considered disrespectful, it is important to always begin a professional relationship as a BCBA with parents by using the “Declaration of Professional Practice” so that they are completely aware ahead of time of what your reaction will be if they decide to offer you something as small as a cookie or water. (Bailey & Burch, 2016) In the future, as a BCBA, I expect to follow the BACBs Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts accordingly. I believe that in regards to this ethical code, I will definitely be using the Declaration of Professional Practice before I begin any service for any client. I most definitely would not like to be caught in a bind. I would not want to feel as if I owe a parent anything. I consider myself a professional and very ethical and I do not believe that a gift is worth losing the BCBA certification and potentially my career. I also do not feel that there is an exception to this rule. If offered water, a cookie, or a picture drawn by a child, I would politely decline. If they insisted I would continue to decline reassuring them that I am aware of their appreciation for my services and that it means a lot for them to offer but that I still have to refuse. If there was a third insistence, I would still decline in a polite and respectful manner but then I would remind them of theDeclaration of Professional Practice in the contract. If a child were to offer a drawing as a gift, I would admire it and ask them to hold it for me in a special place in their home where I could see it during every visit. I feel the way we

handle ourselves is how another person will respond to us and therefore when working as a BCBA, a BCBA should never cross the line and form a multiple relationship in order to avoid this gift offering situation potentially happening in the first place. References Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2016). Ethics for behavior analysts (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. Knox, S., Hess, S. A., Williams, E. N., & Hill, C. E. (2003). 'Here's a little something for you': How therapists respond to client gifts. Journal Of Counseling Psychology, 50(2), 199-210. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.50.2.199...