Individuals, couples, and families. These groups can benefit from human services. However, each group has a unique set of issues and needs.
The individual has a focus on that person’s needs and situation. The individual works directly with a facilitator to tackle their issues and work towards their goal.
The focus is on the relationship when couples or families are offered services. The facilitator works with the unit (couple or family) to tackle the issues that affects the unit.
There are many general ethical and legal considerations no matter what group is getting services:
Confidentiality – Respect the privacy of the client. This is both ethical and legal. This falls under HIPAA.
Informed Consent – You must inform the client of the services they could receive. (Full disclosure) The client must voluntarily accept to participate with the services.
Non-Discrimination – Ethical and legal (anti-discrimination law). The facilitator can not discriminate against race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
There are added ethical and legal considerations when providing services to couples and families:
Conflicts of Interest – Must be avoided. Can not show favoritism or take sides.
Child Protection – The facilitator has a mandatory responsibility to report any suspected neglect or abuse.
Domestic Violence – Some states are mandatory responsibility states where the facilitator
must report suspected domestic violence. Important to know the signs of domestic violence and how to respond.
Ethical and legal considerations are the same across all groups for some services. However, the differences for individual and family services are very important. The facilitator must know the differences and practice accordingly.
