Aacc code of ethics

AACC Y-2014 Code of Ethics 1

American Association of Christian Counselors

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AACC Code of Ethics ********************************************************************************************************

Y-2014 Code of Ethics

Developed by the

AACC Law and Ethics Committee

AACC Y-2014 Code of Ethics 2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) would like to recognize the following individuals for their time, diligence, contributions and professional expertise given to the AACC regarding the Y-2014 Code of Ethics for Christian Counselors: Executive Draft Committee

 Timothy E. Clinton, Ed.D., President, AACC

 Eric Scalise, Ph.D., Vice President for Professional Development, AACC

 David Jenkins, Psy.D.

 Ken Nichols, Psy.D.

 George Ohlschlager, J.D., MSW

 Jeanneane Maxon, J.D.

 John Sandy, J.D.

AACC Y-2014 Code of Ethics 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface to the Y-2014 Revised Code .............................................................................................. 7

Applicability of the Code ................................................................................................................ 8

Introduction and Mission ............................................................................................................... 9

Biblical and Ethical Foundations of the AACC Ethics Code ......................................................... 12

I. Ethical Standards ...................................................................................................................... 13

ES1-000: A Judeo-Christian Worldview – Practicing through Faith and Values ............... 13 ES1-010: Affirming Human Worth and Dignity ............................................................... 13 ES1-020: An Orientation of Beneficence ......................................................................... 13

ES1-100: Compassion in Christian Counseling – A Call to Servanthood ............................ 13 ES1-110: No Harm or Exploitation Allowed .................................................................... 13 ES1-120: Refusal to Participate in Harmful Activities of Clients ..................................... 14 ES1-130: Sexual Misconduct Forbidden .......................................................................... 16 ES1-140: Dual and Multiple Relationships ...................................................................... 17

ES1-200: Competence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Excellence ............................... 18 ES1-210: Honoring the Call to Competent Christian Counseling .................................... 18 ES1-220: Duties to Study and Maintain Expertise ........................................................... 19 ES1-230: Maintaining Integrity in Work, Reports and Relationships .............................. 19 ES1-240: Duties to Consult and/or Refer ........................................................................ 19 ES1-250: Consultation Practice ....................................................................................... 20 ES1-260: Protective Action When Personal Problems Interfere ..................................... 20

ES1-300: Consent in Christian Counseling – A Call to Integrity ......................................... 21 ES1-310: Securing Informed Consent .............................................................................. 21 ES1-320: Consent in the Structure and Process of Counseling ....................................... 21 ES1-330: Consent for Biblical and Spiritual Practices in Counseling ............................... 22 ES1-340: Special Consent for More Difficult Interventions ............................................ 22 ES1-350: Changes in the Counselor’s Role ...................................................................... 22

ES1-400: Confidentiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to Trustworthiness .................. 22 ES1-410: Maintaining Client Confidentiality ................................................................... 23 ES1-420: Asserting Confidentiality or Privilege Following Demands for Disclosure ....... 23 ES1-430: Protecting Persons from Deadly Harm – The Rule of Mandatory Disclosure .. 23 ES1-440: Disclosure for Supervision, Consults, Teaching, Preaching and Publication ... 24 ES1-450: Maintaining Privacy and Preserving Written Records ..................................... 25 ES1-460: Advocacy for Privacy Rights Against intrusive Powers..................................... 25

ES1-500: Cultural Regard in Christian Counseling – A Call to Dignity ............................... 25 ES1-510: Affirming the Worth and Value of Others ........................................................ 25 ES1-520: Cultural Competency ........................................................................................ 25

AACC Y-2014 Code of Ethics 4

ES1-530: Working with Persons of Different Faiths, Religions and Values ..................... 25 ES1-540: Cultural Sensitivity ............................................................................................ 26 ES1-550: Action if Value Differences Interfere with Counseling ..................................... 26

ES1-600: Case Management in Christian Counseling – A Call to Soundness .................... 26 ES1-610: Treatment Planning .......................................................................................... 26 ES1-620: Case Notes and Proper Record-Keeping .......................................................... 27 ES1-630: Working with Couples, Families, and Groups .................................................. 27 ES1-640: Continuity of Care and Service Interruption .................................................... 28

ES1-700: Collegiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to Relationship .............................. 29 ES1-710: Relationships in the Professional and Ministerial Workplace ......................... 29 ES1-720: Christian Counselors as Employers .................................................................. 30 ES1-730: Christian Counselors as Employees .................................................................. 30 ES1-740: Base Standards for Educators and Supervisors ................................................ 31 ES1-750: Specific Standards for Counselor Education Programs .................................... 32 ES1-760: Specific Standards for Counselor Supervision Programs ................................. 34

ES1-800: Community Presence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Humility .................... 35 ES1-810: Advertising and Public Relations ...................................................................... 36 ES1-820: Statements in Public Communications ............................................................ 36 ES1-830: Communications of Association with the AACC and Other Groups ................ 36 ES1-840: Communication of Work Products and Training Materials ............................. 36 ES1-850: Testimonials ..................................................................................................... 37 ES1-860: Guidelines in Public Statement by Others ....................................................... 37 ES1-870: Ethical Relationships with the State and Other Social Systems ....................... 37 ES1-880: Writing and Publication Ethics in Christian Counseling ................................... 37 ES1-890: Ethical Standards for Christian Counseling Researchers.................................. 38

II. Use of Technology and Technology-related Applications ..................................................... 41

ES2-000: Additional Ethical Standards in the Use of Technology...................................... 41 ES2-010: Technology Orientation.................................................................................... 41

ES2-100: Core Ethical Standards in the Use of Technology ............................................... 41 ES2-110: Compassion in Technology Applications .......................................................... 41 ES2-120: Competence in Technology Applications ......................................................... 42 ES2-130: Consent in Technology Applications ................................................................ 43 ES2-140: Confidentiality in Technology Applications ...................................................... 43 ES2-150: Cultural Regard in Technology Applications .................................................... 44 ES2-160: Case Management in Technology Applications ............................................... 44 ES2-170: Collegiality in Technology Applications ............................................................ 44 ES2-180: Community Presence in Technology Applications ........................................... 44

III. Additional Ethical Standards for Licensed and Professional Christian Counselors ............. 45