Name: _Kim DeBoth_________________
Ethical Problem Solving: Review and Demonstration of Competence
Introduction to Psychological Consultation
In class activity: Describe a current or recent situation in which a potential ethical
dilemma presented itself. Work through this problem-solving model and turn it in at
the end of class today. This assignment will be scored on the rubric listed in the
syllabus, but you will be asked to revise it if you do not demonstrate satisfactory
competence (80%) from a professional training standpoint.
This is based on the Koocher and Keith-Spiegel (2008) ethical problem-solving
model. You may use the back of this sheet or attach additional pages if necessary to
complete each step.
1. Describe the problem
A school psychologist “liked” a Facebook post
situation. Objectively state
regarding a client she is serving.
the issue, using behavioral
statements.
2. Define the potential
Ethically, a dual relationship could develop from
ethical-legal issues. Be
the perspective of the parent and school
concise and objective.
psychologist. The parent could potentially view the
school psychologist as supporting her needs or
wishes. This could effect how objective the school
psychologist is in the case conference.
Also, a risk of breach of confidentiality and
violation of FERPA is possible because other
Facebook users could identify who the members of
the case conference are.
3. Consult available ethical- - Article 7 511 IAC 7-38-1 Access to and Disclosure
legal guidelines, including
of Educational Records: Section u- The public
NASP’s Principles, APA ethics, agency must not permit a third party access to
and IDEA, for example.
personally identifiable information from an
educational record for at least five (5) years
- APA 3.05: Multiple Relationships
- APA 4.01: Maintaining Confidentiality
- APA 4.02: Discussing Limits of Confidentiality
- APA 4.04: Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy
- APA 4.05: Disclosures
- NASP I.2.1 School psychologists respect the rights
of persons to self determine whether to disclosure
private information
- NASP I.2.5- Release confidential information only
when “need to know”
- NASP I.2.2- Minimize intrusion of privacy
- NASP III.4.2 No personal or multiple relationships
4. Consult with supervisors
and colleagues. Brainstorm
possible options.
5. Evaluate rights,
responsibilities, and
welfare of all affected
parties. Remember to
advocate for the child client,
and do no harm, in particular.
6. Consider alternative
solutions and the
consequences of each
decision. Pros and Cons of
each alternative.
that minimize professional effectiveness
- NASP III.4.4 Cautious of other multiple
relationships that minimize professional judgment
- FERPA 34 CFR § 99.31 No disclosure of
educational records without consent
1. To address the possible dual relationship, a
meeting could be recommended with the teacher
and parent. This meeting could also address
posting confidential information on facebook.
2. Unfriend teacher and unlike post
3. Discuss general Article 7 guidelines with the
teacher
4. If it is regarding the student, discuss the post in
the case conference
5. Do nothing
6. Delete Facebook account
7. Professional development for school regarding
social media
The student is the primary responsibility of the
school psychologist, followed by the parent. The
teacher, special education director and school
psychologist are also key members. The student’s
right to a confidential educational record is
imperative. The school psychologist also has a
strong responsibility to follow her supervisor’s
requests. The school psychologist also needs to
respect the teacher’s privacy and autonomy on
social media.
- By ‘unfriending’ the teacher, the school
psychologist decreases the risk for future problems
for the child and parent. It could also harm the
teacher because of risk of emotional harm.
- By ‘unliking’ the post could prevent future
problems for dual relationships.
- Having a conversation with the teacher regarding
Article 7 and social media could protect the client’s
privacy (and future clients’ privacy)
- Discussing the post in the case conference, could
clear up any confusion regarding the dual
relationship with all members of the committee.
- By doing nothing, the school psychologist would
not breach any further confidential information
- By doing professional development, it could
decrease liability for future risks of confidential
information.
7. Make a decision and take
responsibility for it. Which
solution is best and how will
you know if it worked?
The best solution appears to be to discuss the dual
relationship that potentially formed by ‘liking’ the
post in the case conference. This solution will
provide clarification to the parent regarding the
school psychologist’s motivation for liking the post
as well as re-establishing the professional
relationship needed for the case conference. During
this meeting, it is important to be clear,
professional and not overly explanative. Also, the
‘like’ of the facebook post should be removed to
avoid further ethical dilemmas. If this method
works the parent and school psychologist should
leave the meeting with a clear understanding of
everyone’s roles as well as standards of how to
proceed on social media. Any further concerns that
the parent has should be addressed as well.