1. Changes in the ASCA Ethical Code for School Counselors
Developing an Ethics Based Mindset
Presented by Betty White, MEd., LPC-S

2. Changes in the Code Code in 2004-4 pages-little detail
Code in pages-more detail
Code in pages-MORE detail
Changes in the Code

3. Ethical Counselors keep copies of the Ethical Code within easy reach at home and in all work settings.
Ethical Counselors consult the code on a regular basis, even when there are no pressing questions.
Ethical Counselors read and study ethical dilemmas and their solutions.
The Ethical Mindset

4. Ethical Counselors know the steps in ethical decision making and how to implement them.
Ethical Counselors keep a “stable” of trusted colleagues with differing practices and views to contact for consultation.
Ethical Counselors consult on a regular basis with others in similar practices.
The Ethical Mindset

5. Ethical Counselors are always mindful of the 5 broad tenets of ethical practice-Beneficence, Non-maleficence; Fidelity, Autonomy, and Justice.
Ethical Counselors offer informed consent to all clients at an age appropriate level.
Ethical Counselors are always mindful of their own values and the importance of not projecting those values onto their clients.
The Ethical Mindset

6. Ethical Counselors educate stakeholders as to the tenets of their ethical code and the restrictions placed upon them by that code.
Ethical Counselors are willing to stand up for their ethical code and, when change from within is not possible, to “vote with their feet” by moving on to a position where they can be ethical.
Ethical Counselors are continuously involved in self-care and self-improvement in all areas of their lives.
The Ethical Mindset

7. The code is longer and more detailed, but sections are streamlined
The code is longer and more detailed, but sections are streamlined. There are fewer sections, and the organization groups topics in a logical manner.
The Section on Multicultural and Social Justice Advocacy was eliminated, but the subject manner within it was rolled into other sections.
Bullying, Harassment, and Child Abuse was added as a designated sub-section
Added a sub-section on Underserved and At Risk Populations
Added a section on Virtual/Distance School Counseling
Changes in ASCA Code

8. Changes in ASCA Code In section A.1-
Language has been added about providing counseling in a brief context and supporting families in obtaining services for long term clinical counseling.
Adds, ”does not diagnose but remains acutely aware of how a student’s diagnosis can potentially affect the student’s academic success.”
‘Respects students’ and families’ values, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identification/expression and cultural background and exercise great care to avoid imposing personal beliefs or values…
Added “electronic relationships” to those that can be inappropriate with students.
Changes in ASCA Code

9. Changes in ASCA Code In Section A.2-
Adds language that states that school counselors should promote awareness of their ethical standards as regards confidentiality.
Beefs up informed consent and holds counselors to a higher standard.
In sub-sections m,n,o us very specific and detailed about safe-guarding electronic information and the counselor’s role in promoting and insuring that electronic data is encrypted in such a way as to protect sensitive student information.
Changes in ASCA Code

10. Section A.3 is new and describes a Comprehensive, Data-Informed Program and how counselors are to assess student needs, gather data and determine needed interventions, and report outcome to stakeholders. This is the most strongly worded directive to counselors that has been in any of the ethical codes to this point.
Changes in ASCA Code

11. Changes in ASCA Code Section A.5-
Goes into great detail about maintaining professional relationships with students at all times and details how counselors should document the nature of interactions that extend beyond conventional parameters.
Adds a section on dual relationships with students’ families and parents or guardians.
Is explicit about avoiding dual relationships that involve direct discipline, teaching classes that involve grading, and accepting administrative duties in the absence of an administrator.
Admonishes against using personal electronic media and is also very direct in advising only professional, sanctioned participation in electronic media exchanges with school personnel, students, and parents or guardians.
Changes in ASCA Code

12. Changes in ASCA Code Section A.6-
Goes into great detail about the referral process and working with other professionals in a collaborative manner.
Section A.7
Adds additional parameters for group work including the charge that only evidence driven practices be used and that data be gathered to measure the efficacy of the group.
Changes in ASCA Code

13. Changes in ASCA Code Section A.8
Deals with serious and forseeable harm to self or others (wording change from danger to self and others)
Much more detailed and explicit-for example, prohibits releasing a student who is a danger to self or others without necessary support, and mandates reporting to parents or guardians in a variety of settings.
Cautions about the use of risk assessments and the dangers inherent in them. Suggests their use to help parents see that their child needs help, not to rule out danger to self or others.
Changes in ASCA Code

14. Changes in ASCA Code Section A.14 Adds guidelines about technology.
Section B.1
Includes new information about being sensitive to diversity among families.
Changes in ASCA Code

15. Changes in ASCA Code Section B.2
This section is about school counselor’s responsibilities to the school, and it includes advocating for a school counseling program free of non-counseling duties, providing support, mentoring and consultation to professionals in need of assistance when in the scope of the counselor’s role, providing leadership for systemic change and working with officials to remove barriers that impede the effectiveness of the school counseling program.
This section also includes many new mandates for professional collaboration, cultural competence, communication with families, and working as a change agent.
Changes in ASCA Code

16. Changes in ASCA Code Section D
This section has been expanded and contains detailed information about counseling intern site supervisors and their role in preparing new counselors for their roles. IF you supervise either interns for practicum or for LPC internships, this section should be read in detail, as it contains many new guidelines and mandates.
Changes in ASCA Code

17. It is YOUR responsibility to cultivate the ethical mindset that will enable you to be the most effective counselor you can be.
Parting Thoughts