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PREAMBLE
The Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)
presents the following Statement of Ethical Guidelines
as a set of ideals for conduct of its individual members.
The Guidelines derive from CAPS' Statement of Faith, found
in Article 11 of the CAPS Constitution and By-Laws:
The basis of this organization is belief in: God, the
Father, who creates and sustains us; Jesus Christ, the
Son, who redeems and rules us; and the Holy Spirit,
who guides us personally and professionally, through
God's inspired Word, the Bible, our infallible guide
of faith and conduct, and through the communion of Christians.
These Guidelines are aimed at helping each member apply
the message of the Gospel to his or her professional or
pastoral service. The statements herein could not hope
to explore all the richness of the Bible as it relates
to ethical conduct. Rather, each believer in Christ has
the capacity–even the privilege and duty–to
explore the depths of God's Word and discover personal
guidance for daily living. The following scripturally
based principles exemplify the foundation upon which the
more specifically applied Guidelines are based. The cited
biblical passages are meant as representative sources,
not 'proof texts' for the concepts expressed.
Biblical Principles
We are, as human beings as well as Christians, prone
to hurts, conflicts and sin (Romans 3:23). Difficulties,
power struggles, trials and tribulations are normal and
to be expected (Psalms 37:7; John 16:33; Romans 2:9).
We are to grow and mature through the conflicts, problems,
trials, tribulations and discipline that we experience
(II Corinthians 7:8-13a; I Thessalonians 5:18;James 1:24).
We are to support and encourage each other (John 13:35;
15:17; Ephesians 4:32). We are to admonish and confront
each other, especially those Christians in positions of
leadership and trust. However, such confrontation is to
be constructive rather than judgmental, done in love and
with caution about our own shortcomings (Proverbs 27:5;
Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1). We are to demonstrate
the lordship of Christ in our lives by servant-like leadership,
a sense of community and a lifestyle that reflects the
will of God (Matthew 20:25-28; John 12:26; Colossians
3:12-17; 1 Peter 4:8-1 1). We are to reach out to others
in love and concern (Matthew 25:31-40; 11 Corinthians
1:3-7; Hebrews 13:16).
These Guidelines are meant in part as an encouragement
for all CAPS members to reach out to other members who
are in distress. They do not constitute a quasi-legal
document designed for disciplinary purposes by the organization.
The Guidelines are written with recognition of the priesthood
of all believers.
APPLICABILITY OF THE GUIDELINES
This Statement of Ethical Guidelines is applicable to
all current, dues-paid Regular Members and Associate Members
of CAPS. While CAPS is not a licensing or accrediting
agency, it does desire that members who provide mental
health, pastoral, teaching or other personal services
do so with the highest possible level of Christian ethics,
whether the member is a professional, layperson or student.
The Guidelines are therefore intended to benefit members,
their colleagues and the persons whom they serve.
ARTICLES OF THE ETHICAL GUIDELINES
Note: In an effort to avoid awkward and lengthy descriptions
of persons whom members serve or with whom they work,
the somewhat neutral word 'client' is used. According
to the perspective of members, words such as 'peer,' 'parishioner,'
"communicant," "patient,' 'helped,' 'counselee,'
"student,' 'subject,' or even 'prisoner' may be used.
Also the word 'service' or 'serving' is used frequently
in the guidelines to describe what members do. Again,
according to the perspective of members, words such as
'helping ministries,' 'psychological professions,' 'counseling,'
.ministering,' 'pastoring,' 'teaching,' or 'researching"
may be substituted. Admittedly, no word is neutral, since
language shapes and reflects reality. Thus, the word 'service'
or its derivatives is meant to reflect Christ's statement
that He came to serve, rather than to be served.
1. Personal Commitment
as a Christian
1.1 I agree with the basis of CAPS, as stated in the Constitution
and By-Laws.
1.2 I commit my service, whether as professional or layperson,
to God as a special calling.
1.3 I pledge to integrate all that I do in service with
Christian values, principles and guidelines.
1.4 I commit myself to Christ as Lord as well as Savior.
Thus, direction and wisdom from God will be sought, while
accepting responsibility for my own actions and statements.
1.5 I view my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and
will treat it lovingly and respectfully. Balance in my
priorities and activities will be prayerfully sought.
2. Loving Concern for Clients
2.1 Clients will be accepted regardless of race, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, income, education, ethnic
background, value system, etc., unless such a factor would
interfere appreciably with my ability to be of service.
2.2 I value human life, the sanctity of personhood, personal
freedom and responsibility and the privilege of informed
free choice by adults in matters of belief and action.
2.3 I will avoid exploiting or manipulating any client
to satisfy my own needs.
2.4 I will abstain from unnecessary or prurient invasion
of privacy.
2.5 I will take appropriate actions to help, even protect,
those persons within my area of responsibility who are
being endangered and are relatively dependent on other
persons for their survival and well being.
2.6 Sexual contact or sexual exploitation-both covert
and overt-with any client will be scrupulously avoided.
2.7 Members who provide professional services should make
advance financial arrangements that protect the best interest
of and are clearly understood by their clients. A portion
of their services should be contributed towards work for
which they receive little or no financial return.
3. Confidentiality
3.1 I will demonstrate utmost respect for the confidentiality
of the client and other persons in a professional or pastoral
relationship.
3.2 I will carefully protect the identity of clients and
their situations. Thus, I will avoid divulging information
about clients, whether privately or publicly, unless I
have received freely given, informed consent of the adult
client or legal holder of confidentiality privilege for
minor clients, in the form of expressed, written permission
and the release of such information would be appropriate
to the situation.
3.3 All records of counseling, teaching and research will
be handled in a way that protects the clients and the
nature of their situations from disclosure.
3.4 The limits of confidentiality, such as those based
on civil laws, regulations and judicial precedent, will
be explained to the client. Examples of limits or exceptions
to confidentiality include such situations as (1)legal
mandate, e.g., if child abuse is suspected or apparent;
(2)when divulging information would prevent a clear and
immediate danger to a person or persons; (3)legal proceedings
in which the member does not have privilege.
4. Competency in Services
Provided
4.1 I pledge to be well-trained and competent in providing
services.
4.2 I will refrain from implying that I have qualifications,
experiences and capabilities which are in fact lacking.
4.3 I will comply with applicable state and local laws
and regulations regarding competency in the psychological
and pastoral professions.
4.4 I will avoid using any legal exemptions from professional
competency afforded in certain states to churches and
other nonprofit organizations as a means of providing
services that are beyond my training and expertise.
4.5 I will diligently pursue additional education, experience,
professional consultation and spiritual growth in order
to improve my effectiveness in serving persons in need.
5. My Human Limitations
5.1 I will do my best to be aware of my human limitations
and biases. I admit that I do not have complete objectivity
or spiritual maturity. Thus, I also will endeavor to establish
and maintain a relationship of mutual accountability with
another Christian colleague or mentor.
5.2 I will avoid fostering any misconception a client
could have that I am omnipotent, or that I have all the
answers.
5.3 I will refer clients whom I am not capable of helping,
whether by lack of available time or expertise, or because
of subjective, personal reasons. The referral will be
done compassionately clearly and completely, insofar as
feasible.
5.4 I will resist efforts of any clients or colleagues
to place demands for services on me that exceed my qualifications
and/or the time available to minister, or that would impose
unduly on my relationships with my own family, other persons
or God.
6. Advertising and Promotional
Activities
6.1 I will advertise or promote my services by Christian
and professional standards, rather than only commercial
standards.
6.2 Personal aggrandizement will be omitted from advertising
and promotional activities.
6.3 Since CAPS is not a licensing or accrediting agency,
I will avoid using membership in CAPS as an advertising
promotional.
7. Research
7.1 Any research conducted will be done openly and will
not jeopardize the welfare of any persons who are research
subjects. The confidentiality of such subjects will be
protected. They will provide informed, written consent
f or their participation in the research.
8. Professional Liability
8.1 The value of professional liability ('malpractice")
insurance will be carefully considered, especially if
a lawsuit, whether justified or not, would possibly drain
financial resources of the organization with which I am
associated.
9. Pastoral Care Network
9.1 CAPS will establish a network of representatives who
will be available to respond to members in a pastoral
manner. These representatives will endeavor to respond
personally to members who seek their help or refer such
persons to appropriate sources of help. Ideally, as part
of the Body of Christ, the entire CAPS membership is intended
to function in this pastoral way. The Pastoral Care Network
provides deliberate structure to enhance this functioning.
10. Membership Revocation
and Restoration
10.1 Although CAPS will not enforce these Ethical Guidelines
with any investigative or disciplinary measure, I understand
that if my professional license or certification has been
revoked by any other professional organization or state
board, then I may lose my membership status with CAPS.
Such a decision will be made by a majority vote of the
CAPS Board of Directors.
10.2 In the event of such a loss of membership, a process
of reconciliation and restoration will be promptly instituted
under the auspices of the CAPS Pastoral Care Network.
11. General Prudential
Rule
11.1 Recognizing that no ethical guidelines are complete,
l make my day-to-day decisions based on the criteria and
principles stated in the Preamble. I will do my best to
serve and to live in a way that is congruent with the
stated basic principles of these guidelines and with my
faith as a Christian.
Further Discussion:
Paragraph 9 of the guidelines states that a pastoral care
network will be established. You may wish to review the
plan for implementing the CAPS Pastoral Care Network.
Note: The Statement
of Ethical Guidelines is the property of the Christian
Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). CAPS devised
the Statement of Ethical Guidelines as a set of ideals
(not a code) for the use of its members and Board. CAPS
does not endorse or recommend any other use of the Statement
by other individuals, groups or organizations in the U.S.
or other countries. ? 1993 Christian Association for Psychological
Studies, Inc.
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