NCJ Number
212863
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 93-109
Date Published
February 2006
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article explores the ethical concerns of correctional psychologists working with adult offenders in Canada.
Abstract
Recommendations toward the resolution of ethical dilemmas in correctional psychology are offered throughout the article and revolve around easing the inherent conflict between forensic settings, such as correctional facilities, and typical psychological practice. A brief overview of the scope of correctional psychology in Canada is presented followed by ethical concerns as they relate to three of the four principles of the Canadian Psychological Association's (CPA's) code of ethics. The principles specifically addressed are: 1) respect for the dignity of the person; 2) responsible caring; and 3) integrity in relationships. Concerns associated with the first principle include: the level of client confidentiality that should extended to correctional populations, how to gain true informed consent for psychological treatment from this population, and the importance of corroborating information acquired during psychological assessments. Concerns related to the second principle include: competency of the correctional psychologist and the need for psychologists to be aware of and follow legal processes and policies. Concerns of the third principle focus on the accuracy and honesty of the services delivered to correctional populations, abuses of psychological information, and the problem of correctional psychologists fulfilling job roles outside of the therapeutic relationship such as mixing therapy and assessment roles with the same client. References