NCJ Number
111180
Date Published
1987
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the ethical and legal issues that must be recognized and dealt with in the behavioral treatment of juvenile and adult offenders.
Abstract
There are several reasons why those using behavior interventions must be aware of legal and ethical issues growing out of their work. Behaviorists intervene in others' lives to change behaviors; they may employ certain treatment techniques that provoke public concern and raise questions about potential abuse or misuse. Like other human service professionals, they are serving consumers who have concerns about protection. There are several ethical issues of concern to behaviorists working with offenders. First, therapists should ensure that all guidelines relating to legal issues such as privacy and confidentiality are followed. Second, at the onset of therapeutic and research programs, therapists should discuss explicitly with everyone involved what the therapist's role is. Third, the therapist should consider the goals of intervention and whether the offender's behavior should be modified. Fourth, goals for treatment should be presented to a review committee whose function is to safeguard offender's rights. Fifth, therapists should ensure that they are appropriately qualified and trained to carry out the treatment of offenders. Some legal issues relevant to the treatment of offenders include placement; provision of appropriate; protection of offenders' basic rights; and avoidance of interventions that are corrupting or inhumane such as drug therapies, corporal punishment, isolation, or physical restraint. The author argues that legally safe and ethically humane interventions may greatly aid in creating an environment for successful treatment. 84 references.