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any other type of sexualised behaviour’, with
their clients.
But while acknowledging that considerable
caution should be exercised before entering
into any form of relationship (personal or
business) with former clients, here too FDAP
has opted against blanket bans – recognising
that they are simply unworkable – pointing out
that workers should ‘exercise considerable
caution and consult their supervisor before
entering into... relationships with former
clients’ and making it clear that they ‘should
expect to be held professionally accountable if
the relationship becomes detrimental to the
client or to the standing of the profession’.
And there is also a strong emphasis on the
need for client consent to any work and on
respect for the individual – ‘a particularly
important consideration in a context of
increasingly voluble calls for compulsory
interventions and the tendency among
politicians and commentators to forget about
the people behind the problem’.
As well as placing ultimate responsibility for
their practice on workers themselves, the code
consistently emphasises the importance of
regular supervision and the need to consult with
a supervisor whenever they are in any doubt
about how to handle a particular situation.
Much of this has come through the
consultation process, according to Shepherd:
‘The advice we got through consultation is
that practitioners shouldn’t keep things to
themselves. They should be willing to be
guided by a supervisor'.
‘We also need to protect and support
practitioners, who are working in often
challenging and difficult situations – and the
guidance and support that supervisors can
give is important here too.’
As Shepherd said at FDAP's annual
conference last month, ‘Ultimately our code of
practice is about protecting both clients and
practitioners – and is a key component in our
work to drive up standards in the field, along
with our work on improving the dissemination
of information to the field and on professional
certification.’
Introducing the CoP alongside Drink and
Drugs News, at FDAP’s conference last
month, Shepherd was swift to emphasise the
connection between driving up standards and
improving the flow of information to members.
‘The magazine will enhance what we’re
doing on improving standards of practice – it’s
all about getting people the information they
need to do their jobs.’ And in the next issue of
Drink and Drugs News we will look at another
strand of their work, their new DANOS-based
Drug and Alcohol Professional Certification.
Visit drinkanddrugs.net for a full version of
FDAP’s revised Code of Practice for Drug and
Alcohol Professionals. DD
www.drinkanddrugs.net
FDAP code of practice
Key points
General
Act responsibly and professionally
at all times.
Respect the client’s rights and
interests – being responsive to
issues of diversity.
Acknowledge the difference
between fact and opinion.
Cover your work by insurance.
Service provision
Base services on assessment of
individual need.
Consult with the client to draw up
a plan of action.
Provide a service only when
appropriate.
Seek alternative services where
your own is not appropriate.
Professional competence
Keep knowledge and skills up to
date.
Present qualifications and
experience accurately.
Don’t practise if your ability is
compromised by any ongoing
problem related to alcohol, drugs,
stress, or illness.
Never work when your fitness to
practise is impaired by a mood-
altering substance.
Consent
Gain informed consent before
providing any service.
Take into account that some
people’s capacity to give consent
may be diminished.
Don’t exaggerate the effectiveness
of services you can provide.
If you impose conditions on
continuation of your service, get
approval of a supervisor.
Recognise the client’s right to
withdraw consent at any time.
Confidentiality
Except under exceptional circumst-
ances, don’t disclose any informa-
tion without your client’s consent.
If you believe a client poses
serious risk of harm to themselves
or others, consider disclosing
information about the client
without their consent, but seek
consent first and consult a
supervisor.
Don’t publish information about
clients without written agreement.
Keep client records secure and
comply with the Data Protection
Act.
Client relations
Recognise that you hold a
responsible position and your
client is vulnerable.
Don’t abuse clients’ trust for any
sexual, emotional or financial
advantage.
Exercise caution and seek a
supervisor’s advice before
entering into a personal or
business relationship with a
former client.
Don’t carry out an assessment
or intervention with, or provide
supervision to, anyone with
whom you have an existing
relationship.
If you come into contact with an
existing or former client through a
self-help group, handle contact
carefully and seek a supervisor’s
advice.
Professional supervision
Have regular professional
supervision to guide and support
your practice.
If you have any doubts on
handling a situation seek
guidance from your supervisor.
Professional standards
Do not condone, support, conceal
or enable unethical conduct of
colleagues.
Explain to your clients their rights
in making a complaint about
yourself or a colleague.
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