Children’s Rights
When
you think of a child’s rights what do you think of? Well it could mean a
number of things. It could mean a child’s right to be taken care of.
His/her right to be free of abuse and neglect. It could mean the right
to an education. It could mean a number of things. But I’m going to
address something a lot of people don’t even consider and that is a
child’s right to make adult choices. I have chosen this because as a
parent I faced a number of problems while living in the state of
Washington that I would have never imagined and am still appalled by the
barriers I faced as a parent while seeking help for my then 16 year old
child.
For
the record, as a parent I believe that a child is the parent’s
responsibility until they reach the age of majority which in most states
is 18 years of age. Most states agree with this concept and therefore
have consequences for children who disobey their parents. This usually
means that when parents request help they get it. NOT in the state of
Washington .
When
I started having problems with my eldest daughter I begged for
assistance. Guess what? No one helped. She over dosed. No hospital would
admit her into a drug rehab program. She ran away, there was no
juvenile court to press charges with or a juvenile facility to place her
in. When I sought counseling, I was told she had to agree! Every avenue
I turned on was a dead end until she became pregnant by a 23 year old
man and then and only then did I find a way to control this child and I
can’t say it was a very ethical one. I basically blackmailed her by
telling her it would be my way and she’d get a husband or her way and he
would get a husband because I would press charges and he would go to
prison. So I guess you can say that I do not feel Washington State has a
very good system for kids especially since I was told a child can run
away after age 13 and the police will not look for them. Now if they do
something wrong or accidentally get caught they will simply bring them
home (which they did do for my daughter). Anyway… As I said I was in
disagreement w/ the system. Which brings me to what I would do if the
role was reversed.
Obviously
the parent is aggregated, frustrated beyond compare. They want the best
for their child and their child is in danger. The system has not given
them help as of yet and I am new to the scene. First I would find out
what the parent has tried. Once I realized all my ideas had been used or
are unacceptable to the client, I would begin to ask myself what the
code of ethics demands of me.
Basically,
IF I am beyond my limits then I am required to refer this client out,
however if the client has suggestions then I do believe that I am
obligated by the code to assist the client in their mission such as
aiding in providing addresses and phone numbers or other things before
referring the client out. Either way I do not believe that abandoning
the child is acceptable especially when the child is clearly at risk and
the family is in need of services.
This Blog covers a variety of subjects. Please notice that this section is called a Self-Help "Library". In other words, the information found here should only be used as an EDUCATIONAL TOOL for those who wish to know more about the topics. IF you find that you relate to any of our material, we suggest that you seek help from a legal, medical or mental health professional.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Abortion
Abortion
Abortion is the termination of a fetal life. The beginning of human life seems to be determined by individual opinion. It’s my opinion human that life begins at conception, and therefore abortion is murder…
Now before people start quoting Row verses Wade let me explain how I came to my conclusions because I didn’t always believe this way.
You see… I was born in Feb. 1973. My mother was fifteen years old and my grandfather wanted to take her to New York when he found out she was pregnant to have me aborted. My mother chose to go against her father’s wishes, marry my father and keep me. She was obviously a courageous woman because she was merely a child herself; but she managed. Because of that decision I am here today and I’m grateful.
But this alone doesn’t make my decision. Science does! You see, 34 years has passed since Row verses Wade and since then many things have came into existence. We now have more than just the pill for contraception. We have patches, pills, shots, and many other things. Science has even discovered a drug that will eliminate the chance of pregnancy after a rape; called the morning after pill. Of course it must be taken within like 72 hours but hey it’s there! And you don’t have to say rape you can say unprotected sex. So frankly with all the medicine available there is no reason for abortion to be treated as a form of ongoing birth control not to mention the people who so desperately want babies and can’t have them. My god so many people want babies and are unable to carry. GOOD parents who can’t be parents and they have to stand by while people who can kill the babies they are caring.
YES it is killing a baby. Watch the movie “A silent scream” If you don’t believe it. In that movie it proves that 3 month old fetus’s are alive that they try to move from the needle that is going to kill them. They scream in pain! You see it all LIVE!
Then there’s the issue of the mother emotional and physical health. Many females who have abortions suffer consequences that out weighs anything that having a baby could ever cause. Matter a fact there could be problems that develop after an abortion that leave the female unable to have children in the future and the woman should know that upfront!
So what does this mean to a client of mine, well it means the same thing that it meant to my street children that came to me. It meant a soft conversation about their circumstance. It meant the pros and cons about every option they had being laid before them and how I would support their decision despite my own beliefs but that should they decide to either keep the baby or adopt it out that I would help them in any way that I could. This also meant that should they decide to abort I would not hold their hand that a referral was in order.
Abortion is the termination of a fetal life. The beginning of human life seems to be determined by individual opinion. It’s my opinion human that life begins at conception, and therefore abortion is murder…
Now before people start quoting Row verses Wade let me explain how I came to my conclusions because I didn’t always believe this way.
You see… I was born in Feb. 1973. My mother was fifteen years old and my grandfather wanted to take her to New York when he found out she was pregnant to have me aborted. My mother chose to go against her father’s wishes, marry my father and keep me. She was obviously a courageous woman because she was merely a child herself; but she managed. Because of that decision I am here today and I’m grateful.
But this alone doesn’t make my decision. Science does! You see, 34 years has passed since Row verses Wade and since then many things have came into existence. We now have more than just the pill for contraception. We have patches, pills, shots, and many other things. Science has even discovered a drug that will eliminate the chance of pregnancy after a rape; called the morning after pill. Of course it must be taken within like 72 hours but hey it’s there! And you don’t have to say rape you can say unprotected sex. So frankly with all the medicine available there is no reason for abortion to be treated as a form of ongoing birth control not to mention the people who so desperately want babies and can’t have them. My god so many people want babies and are unable to carry. GOOD parents who can’t be parents and they have to stand by while people who can kill the babies they are caring.
YES it is killing a baby. Watch the movie “A silent scream” If you don’t believe it. In that movie it proves that 3 month old fetus’s are alive that they try to move from the needle that is going to kill them. They scream in pain! You see it all LIVE!
Then there’s the issue of the mother emotional and physical health. Many females who have abortions suffer consequences that out weighs anything that having a baby could ever cause. Matter a fact there could be problems that develop after an abortion that leave the female unable to have children in the future and the woman should know that upfront!
So what does this mean to a client of mine, well it means the same thing that it meant to my street children that came to me. It meant a soft conversation about their circumstance. It meant the pros and cons about every option they had being laid before them and how I would support their decision despite my own beliefs but that should they decide to either keep the baby or adopt it out that I would help them in any way that I could. This also meant that should they decide to abort I would not hold their hand that a referral was in order.
Divorce
Divorce
Divorce is a delicate situation. I have been married three times, divorced two, and am currently legally separated at this time with a guarantee to divorce again. I am neither for divorce nor against it. I say this because I do not believe that a couple should enter a marriage with the idea that they can easily divorce should something happen between them. I also do not believe that anyone should stay in an unhappy or abusive marriage. But then I value marriage based on mutual love and respect. This concept comes from American values and morals where as other countries have a different concept of marriage. In many countries people marry for family value and out of respect for one’s parent’s judgment. Love is believed to grow with time and respect is not earned but expected. Lack of respect for a husband earns a wife a beating and is considered deserved. (So on and so forth) This behavior would never warrant a divorce in their culture and the consideration of divorce would warrant another more server beating.
For me, this does not create a conflict in and of its self while working with a client because I do understand the difference in cultures. However, because the couple has chose to leave their native country and move to the United States I feel they have given up their right to such a life style and must abide by the laws that Americans have established. Therefore if there are circumstances where abuse is occurring and the abused party fails to see a need for intervention, my American bias must step in.
I call it American Bias, society call it Ethics! Basically this is where I would be forced to contact authorities and have them intervene. Obviously the couple would not be happy because in the couple’s culture is unethical but in American society it is considered the right thing to do.
Divorce is a delicate situation. I have been married three times, divorced two, and am currently legally separated at this time with a guarantee to divorce again. I am neither for divorce nor against it. I say this because I do not believe that a couple should enter a marriage with the idea that they can easily divorce should something happen between them. I also do not believe that anyone should stay in an unhappy or abusive marriage. But then I value marriage based on mutual love and respect. This concept comes from American values and morals where as other countries have a different concept of marriage. In many countries people marry for family value and out of respect for one’s parent’s judgment. Love is believed to grow with time and respect is not earned but expected. Lack of respect for a husband earns a wife a beating and is considered deserved. (So on and so forth) This behavior would never warrant a divorce in their culture and the consideration of divorce would warrant another more server beating.
For me, this does not create a conflict in and of its self while working with a client because I do understand the difference in cultures. However, because the couple has chose to leave their native country and move to the United States I feel they have given up their right to such a life style and must abide by the laws that Americans have established. Therefore if there are circumstances where abuse is occurring and the abused party fails to see a need for intervention, my American bias must step in.
I call it American Bias, society call it Ethics! Basically this is where I would be forced to contact authorities and have them intervene. Obviously the couple would not be happy because in the couple’s culture is unethical but in American society it is considered the right thing to do.
Elderly, Driving, and Ethics
"Review the article on
Age Old Question (Course Session). Take a position on the elderly
driving vehicles. Support your position using the NOSHE standards. Which
standards in support your position? Does your position compromise any
of the standards, if so- which ones?"
I believe that the elderly should be respected and that for the most part they are fully capable of driving well up to the day they die unless they suffer from other illnesses. However, if a person is showing signs that raise red flags then I believe the person noticing the flags is responsible to report the actions to the authorities. This of course is in the best interest of the driver as well as those innocent individuals who are driving and walking near where the driver is driving. This means if a family member notices then they should do what ever they have to to stop the person from driving (legally). If a starnger notices then they should call the police and report the car and driver so that they can check into the situation and hopefully help.
I can support my opinion through NOSHE statement 2 (Treating clients with integrity, and respect) statement 3 (client confidentiality- not speaking to the world but to the proper authorities) statement 4 (Reporting when a person is endangering themselves or others).
I believe that the elderly should be respected and that for the most part they are fully capable of driving well up to the day they die unless they suffer from other illnesses. However, if a person is showing signs that raise red flags then I believe the person noticing the flags is responsible to report the actions to the authorities. This of course is in the best interest of the driver as well as those innocent individuals who are driving and walking near where the driver is driving. This means if a family member notices then they should do what ever they have to to stop the person from driving (legally). If a starnger notices then they should call the police and report the car and driver so that they can check into the situation and hopefully help.
I can support my opinion through NOSHE statement 2 (Treating clients with integrity, and respect) statement 3 (client confidentiality- not speaking to the world but to the proper authorities) statement 4 (Reporting when a person is endangering themselves or others).
Flu Shots
2.2.(B) Flu Shots: Who do you think should get the flu shot and why?
As a thirty-four year old mother of four who has asthma, high blood pressure and has already suffered one heart attack, I have never myself received a flu shot. My children, all of which who suffer allergies, and one of which who suffers asthma, has also never received such a shot either. With that I say, my knowledge of this subject is limited to this one article.
After reading the article, I do not feel I have enough information to make a completely informed decision but since I am required to give an answer I will do so strictly based upon my own values of the human life. (Here it goes)
I believe that when there is a shortage of medically necessary items that the item should be allotted according to age and need. Let me explain.
First I believe medical supplies should always be used on children that are in desperate need. This means children that are suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, leukemia; AIDS, etc. would receive the first dosages of the flu shot. After which pregnant mothers who are suffering from chronic illnesses would receive care. My reason behind this is simple, Children are the future. They didn’t ask to be brought into this world. They are innocent and deserve to be protected no matter the cost; even if that cost is the life of an adult.
Now after the children are protected, I would then say that service professionals should receive the shot. People such as doctors, nurses, military, fireman, police, etc. I say this because, these people serve the public and are surrounded by illness on a daily bases. They deserve to receive protection against harmful elements to the best of our ability.
Once the children and professionals are cared for, then I suggest that parents of children receive the shot… (so on and so forth)
Yes I realize that I have not yet included the elderly and although many may disagree w/ me the elderly would be last on my list if I went on. My reason is because as my grandmother once said, “I’ve lived my life, now it’s time you live yours….” As hard as it is for people to let go, the fact is the elderly won’t live forever and children need their parents. Society needs their professionals. Choices have to be made and I’m just a realist who sees things as I see them.
As a thirty-four year old mother of four who has asthma, high blood pressure and has already suffered one heart attack, I have never myself received a flu shot. My children, all of which who suffer allergies, and one of which who suffers asthma, has also never received such a shot either. With that I say, my knowledge of this subject is limited to this one article.
After reading the article, I do not feel I have enough information to make a completely informed decision but since I am required to give an answer I will do so strictly based upon my own values of the human life. (Here it goes)
I believe that when there is a shortage of medically necessary items that the item should be allotted according to age and need. Let me explain.
First I believe medical supplies should always be used on children that are in desperate need. This means children that are suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, leukemia; AIDS, etc. would receive the first dosages of the flu shot. After which pregnant mothers who are suffering from chronic illnesses would receive care. My reason behind this is simple, Children are the future. They didn’t ask to be brought into this world. They are innocent and deserve to be protected no matter the cost; even if that cost is the life of an adult.
Now after the children are protected, I would then say that service professionals should receive the shot. People such as doctors, nurses, military, fireman, police, etc. I say this because, these people serve the public and are surrounded by illness on a daily bases. They deserve to receive protection against harmful elements to the best of our ability.
Once the children and professionals are cared for, then I suggest that parents of children receive the shot… (so on and so forth)
Yes I realize that I have not yet included the elderly and although many may disagree w/ me the elderly would be last on my list if I went on. My reason is because as my grandmother once said, “I’ve lived my life, now it’s time you live yours….” As hard as it is for people to let go, the fact is the elderly won’t live forever and children need their parents. Society needs their professionals. Choices have to be made and I’m just a realist who sees things as I see them.
Castration program might be expanded
2.1(b) Castration program might be expanded
(I truely had a difficult time finding an article that wasn't war related. So hopefully this one works. If not let me know and I'll try again)
According to the article I found on the Statesman Journel website, the Oregon Department of Corrections financial plan for 07-09 includes a $150,000 plan to start a 3 county program to give Depo-Provera injections to high-risk male sex offenders who are on parole. At this time a total of 105 male sex offenders are mandated to take Depo-Provera as a condition of their release. This creates a wide discrepancy since only 20 offenders are actually taking the drug. From what I read in the article many obstacles have created challenges. The challenges include the cost of treatment but more so include some very ethical related issues.
According to www.nationalhumanservices.org , professionals hold certain responsibilities. For starters, they are responsible for respecting the integrity and welfare of their clients. (NOSHE, Statement 2) plan due to the physical risks that the male offenders face. Obviously, subjecting an individual to possible castration is severe enough but when you add in such things as body alterations (breast development/ weight gain), pain (leg cramps/head aches), illness (fatigue/nausea) or more serious issues like blood clots you unleash a whole new meaning to the term treatment. The term would be “cruelty!”
I suppose this is why the counties are having trouble finding professionals to assist in their programs. I mean ethically if a expert upheld their responsibilities to their profession, then they would be obligated to not only offer services within their area of expertise but also “promote cooperation among related disciplines (e.g., psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, family and consumer sciences, medicine, and education) to foster professional growth and interests within the various fields.” (NOSHE, Statement 29) Thus in this case meaning stick together for the cause, in a sort of medical/psychological boycott of said program. Basically by standing together they could very well place an end to the violations that are occurring.
Resources
Gustafson, Alan. (2007). Castration program might be expanded.
Retrieved on May, 29 2007 From Statesman Journal Website: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/NEWS/705270306
NOSHE. (1996). Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.
Retrieved on May 26, 2007 From The National Human Service Website:
http://www.nationalhumanservices.org
(I truely had a difficult time finding an article that wasn't war related. So hopefully this one works. If not let me know and I'll try again)
According to the article I found on the Statesman Journel website, the Oregon Department of Corrections financial plan for 07-09 includes a $150,000 plan to start a 3 county program to give Depo-Provera injections to high-risk male sex offenders who are on parole. At this time a total of 105 male sex offenders are mandated to take Depo-Provera as a condition of their release. This creates a wide discrepancy since only 20 offenders are actually taking the drug. From what I read in the article many obstacles have created challenges. The challenges include the cost of treatment but more so include some very ethical related issues.
According to www.nationalhumanservices.org , professionals hold certain responsibilities. For starters, they are responsible for respecting the integrity and welfare of their clients. (NOSHE, Statement 2) plan due to the physical risks that the male offenders face. Obviously, subjecting an individual to possible castration is severe enough but when you add in such things as body alterations (breast development/ weight gain), pain (leg cramps/head aches), illness (fatigue/nausea) or more serious issues like blood clots you unleash a whole new meaning to the term treatment. The term would be “cruelty!”
I suppose this is why the counties are having trouble finding professionals to assist in their programs. I mean ethically if a expert upheld their responsibilities to their profession, then they would be obligated to not only offer services within their area of expertise but also “promote cooperation among related disciplines (e.g., psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, family and consumer sciences, medicine, and education) to foster professional growth and interests within the various fields.” (NOSHE, Statement 29) Thus in this case meaning stick together for the cause, in a sort of medical/psychological boycott of said program. Basically by standing together they could very well place an end to the violations that are occurring.
Resources
Gustafson, Alan. (2007). Castration program might be expanded.
Retrieved on May, 29 2007 From Statesman Journal Website: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/NEWS/705270306
NOSHE. (1996). Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals.
Retrieved on May 26, 2007 From The National Human Service Website:
http://www.nationalhumanservices.org
The Value of Integrity (Written for Class)
The Value of Integrity
By: Jesilyn
Abstract
“Integrity” is the most precious of all ethics that an individual can hold. It requires no cash assets, nor does it require a human support system. It’s the only thing no one can take away. However Integrity comes with great responsibilities and its loss depends on those who possess it. The following document will disclose the author’s personal opinion about the value of integrity and what integrity means to her, along with how she feels the APA Code of Ethics relates to her own.
The Value of Integrity
The heart and soul of every individual circles around a set of values. As a pagan, I attempt to live in tuned with the natural world and believe in the power of natural consequences. Although this system sounds simplistic, it can create some very complex issues due to the extreme expectations that surround it. For that reason, I believe “Integrity” is the most precious of all ethics that an individual can hold and value my integrity above everything else in life. It’s my belief that integrity is the base of all other values and that no other worldly possession holds any comparison to integrity because it’s the only thing that no one can ever take away. Integrity requires no cash assets, nor does it require a human support system. It relies only on the individual who possesses it and their ability to maintain its standards. Basically the only way to lose one’s integrity is by dishonoring one’s self. Of course, doing such could lead to a lifetime of emotional hardship and regret therefore it’s not recommended. This is why I believe it is important that I always allow myself to consider the over all effects of my actions and the impact that they will have on those involved.
Accepting personal responsibility for my own actions requires me to represent myself in a trustworthy manner. This means saying what I mean and doing what I say. Another way of saying that is to say that I strive to “keep my word.” You see I’m the type of person who only says they will do a task if I envision that the outcome will be successful. I’m not saying that there haven’t been times when I’ve been forced to break a promise. After all, I’m only human. However, those times have been few and far between because I do everything I can to do to eliminate any internal elements that would cause things to dysfunction. In externally controlled situations where commitments have been broken, I am prompt to offer an explanation, an apology, and a suggestion in hope that I will make up for my inability to follow through with my previous commitment. This brings me to another part of what I believe integrity means and that is communication.
When engaging in any form of communication I believe integrity is a very strong asset. Not only does integrity include the “giving of one’s word” it also includes how one speaks to or about those they come in contact with. It doesn’t matter if the person is a family member, a friend, an associate, or a stranger. What matters is weather the person speaks ill of others, is dishonest or stretches the truth. This of course includes repeating unverified information that has been gathered from sources that you yourself do not whole heartily trust. I like to think of it this way. My goal in life is to be known for helping others. I’m not exactly a wealthy individual therefore my greatest asset is information. How I communicate with others, what I do with my information, and my choice of resources will determine how effective I am in achieving this goal. Therefore, I must seek the most accurate information through respectable sources and hold myself accountable while admitting my faults along the way. Of course this also requires me to relinquish my control should I find myself beyond my own jurisdictions. Please understand, I would rather lead a person to someone that can help them then have them continue to suffer due to my own foolish pride. Of course there is another side to this scenario. This shows it’s self when a person stands up for something they believe in no matter the repercussions they may face.
Most of us have been in such situations where we’ve had to ask ourselves, “Do I follow the crowd or do I stand up for what I believe in?” For me, the answer is easy. I must do what I know in my heart is the right thing to do, even if that means that I find myself in a less favorable predicament. For example, Many times I’ve disputed the term “Nigga”. To me that word is derogatory and is no different than the word “Nigger”. Therefore I take steps towards stopping its use along with any type of behavior that is discriminating. Discrimination is not a sign of integrity, neither is abuse of power. When those who are less fortunate need help it is up to others to assist. Personally, I believe that what comes around goes around so to turn away is to sign your own future. It’s my opinion that everyone should hold a strong sense of responsibility toward the well being of others no matter who they are, or weather they know or not. That brings me to the last part of what integrity means to me; the part that society don’t see.
Integrity can be an invisible entity. Just because society doesn’t always see my actions doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m in the clear to embark on activities that are less ethical. As far as I’m concerned, it’s these times that mean the most in life. It’s these times that I feel a person can do some of the smallest yet most meaningful things; negative and positive. For example, have you ever driven down the road, looked around to see who’s looking, and then tossed trash out the window? Have you ever taken a small item such as a pen, or a lighter from a friend or a store after using it? Have you ever thought negative (discrimination) thoughts and decided it didn’t matter because no one knew except you? These small unpublicized events can be considered violations of integrity. Of course the police aren’t going to come banging on your door to cart you off to jail over offenses they know nothing about but your conscious knows exactly what you’ve done and in my case, it could eat at me for months, days or years. On a more positive note examples include walking through a grave yard and picking up a broken stone or wind blown flowers or placing hours and hours of hard work into a task knowing you’ll never receive credit for your work but that it will provide someone happiness? These types of decisions are all integrity based and believe it or not hold their own rewards.
Conclusion
The above are just some of the more simplistic issues that revolve around my personal life and my value of integrity. However, I live within a world where justice is governed by man made laws, subjected to interpretation, and then judged through ethnocentric eyes. This makes my life more difficult as I try to blend my own integrity with that of my future role as a prison psychologist. In my career I will face many ethical issues and after an evaluation of the APA Code of Ethics, I know that my own code is extremely similar. However, I find myself distressed due to the limitations that I know are placed on the other professionals in the field I plan to enter. From what I can tell, there is absolutely no way that a psychologist can actually follow the code they are dedicated to at least not to the fullest. For instance, the APA code of ethics says:
“Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices.”
With that said, I happen to know first hand (past research) that Washington State prisons do not recognize Paganism and therefore they do not work with pagan clients on issues that are religion based. This to me is religious discrimination and it isn’t the only area that I feel that inmates are caused undue emotional distress. In my opinion, any psychologist that engages in a practice that defeats the purpose of treatment or causes harm is in violation of the APA code. I would be unable follow such orders. Matter a fact; I would also be apt to fight on the behalf of my client in order to change the system even if that meant losing my job.
References
Ethics. (2002). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
Retrieved on Jan 20, 2007 From American Psychological Association Website: http://www.apa.org/ethics/
By: Jesilyn
Abstract
“Integrity” is the most precious of all ethics that an individual can hold. It requires no cash assets, nor does it require a human support system. It’s the only thing no one can take away. However Integrity comes with great responsibilities and its loss depends on those who possess it. The following document will disclose the author’s personal opinion about the value of integrity and what integrity means to her, along with how she feels the APA Code of Ethics relates to her own.
The Value of Integrity
The heart and soul of every individual circles around a set of values. As a pagan, I attempt to live in tuned with the natural world and believe in the power of natural consequences. Although this system sounds simplistic, it can create some very complex issues due to the extreme expectations that surround it. For that reason, I believe “Integrity” is the most precious of all ethics that an individual can hold and value my integrity above everything else in life. It’s my belief that integrity is the base of all other values and that no other worldly possession holds any comparison to integrity because it’s the only thing that no one can ever take away. Integrity requires no cash assets, nor does it require a human support system. It relies only on the individual who possesses it and their ability to maintain its standards. Basically the only way to lose one’s integrity is by dishonoring one’s self. Of course, doing such could lead to a lifetime of emotional hardship and regret therefore it’s not recommended. This is why I believe it is important that I always allow myself to consider the over all effects of my actions and the impact that they will have on those involved.
Accepting personal responsibility for my own actions requires me to represent myself in a trustworthy manner. This means saying what I mean and doing what I say. Another way of saying that is to say that I strive to “keep my word.” You see I’m the type of person who only says they will do a task if I envision that the outcome will be successful. I’m not saying that there haven’t been times when I’ve been forced to break a promise. After all, I’m only human. However, those times have been few and far between because I do everything I can to do to eliminate any internal elements that would cause things to dysfunction. In externally controlled situations where commitments have been broken, I am prompt to offer an explanation, an apology, and a suggestion in hope that I will make up for my inability to follow through with my previous commitment. This brings me to another part of what I believe integrity means and that is communication.
When engaging in any form of communication I believe integrity is a very strong asset. Not only does integrity include the “giving of one’s word” it also includes how one speaks to or about those they come in contact with. It doesn’t matter if the person is a family member, a friend, an associate, or a stranger. What matters is weather the person speaks ill of others, is dishonest or stretches the truth. This of course includes repeating unverified information that has been gathered from sources that you yourself do not whole heartily trust. I like to think of it this way. My goal in life is to be known for helping others. I’m not exactly a wealthy individual therefore my greatest asset is information. How I communicate with others, what I do with my information, and my choice of resources will determine how effective I am in achieving this goal. Therefore, I must seek the most accurate information through respectable sources and hold myself accountable while admitting my faults along the way. Of course this also requires me to relinquish my control should I find myself beyond my own jurisdictions. Please understand, I would rather lead a person to someone that can help them then have them continue to suffer due to my own foolish pride. Of course there is another side to this scenario. This shows it’s self when a person stands up for something they believe in no matter the repercussions they may face.
Most of us have been in such situations where we’ve had to ask ourselves, “Do I follow the crowd or do I stand up for what I believe in?” For me, the answer is easy. I must do what I know in my heart is the right thing to do, even if that means that I find myself in a less favorable predicament. For example, Many times I’ve disputed the term “Nigga”. To me that word is derogatory and is no different than the word “Nigger”. Therefore I take steps towards stopping its use along with any type of behavior that is discriminating. Discrimination is not a sign of integrity, neither is abuse of power. When those who are less fortunate need help it is up to others to assist. Personally, I believe that what comes around goes around so to turn away is to sign your own future. It’s my opinion that everyone should hold a strong sense of responsibility toward the well being of others no matter who they are, or weather they know or not. That brings me to the last part of what integrity means to me; the part that society don’t see.
Integrity can be an invisible entity. Just because society doesn’t always see my actions doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m in the clear to embark on activities that are less ethical. As far as I’m concerned, it’s these times that mean the most in life. It’s these times that I feel a person can do some of the smallest yet most meaningful things; negative and positive. For example, have you ever driven down the road, looked around to see who’s looking, and then tossed trash out the window? Have you ever taken a small item such as a pen, or a lighter from a friend or a store after using it? Have you ever thought negative (discrimination) thoughts and decided it didn’t matter because no one knew except you? These small unpublicized events can be considered violations of integrity. Of course the police aren’t going to come banging on your door to cart you off to jail over offenses they know nothing about but your conscious knows exactly what you’ve done and in my case, it could eat at me for months, days or years. On a more positive note examples include walking through a grave yard and picking up a broken stone or wind blown flowers or placing hours and hours of hard work into a task knowing you’ll never receive credit for your work but that it will provide someone happiness? These types of decisions are all integrity based and believe it or not hold their own rewards.
Conclusion
The above are just some of the more simplistic issues that revolve around my personal life and my value of integrity. However, I live within a world where justice is governed by man made laws, subjected to interpretation, and then judged through ethnocentric eyes. This makes my life more difficult as I try to blend my own integrity with that of my future role as a prison psychologist. In my career I will face many ethical issues and after an evaluation of the APA Code of Ethics, I know that my own code is extremely similar. However, I find myself distressed due to the limitations that I know are placed on the other professionals in the field I plan to enter. From what I can tell, there is absolutely no way that a psychologist can actually follow the code they are dedicated to at least not to the fullest. For instance, the APA code of ethics says:
“Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices.”
With that said, I happen to know first hand (past research) that Washington State prisons do not recognize Paganism and therefore they do not work with pagan clients on issues that are religion based. This to me is religious discrimination and it isn’t the only area that I feel that inmates are caused undue emotional distress. In my opinion, any psychologist that engages in a practice that defeats the purpose of treatment or causes harm is in violation of the APA code. I would be unable follow such orders. Matter a fact; I would also be apt to fight on the behalf of my client in order to change the system even if that meant losing my job.
References
Ethics. (2002). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
Retrieved on Jan 20, 2007 From American Psychological Association Website: http://www.apa.org/ethics/
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