Staff-to-Client Boundaries
March 19, 2012
Staff–to–Client Boundaries
To ensure a safe environment and fairness between all residents, clients and employees, we must maintain consistent boundaries. Because of the inherent imbalance of power and control between employees and clients, there will be no socializing between employees and clients. This is necessary to maintain a professional work environment characterized by focus on the client, and respect for individual feelings and the convictions of others. This policy is in effect on and off of Transition Projects premises. Employees violating this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.
If an employee has a previous or existing social relationship with a resident or client, they should immediately inform their supervisor. Steps will be taken to minimize any possible problems arising from this situation.
Employees must respect this policy for a minimum of six months once a client has stopped receiving services from Transition Projects.
Below are some basic boundary guidelines:
- Never lend cigarettes to clients/residents
- Never borrow cigarettes from clients/residents
- Never buy anything from clients/residents
- Never give clients/residents your own pocket change for bus fare
- Never give residents money from the coffee drawer in the shelter
- Never loan clients/residents money
- Never sell anything to clients/residents
- Never take clients/residents out to lunch/coffee/drinks
- Never give clients/residents rides in your car
- Never take clients/residents to your home
- Never accept gifts from clients/residents
- Never become romantically or sexually involved with clients/residents
- Never play favorites
- Never promote your religious or political beliefs
Employees who are unclear on any of these or are having problems maintaining these boundaries, or who observe other employees violating these boundaries, should discuss the matter with their supervisor. Scrupulous observance of boundaries is essential to the ethical operation of the agency.
Entry filed under: H. Staff-to-Client Boundaries. Tags: .