Forensic Assessments Findings

Reporting truthfully (impartially and without breaching confidentiality) is very important in the forensic arena. If a forensic psychology professional becomes involved in a case personally, it can hurt the case but more importantly, it can hurt the victims. It can also hurt the professional and his or her personal reputation. As a forensic practitioner you may have access to—and may be involved with—high-profile cases. Learning the importance of confidentiality with all parties, including your own family, is essential. It does not matter who breaches confidentiality; what is most relevant is that the breach “hurts” the case, and often—and more importantly—the victims involved. Imagine that you make a comment to your spouse and your spouse accidentally tells someone and it becomes public. What are the implications for the case, your community, and for you as the forensic professional?

In this Discussion, you will analyze the risks of reporting assessment findings inaccurately and will consider the how breaches of confidentiality may violate ethical guidelines.

To prepare

• Review the Learning Resources.
• Consider that given the forensic arena, as a forensic psychology professional you may be privy to sensitive information in high-profile cases involving your community and in which you may become “emotionally involved.”

response to the following:

• Explain the risks of not reporting the results of your forensic assessment findings accurately. Provide specific examples.
• Given the nature of the “exciting and high profile” cases in which forensic psychology professionals are involved, explain potential breaches of confidentiality that could violate ethical guidelines. Provide specific examples.