Resources for Ethical School Psychological Practice in Australia

Abstract

The practice of school psychology in Australia and globally is based on knowledge and application of legal, ethical, and professional standards. The school setting should be one defined by an ethical and professional culture that guides practice and interactions among school psychologists and clients, teachers, families, and school administrators. This culture will affect the welfare of the students and can enhance the school climate. The school psychologist should take the lead on making sure that not only are they current in their knowledge of professional ethics and standards but also work to ensure that the school environment and staff are engaging in similar practices. The ethical codes and professional standards of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) provide the foundations for ethical practice among psychologists within Australia. We highlight some of the key portions of the ethical codes of the APS below as they relate to the key domains of school psychological practice. We also offer guidelines from other professional organisations that relate to the practice of school psychologists, that the practitioner may want to consider. We think it important that school psychologists take a proactive, positive approach to ethical practice and continue to pursue professional development to update their knowledge and practice rather than be reactionary and only become aware of them when a troubling situation arises. Further, in additional to regional legislation and ethical guidelines that may impact upon the professional practice of school psychologists, we also think it important that school psychologists be mindful of some of the ethical guidelines globally and consider these in their practice.