Forensic Psychology

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 and lack of independence from retaining parties may violate ethical guidelines.

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. Consider the risks related to maintaining accuracy and confidentiality in your forensic reporting practices.

Conduct your own online research to identify a case in your state or community that involved a forensic assessment. For the case you identify, consider potential breaches of confidentiality that could violate ethical guidelines as well as the risk of lack of independence from retaining parties associated with the case

Explain the risks of not reporting the results of your forensic assessment findings accurately. Provide specific examples.

Given the nature of the case you identified in your state or community, in which forensic psychology professionals are involved, explain potential breaches of confidentiality that could violate ethical guidelines. Provide specific examples.

Explain the risk of lack of independence from retaining parties often associated with community cases.