WHAT IS A DUAL RELATIONSHIP?

A dual relationship occurs when a care provider (including carer) engages with a client (or participant) in more than one role, either simultaneously or sequentially.

These relationships can blur professional boundaries and create ethical dilemmas.

Below is a detailed description, along with examples, risks, ethical considerations, and breaches of dual relationships.

Description and Examples

Dual relationships can take various forms, including:

Social Dual Relationships: A DSW discovers mutual acquaintances with a client at a party or becomes friends with a client on social media.

Professional Dual Relationships: A care provider collaborates professionally with a client, such as conducting academic research together.

Business Dual Relationships: A DSW becomes a customer of a client’s business, creating a secondary business relationship.

Communal Dual Relationships: A DSW and participant interact as members of the same small-town community or niche group, such as living in the same apartment building.

Supervisory Dual Relationships: A therapist oversees the professional development of a client who is also a therapist-in-training.

Intimate Dual Relationships: Romantic or sexual involvement with clients, which is strictly prohibited and considered unethical.

Risks

Dual relationships can pose significant risks, including:

• Conflict of Interest: The care provider's judgment may be compromised, leading to biased decisions.

• Power Imbalance: Clients may feel coerced or exploited due to the provider's position of authority.

• Loss of Objectivity: The provider may struggle to maintain professional boundaries, affecting the quality of care

• Emotional Harm: Participants may experience confusion, mistrust, or emotional distress if boundaries are unclear.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical guidelines emphasize maintaining clear boundaries to protect the therapeutic alliance.

Key considerations include:

Avoiding Exploitation: Staff must ensure their actions do not exploit the client’s vulnerability.

Transparency: Staff should disclose potential conflicts of interest and seek supervision or consultation when necessary.

Adhering to Codes of Ethics: The NDIS provides guidelines to navigate dual relationships ethically.

Breaches

Breaches in dual relationships can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• Violation of Trust: Participants may lose trust in the provider, jeopardising the care relationship.

• Legal and Professional Repercussions: Providers may face lawsuits or disciplinary actions for unethical behavior.

• Emotional and Psychological Harm: Participants may suffer long-term emotional damage due to inappropriate relationships.

Scenario Examples

Social Scenario:

• Example: A support worker becomes friends with a participant outside of work, attending social events together.

• Risk: The participant may feel uncomfortable addressing concerns about the professional relationship, fearing it could harm the friendship.

Business Scenario:

• Example: A support worker hires a participant to provide services, such as cleaning or gardening, for their personal property.

• Risk: This could create a conflict of interest, where the worker’s professional judgment is influenced by the business relationship

Community Scenario:

• Example: A support worker and participant are members of the same local sports club or community group.

• Risk: Confidentiality may be compromised if others in the community become aware of the professional relationship.

Family Dual Relationship:

• Example: A support worker provides services to a family member who is an NDIS participant.

• Risk: The worker may struggle to maintain professional boundaries, leading to biased decision-making or emotional strain.

Navigating Dual Relationships:

Ethical Guidelines

To handle dual relationships responsibly:

• Establish Clear Boundaries: Communicate your role and limitations explicitly with the client to prevent misunderstandings.

• Consult or Seek Supervision: Discuss potential dual relationship issues with colleagues or supervisors to assess risks objectively.

• Document Interactions: Keep detailed records of any dual relationships to demonstrate ethical decision-making and protect both parties.

Mitigation Strategies

Here are ways to minimize ethical risks:

• Avoid entering dual relationships unless absolutely necessary (e.g., small community settings where overlapping roles are unavoidable).

• Refer the client to another professional if a significant conflict of interest arises

• Educate clients on professional boundaries to ensure transparency and mutual understanding.